NCC to disconnect USSD services of Sterling Bank, Wema Bank, others over debt

By Blessing Emmanuel

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has authorized telecommunications operators to disconnect USSD services for nine prominent financial institutions due to unpaid debts.

The disconnection is set to take effect from Monday, January 27, 2025, unless the banks clear their outstanding invoices.

In a statement made by NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka stated that the move aligns with efforts to enforce regulatory compliance and protect telecommunications service providers.

This decision follows a failure by the affected banks to comply with a directive from the NCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) mandating the settlement of debts owed to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) for USSD services.

The directive, issued in December 2024, required financial institutions to meet regulatory “Good Standing” requirements to retain access to USSD services.

The affected banks and their USSD codes include: Fidelity Bank Plc (770), First City Monument Bank (329), Jaiz Bank Plc (773), Polaris Bank Limited (833), Sterling Bank Limited (822), United Bank for Africa Plc (919), Unity Bank Plc (7799), Wema Bank Plc (945), Zenith Bank Plc (966).

The NCC has issued notice to customers of these banks to expect disruptions in USSD services, used for mobile transactions, airtime purchases, and other banking operations, if debts remain unpaid by the deadline.

The Commission further noted that the impacted USSD codes might be reassigned to other applicants if the banks fail to resolve their obligations.

Bank customers are encouraged to explore alternative channels for transactions to avoid disruptions.

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