Banks and telecommunications operators in Nigeria have ended a four-year dispute over nearly N300bn owed for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data services, with the debt now fully cleared, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria said.

ALTON’s Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, announced the resolution on Thursday during an official visit to the Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Idris Olorunnimbe. He credited the intervention of the NCC, led by its Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, with bringing the long-standing dispute to a close.

“When Dr Maida assumed office, he inherited significant industry challenges,” Adebayo said. “One of the most difficult was the USSD debt crisis, a debt burden that grew over four years to nearly N300bn. It had become a systemic risk to our sector and the digital financial ecosystem.

Through firm leadership, structured engagement, and decisive coordination, Dr Maida and his team resolved this issue.

Today, there is no outstanding USSD debt. The ecosystem has fully migrated to end-user billing. What was once a looming crisis has been converted into a sustainable framework.”

The clearing of the debt ends years of accusations and counter-accusations between banks and telecom operators, which had threatened the stability of digital financial services in the country.

Adebayo praised the NCC’s leadership for steering the telecom sector through one of its most delicate periods, noting other interventions, including last year’s approval of a 50 per cent USSD tariff. He described the resolution of the debt crisis as a milestone for the telecom and digital finance ecosystem, ensuring sustainability and predictability for operators and service providers.

Nigeria’s telco and bank billing for USSD services transitioned to the end-user billing model in mid-2025, moving charges from bank accounts to customers’ mobile airtime, which is deducted directly by telecom operators. This shift resolved the long-standing dispute in which banks owed operators up to N300bn in unpaid USSD fees.

The transition arose from years of tension between telecom operators, including MTN and Airtel, and banks over USSD revenue sharing, with debts peaking at N250–300bn by 2024. The NCC, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, developed the EUB framework to standardise billing, enhance transparency, and support financial inclusion for unbanked users who rely heavily on USSD codes.

Under the EUB system, charges are now deducted directly from mobile airtime at N6.98 per session lasting up to 120 seconds, with user consent prompts issued before each deduction. Banks no longer bill for USSD services; telcos handle them exclusively, with regulatory safeguards preventing double-billing. Users can opt in or out of the service, and banks are required to notify customers in advance of any USSD session charges.

Migration to the EUB model began between June 3 and 18, 2025, following partial debt repayments amounting to N171bn. By February 19, 2026, banks had fully cleared the remaining debt, solidifying the EUB rollout.

The model improves user control through immediate airtime deductions and session notifications, similar to voice and SMS billing. While some critics have expressed concern over potential burdens on low-income users, the transition strengthens telecom revenue sustainability and contributes to the stability of Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in partnership with MTN Nigeria, has launched free WiFi services at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Terminal 2, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The official launch of the internet service took place at MMIA Terminal 2, Lagos, and was launched by the Managing Director/Chief Executive, FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, who was represented by the Director of Airport Operations, Captain Abdullahi Mahmood. Also present was Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Nigeria, who represented the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Karl Toriola.

The WiFi service, which is completely free for passengers and airport users, will be extended to the MMIA temporary terminal and other international airports across the country within the next three months.

In his address, Captain Mahmood described the launch as a milestone for FAAN and a benchmark for digital infrastructure and passenger experience at Nigerian airports.

He noted that the partnership with MTN Nigeria demonstrates how effective Public-Private Partnership (PPP) alignment can modernize infrastructure and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.

The Director of Airport Operations added that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the transformation drive of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

