The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has granted approval to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to disconnect USSD codes of nine financial institutions that have failed to settle outstanding invoices.
This decision, announced in a statement issued by NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Felix Muoka, affects nine financial institutions, including Fidelity Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank, and Zenith Bank Plc, which have not complied with the directives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the NCC on the payment of the outstanding liabilities.
The affected financial institutions have been given until January 27, 2025, to settle their outstanding invoices. Failure to comply will result in the disconnection of their USSD codes, which may be reassigned to other applicants.
The NCC, in the announcement, also informed consumers that they may be unable to access the USSD platforms of the affected financial institutions from January 27, 2025.
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 said.