Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has defended the N6.98 Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), fee charged on banking transactions, insisting that the cost reflects the service provided by network operators, regardless of whether the transaction is completed.

Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, ALTON, made the clarification during a radio programme, where he addressed growing consumer complaints over what many Nigerians have described as “unfair billing” and the alleged “scam” of data expiration.

Adebayo likened the role of telecommunications companies in USSD transactions to that of a transport service provider facilitating access to banks’ digital platforms.

He said: “The phone company is like a taxi taking you to the bank’s digital office. Even if the bank’s system is down when you get there, you still have to pay the taxi man.

“Every USSD request initiated by a subscriber utilises network resources, irrespective of the outcome of the transaction on the bank’s end.

“When customers make repeated attempts due to failed transactions, telecom operators still provide connectivity for each attempt, thereby incurring operational costs,” he explained.

On the lingering dispute between telecom operators and banks over failed USSD transactions, Adebayo disclosed, “that regulators, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), are currently reviewing data to determine responsibility for transaction failures.

“Each time you dial a USSD code, the telco provides the access. If the bank does not complete the transaction, it does not negate the fact that the network has already been used,” he added.

The ALTON Chairman also addressed widespread dissatisfaction over data expiration, clarifying that data bundles are sold within defined validity periods and are not designed for indefinite use.

“You can’t carry it in perpetuity, but you have the benefit of extending it without losing unused portions by just resubscribing,” he said.

He explained that subscribers can retain unused data through rollover options, provided they renew their subscriptions before the expiration of the current bundle.

Adebayo further shed light on the concept of toll-free lines, noting that such services are not entirely free but are funded by the receiving organisation.

“There is nothing like free service. These are reverse charge lines where the business or government pays for the calls,” he explained, adding that economic realities have made many organisations reluctant to sustain such costs.

He noted that this has contributed to the limited availability of toll-free services in Nigeria.

While acknowledging consumer frustrations, Adebayo stressed the need for greater public understanding of how telecom services operate, particularly the cost implications of maintaining network infrastructure.

Fidelity Bank Plc is basking in endless and stakeholders are happy.

Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, managing director and chief executive officer, Fidelity Bank Plc

With nearly 10 million customers, Fidelity Bank is demonstrating excellent market traction.

This a crucial evidence for investors that the bank is solution driven.

For instance, at the capital market, the bank was the toast of investors as  its market value surged amid bargain hunting on the Nigerian Exchange, with investors gaining more than 11 percent after few days of tradings last week only.

Fidelity Bank’s share price increased to N22.30 at the close of the market last Friday, as 11.227 million units valued at N251.523 million.

Investors are simply reacting positively to strong earnings, technology-driven growth, and strategic expansions.

Fidelity Bank, emerged a more robust financial institution after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and  the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ordered massive banking recapitalization exercise.

Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, managing director and chief executive officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, is being credited for driving these exceptional shareholder value, operational performance, and sustainable growth.

Despite the immense responsibility and intense pressure, especially during turbulent times,  Onyeali-Ikpe, has been strutting her stuff by strategic vision and exemplary leadership.

Onyeali-Ikpe has built Fidelity Bank as beacon in the banking industry underpinning the bank with trust, innovative technology, strategic growth, and strong leadership as well as  reputation.

She has broken every glass ceilings delivering milestones and solid imprints in the annals of banking.

The bank only recently completed CBN-verified share allotment, hitting N532 billion capital.

This heavy chest now guarantees the bank long-term stability, and enabling it operate with speed.

Since appointment on January 1, 2021, Onyeali-Ikpe, has-anchored the bank on bespoke digital, financial, and technology-driven tools designed to enhance customer experience.

By integrating AI, automation, and advanced data analytics, Fidelity Bank is today delivering solution banking.

Under Onyeali-Ikpe’s leadership, the bank has significantly improved brand equity.

Fidelity Bank also announced the completion of the acquisition of a 100 per cent stake in Union Bank UK, under the CEO.

A recent Brand Finance report ranked Fidelity Bank as the fastest-growing Nigerian brand, with its brand value more than tripling.

Onyeali-Ikpe was also named among the 2024 Most Influential Global Top 100 Export and International Trade Leaders, recognizing her contribution to expanding Nigeria’s trade and export financing capabilities.

Under her, Fidelity Bank has received multiple awards, including Export Finance Bank of the Year (2023 BAFI Awards), Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023, and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 (Global Banking and Finance Awards).

The bank was also recognized by Euromoney for Best Bank for SMEs (2023) and Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria (2023).

Onyeali-Ikpe will be leaving as head of the bank this year but her record of placing the institution  upward trajectory will be indelible.

She may be leaving “big shoes to fill” because of her high-energy, infectious positivity which made her successful in everything she does.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has renewed a strategic partnership with major brewing companies in Nigeria to intensify efforts against drunk-driving and improve road safety nationwide.

The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed with members of the Beer Sectoral Group (BSG), extends the collaboration for another five years, with both sides pledging to deepen public awareness, enforcement and community engagement.

FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said the partnership underscores the importance of synergy between government and the private sector in addressing road crashes, particularly those linked to alcohol consumption.

He stressed that saving lives on Nigerian roads requires sustained collaboration, adding that the corps would continue to work with industry players to promote responsible behaviour among motorists.

Speaking on behalf of the BSG, Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc and Chairman BSG, Thibaut Boidin, said the renewal reflects the industry’s commitment to sustained collaboration with regulators. He cited previous joint campaigns, including the Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign, as impactful, adding that the next phase would focus on expanding reach and strengthening implementation.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria, Girish Sharma, said the industry remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote safer roads. He noted that while alcoholic beverages are often blamed for road crashes, the real issue lies in irresponsible consumption, particularly drinking and driving.

“We are here to work with you and ensure that this programme grows bigger and delivers real impact. Saving lives is what matters most,” he said.

Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of International Breweries Plc, Nicholas Kade, commended the FRSC for its dedication, describing the corps’ efforts as critical to making communities safer. He said the brewing industry would continue to support initiatives that promote responsible drinking and road safety.

The Executive Director of the Beer Sectoral Group, Abiola Laseinde, described the renewal as a milestone in public-private collaboration.

She said the partnership had driven nationwide campaigns against drunk-driving, influenced behaviour and reached millions of Nigerians with road safety messages.

Laseinde added that both parties would scale up interventions in the next five years to further reduce crashes and promote responsible alcohol consumption.

The FRSC and BSG’s partnership has been central to national campaigns discouraging drunk-driving, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the renewed agreement will deliver stronger outcomes.