CAIRO – The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has
stated that Africa must grow, industrialise, create jobs, expand opportunities, and lift
millions out of poverty, while also decarbonising and building climate resilience.
Mr. Cardoso recently stated in his keynote speech at the Egypt 30by30 Programme
organised by the Central Bank of Egypt and the International Finance Corporation
(IFC), that the collaborative ambition behind the 30by30 initiative embodies a shared
continental vision that Africa’s future must be resilient, climate-aware, and
economically sustainable.
Through closer collaboration with the Central Bank of Egypt and partners across the
World Bank Group, he said the CBN remains dedicated to building a resilient, risk-
aware financial framework, advancing green finance, strengthening cross-border
cooperation, and positioning Africa not just to withstand shocks, but to thrive in a
changing global economy.
Governor Cardoso also emphasised that resilience begins with credibility, adding
that “In Nigeria, disciplined and transparent reforms are strengthening
macroeconomic fundamentals and boosting confidence in the financial system,
laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.
“To build resilient financial systems, we must anchor our economies on trustworthy
institutions, credible policies, transparent markets, and risk-aware innovation,” he
added.
Furthermore, Governor Cardoso noted that “Climate risk is financial risk. It affects
sovereign ratings, cost of capital, inflation dynamics, food security, insurance
markets, and fiscal sustainability.”
He argued that Africa contributes the least to climate change yet bears some of its
highest costs. He, however, noted that Africa also offers some of the world’s greatest
opportunities in renewable energy capacity, biodiversity, a young population, and
rapidly evolving financial markets.
“To seize these opportunities, we must innovate for resilience, not as isolated
nations, but as a continent. By working together deliberately, transparently, and with
unwavering commitment, we can build the resilient, sustainable, and inclusive
financial systems that Africa needs not only to withstand future shocks but also to
thrive in the decades ahead,” Governor Cardoso noted.
The engagement underscored a defining imperative for the continent: Africa’s
financial future depends on a dual commitment to stability and sustainability.

Ecobank Nigeria has announced the successful repayment of the outstanding principal and accrued interest on its original US$300 million Eurobond due 16 February 2026, marking a significant milestone in its liability management strategy and overall balance sheet strengthening efforts.

Following the full repayment of the Eurobond obligations, the Bank stated that it will now focus its funding initiatives primarily on the domestic capital markets. This strategic shift reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s local debt market and aligns with Ecobank Nigeria’s long-term objective of optimising funding costs while deepening its participation in the domestic financial ecosystem.

“Going forward, Ecobank Nigeria will prioritise domestic credit ratings and local debt issuance to achieve its funding objectives,” stated Ogorchukwu Okwechime, Financial Controller, Ecobank Nigeria, in Lagos. He added that the successful repayment reinforces the Bank’s commitment to maintaining a resilient balance sheet and sustaining investor confidence.

The tender offer was conducted with Renaissance Capital Africa (Renaissance Securities Nigeria Limited) acting as financial adviser and dealer manager, while Sodali & Co Limited served as tender agent. The notes were originally issued by EBN Finance Company B.V., with limited recourse to the issuer, for the sole purpose of financing the purchase of the US$300 million 7.125 per cent Senior Note due 2026 issued by Ecobank Nigeria.

The transaction underscores Ecobank Nigeria’s proactive approach to liability management, prudent capital planning, and strategic alignment with evolving market conditions. It further positions the Bank to leverage domestic funding opportunities while maintaining financial flexibility and operational stability.

Fresh concerns have emerged in Nigeria’s aviation sector as industry experts warn that rising airport and ticket charges could further strain already struggling operators.

A former Commandant of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Grp. Capt. John Ojikutu (retd), cautioned that the introduction of new levies by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria could shorten the lifespan of many aviation companies.

It will be recalled that both operators and stakeholders have been lamenting multiple taxation in the industry, expressing fears that if such continues, the industry may be brought to its knees.

Speaking in Lagos, Ojikutu argued that before imposing additional charges, FAAN must critically evaluate its existing revenue streams from passenger traffic, flight operations and cargo movements across its 22 airports.

“Unless all these are factored rationally into FAAN earnings before new charges are introduced, unnecessary and irrational charges will be shortening the lifespans of many aviation operators,” he said.

He estimated that based on 2024 traffic figures alone, revenue from Passenger Service Charges, aircraft landing and parking fees should not be less than N400bn annually, excluding earnings from cargo terminals, car parks, toll gates, land rentals and airport concessions.

