The Federal Government has directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to put the planned suspension of the USSD services on hold over the lingering debt owed them by commercial banks for the services.
Suspension of USSD services was to take effect on Monday, 15th of March.
The directive issued on Saturday was contained in a statement signed by the Technical Assistant (Information Technology) to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Femi Adeluyi.
According to the statement, following the directives of the Honourable Minister Dr Isa Pantami on the 20th of October 2019, consumers of telecommunication services and the general public were notified of the immediate suspension of End User Billing for financial transactions through USSD channels.
“Furthermore, as part of measures aimed at addressing the lingering issue of the impasse in the rendering of USSD services to Banks and other financial institutions by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), an amended Determination on USSD Pricing was issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on the 24th of July 2020. However, the issue persisted, hence the decision to suspend the service,” the statement added.
Pantami, according to Adeluyi, sent a letter with respect to the issues to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria on the 3rd of March 2021, regarding the need to direct the banks to do the needful.
The minister has called for a meeting of all stakeholders, including the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, the MNOs and the financial institutions.
The meeting, according to the statement, is scheduled to hold on Monday, 15th of March, 2021.
“The outcome of the meeting will determine the next steps regarding the status of the USSD financial services,” Adeluyi said.
You may be interested
Musiala: My Father Made Fufu For Me Back In England
Webby - May 3, 2024Bayern Munich star, Jamal Musiala has recounted a memorable moment where his father prepared Nigerian delicacy, fufu for him to…
UECL: Club Brugge Boss Defends Onyedika After Red Card Against Fiorentina
Webby - May 3, 2024Club Brugge manager, Nicky Hayen has defended Raphael Onyedika after the Nigerian was sent off in the club’s UEFA Europa…
Top Four: Spurs Condemned To Win Remaining EPL Matches –Sarr
Webby - May 2, 2024Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr has insisted that the team is condemned to pick the maximum points against Chelsea if…