Isn't it funny how AIRTEL Nigeria is taking power away from the poor users?
Sometimes last year, I noticed that I can no longer buy airtime, data through my bank, not to talk of transferring funds and other minor services like checking account balance, changing pin and the rest. So I proceeded to my bank to find out what could be wrong. Lo and behold, the customer representative guy took his time to check my account and found nothing. Right before him, I attempted to initiate a transaction, still, it was not successful.
So I concluded in my mind that GTBank is a messed up bank, since I have account in other banks too, I decided to make use of Access bank, but the same thing happened. Again, I went to Access bank to check if something is wrong with my BVN (Bank Verification Number).
Or how can two banks put their heads in one basket?š
The lady in Access bank was so cool, she absorbed my hot temperament because I was boiling from inside amidst confusion. She went as far as showing me my BVN details, I checked and it matched with my bank details.
So What Could Be Wrong?
She advised me to call customer service of my mobile network operator, I was kinda tired to talking to them, so I spoke to them later in the evening.
Our conversation revealed that AIRTEL Nigeria has forgotten the reason why they are in Nigeria.
I was informed that dialing USSD code for any bank transaction now come at a cost of 5 naira per 20 seconds!!! By implication, if you spend 80 seconds trying to send money, you will be charged 20 naira. This is wickedness.
What Will Happen If You Are In State Of Emergency And You Have No Airtime To Sacrifice To AIRTEL?
Simple. You will be helpless. You will be locked out of your account. So you need to always ensure that you have the sacrificial airtime on your line always. In my view, this is crazy.
There Are Solutions
Stop using USSD code on AIRTEL, go to the banking hall to transfer funds, and always buy airtime from vendors across the roads when you need airtime. This looks like reversing the hands to time right? Yes, I know.
You can update your BVN and change your number to MTN, ETISALAT or GLO if you have any of them as alternative line(s). Then you can say bye to AIRTEL except you want to make calls, if it is not your primary line, DUMP IT!
Lastly, you should download mobile app as it relate to your bank, it is free to use. You don't have to pay the shitty charges to have access to your account.
The Questions Are;
How about the unschooled who cannot use mobile app? They are the most affected, the best they could do is to update their BVN.
What about users that barely buy internet data? They have no option than to buy it, but then, if they barely use internet, updating BVN becomes imperative. Or they should accept their fates as AIRTEL would want them to accept it.
What about places without Internet connection? Erm... They will have to employ first and second solution that was administered.
Finally, share this information with everyone that you know. AIRTEL is so negligent enough not to have sent messages to customers informing them about the new crazy bill. Please share this with people and explain the new trend to them. Thank you for visiting my blog.
Ā© Engr. Ojeniyi A. A.