By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
Hon. Amb. Abatcha Nawaisu of Ngala, a youth leader and business entrepreneur in Borno State, has raised fresh concerns over what he described as persistent unfair charges imposed on bank customers across Nigeria, particularly in relation to USSD transactions.
Hon. Abatcha Nawaisu said many commercial banks continue to deduct service charges from customers’ accounts even when transactions fail, leaving users to bear costs without receiving the intended service.
He explained that in several instances, customers who attempt transactions using USSD codes are still charged fees, often around ₦6 and additional kobo, despite unsuccessful attempts largely caused by network challenges.
According to him, these deductions are frequently repeated when customers make multiple attempts to complete a single transaction.
He stressed that the practice places an undue financial burden on citizens and raises serious concerns about consumer protection and accountability within the banking sector.
He added that the situation highlights gaps in fairness and transparency in financial service delivery and called for urgent regulatory intervention.Hon. Abatcha Nawaisu therefore urged relevant authorities to investigate the USSD charging practices of banks, ensure that charges are applied only to successful transactions, and compel the refund of all deductions linked to failed services.
He also called for stronger consumer protection policies to safeguard the rights of bank customers and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
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