Ojikutu also faulted FAAN’s spending priorities, saying, “Most of the earnings are not used on the critical services in airports, especially the perimeter and security fences.” The FAAN management since 2004 has not been able to separate the security fence from the perimeter fences, as the International Civil Aviation Organization indicated in its 2004 audit report.

“There are no regular checks or reviews on background checks on airport staff, particularly those working in security control areas.”

He described as excessive the recent capital expenditure figures, including N712bn for the reconstruction of MMIA Terminal One and N535bn for the Abuja second runway.

“These capital expenditures are not just a complete waste but fraudulent spending,” he said, questioning the sharp rise from earlier runway estimates.

Ojikutu advocated structural reforms, including concessioning non-aeronautical services, transferring runways and landing aids to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and restructuring FAAN into a holding company model to avoid regulatory overlaps with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.

Similarly, the President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, Dr Alex Nwuba, criticised what he described as non-transparent passenger and cargo charges.

He pointed to the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge, Value Added Tax on domestic tickets and multiple security and passenger service charges embedded in airfares.

“Although consultations were eventually held on the new cargo charges and the fee was reduced to N15 per kg, the charge still remains arbitrary because no cost study or operational breakdown has been presented to show what specific service the N15 actually pays for,” Nwuba said.

“The argument that the fee has not been increased from the old N7 per kg collected decades ago does not satisfy ICAO’s requirement for cost-relatedness. Historical pricing is not a valid basis for aviation charges. Even with stakeholder engagement, a fee without a transparent cost foundation is treated by ICAO as a tax, not a legitimate service charge,” he added.

Nwuba noted that under ICAO principles, aviation charges must be directly linked to the cost of providing defined services, with transparency and stakeholder consultation.

He referenced a recent resolution by the Economic Community of West African States aimed at reducing non-cost-based aviation charges across the sub-region from January 2026 but expressed doubts about its implementation.

According to him, publishing detailed cost studies and clear service allocations would help restore confidence and ensure that aviation fees reflect service delivery rather than revenue generation.

Skyway Aviation Handling Company has secured the ISO/IEC Information Security Management System certification.

According to the company, the achievement puts the company as the first aviation ground handling company in Nigeria and one of the few in Africa to attain the globally recognised standard.

ISO/IEC 27001:2022, as it is called, is regarded as the international benchmark for information security management. It provides a comprehensive framework for protecting sensitive data, managing cybersecurity risks and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information.

In the technology-driven aviation industry, the certification is seen as critical to safeguarding operational systems and customer data. It followed a rigorous audit and compliance assessment conducted by a globally accredited certification body, during which the company met all requirements.

The milestone, SAHCO said, reflects its commitment to cyber resilience, operational excellence and world-class service delivery.

Speaking on the achievement, Executive Director Dr Babatunde Afolabi said information security must be embedded across the organisation.

He said, “Information security is not just an IT function; it is an organisational responsibility.” Every employee plays a role in protecting our systems and customer data.

“Through structured training, strict policies and continuous monitoring, we have built a proactive security culture that supports safe, secure and reliable aviation operations.”

He noted that in aviation ground handling, robust information security is fundamental to business continuity and safety.

“By attaining ISO/IEC 27001:2022, SAHCO has demonstrated industry-leading capability in identifying security risks, implementing preventive controls and maintaining business continuity in the face of evolving cyber threats,” he added.

The certification covers SAHCO’s core operational areas, including cargo handling, customer information management, operational systems and key corporate support services.

Implementation involved extensive risk assessments, deployment of security controls, staff awareness programmes, incident response planning and continuous monitoring aligned with international best practices.

The company said the latest feat adds to its existing certifications, including ISAGO and other regulatory and quality standards, further positioning it as a trailblazer in Africa’s aviation ground handling sector.

“With this milestone, SAHCO becomes part of an elite group of global aviation ground handling service providers operating under internationally certified information security management standards.

“We are setting a new benchmark for excellence in Nigeria and across the African continent,” Afolabi stated.

The President and Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to urgently convene a national retreat to resolve Nigeria’s persistent electricity crisis, warning that widespread power outages could undermine the country’s industrialisation drive and economic growth.

