NCC approves disconnection of USSD services to Zenith, Fidelity, 7 other Banks

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has granted approval to the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to disconnect Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes assigned by the Commission to nine financial institutions that have failed to settle outstanding indebtness to the MNOs.

The NCC, in a statement signed by its  Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, said that affected financial institutions which includes Fidelity Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank,Jaiz Bank, Polaris Bank,Sterling Bank,United Bank for Africa Plc,Unity Bank, Wema Bank Plc, and Zenith Bank have been given until January 27, 2025, to settle their outstanding invoices, adding that failure to comply will result in the Commission recovery of such USSD codes, which may be reassigned to other applicants in accordance with applicable instruments.

The NCC also informed the public that access to USSD platforms of the affected financial institutions may be disrupted from January 27, 2025 and they may be unable to access the USSD platforms.

The affected financial institutions and their USSD codes are:

Fidelity Bank Plc-770

First City Monument Bank-329

Jaiz Bank -773

Polaris Bank-833

Sterling Bank-822

United Bank for Africa Plc-919

Unity Bank-7799

Wema Bank Plc-945

Zenith Bank-966

According to the public notice, the decision is part of the NCC’s efforts to ensure that financial institutions meet their obligations to MNOs and comply with regulatory requirements.

“The Commission is committed to protecting consumers and promoting fair competition in the telecommunications industry, ” the statement read.