Service Providers issued ultimatum to deactivate USSD Service over N250b Bank debts

Except there is any other intervention, telecommunication companies (Telcos) have issued an ultimatum to suspend Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) services due to unpaid bank debts amounting to N250 billion.

There are indications emerging on Monday that the telecoms operators have concluded plans to suspend the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD).

This is as a result of the non-compliance of the deposit money banks (DMBs) to the payment of the protracted N250 billion debt.

The suspension of the USSD service is expected in two weeks due to the failure of the banks to comply with the December 23, 2024 joint directive.

The Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had direct them to make part payment of the debt by December 31, 2024.

The Guardian gathered Monday that only four of the owing banks have made substantial payments, while 18 banks have not responded adequately.

Sources within the telecoms space said the two weeks is to prepare subscribers for the eventuality of the suspension of the service.

The sources, who were emphatic, said the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has already approved the suspension, stressing that if nothing happens after the suspension on the part of the DMBs, the USSD service will be revoked