Dangote made the appeal at the official national launch of the National Industrial Policy 2025 in Abuja, themed “From Policy to Productivity: Implementing Nigeria’s Industrial Future.”

The policy emerged against the backdrop of a weak manufacturing sector, which, due to poor electricity supply, high production costs, limited access to finance, infrastructure deficits, and heavy reliance on imports, has been constrained.

The event was attended by top government officials, captains of industry, and development partners, with President Bola Tinubu represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima

In his goodwill message, Dangote stressed that without stable electricity, Nigeria would struggle to create jobs, drive industrial productivity, or achieve sustainable economic growth.

“One of the things that I want to advise Your Excellency, Mr Vice President, is to call a national forum where we will have a one- or two-day retreat and resolve the issues of power. Because without power, Mr Vice President, there is no way in any country you can create growth or create jobs. So, power means growth. No power, no growth. So we must make sure that we tackle this issue,” he said.

His comments were greeted with applause from participants, including the Vice President. Dangote noted that while government policies to support industrialisation were commendable, the electricity challenge remained the single most critical constraint to manufacturing and job creation.

“We know what you call industrial policy; it is actually very, very important because the government cannot create jobs. They can only facilitate. And I think they have already given us whatever we need to create jobs. The policies that they have put in place are very good. Nigeria is a very big market. Not only that, this is a market where we are supposed to be serving other African nations,” he added.

However, he stressed that policy incentives alone were insufficient without strong infrastructure and protection of domestic industries.

“But one thing that we need is not only the policy. The policy is there. If you look at the incentives that we have for people to invest in Nigeria, actually, they are even more than what we need. The only thing that is remaining is the protection of industries.”

According to him, excessive importation remained a major threat to local manufacturing. “Even if you give us zero-interest loans, free land and power, if there is no protection, there is no way any industry will thrive here. Importation of anything is importation of poverty and exportation of jobs,” Dangote stated.

The billionaire industrialist lamented that many manufacturers now spend more on power generation than on production due to erratic electricity supply.

“So, people who are buying diesel, I would have loved to sell more diesel, but that is not the right way. The right way is to make sure there is power. Some factories spend more money generating electricity than producing goods. You have to set up your own power plant and also a standby. That does not make sense. There is nowhere you can get prosperity that way,” he added.

Dangote’s remarks came amid a recent five-day power supply disruption linked to gas maintenance activities, which triggered widespread blackouts across several parts of the country and heightened concerns among manufacturers and businesses.

Seven power plants across Nigeria experienced gas supply constraints between February 12 and 15, 2026, as Seplat Energy shut down a major facility for scheduled maintenance, lading to nationwide generation shortfalls.

His comments reflected ongoing concerns in the organised private sector following the recent gas supply maintenance shutdown that affected power generation and led to load shedding across the country.

Stakeholders have repeatedly warned that frequent outages are forcing companies to rely on diesel and alternative energy sources, significantly raising production costs and contributing to inflation.

Dangote also highlighted the dominance of the private sector in Nigeria’s economy, urging stronger collaboration between government and businesses. “Nigeria is the only country in Africa where the private sector is bigger than the government. When you look at GDP, the private sector contributes almost 90 per cent, compared to the government’s 10 per cent,” he said. “We have what it takes to create massive consumption, massive industry, and disposable income.”

He added that entrepreneurs must also support national development by paying taxes and complying with regulations. “When we do our business, we must pay our taxes. It is a joint venture. The government is the major shareholder in every business. Today, the government makes more money in our cement business than anybody. But that is okay, so far they allow us to expand and prosper.”

Dangote further said recent economic reforms had improved investor confidence and currency stability. “With the policies that this government has implemented, people are beginning to see the results. Manufacturers are happy. The stability of the currency is encouraging investors to come into Nigeria,” he said.

He projected that the naira could strengthen further if import dependence is reduced. “We should manufacture what we consume. That is the only way to create jobs. If we block unnecessary imports and support local production, the naira will get stronger,” he said.