NCC Orders Telcos to Disconnect USSD Codes of Nine Banks Over Debt Issues (Full List)

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunications companies to disconnect the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes of nine financial institutions over unpaid debts. This decision is expected to take effect by January 27, 2025, unless the affected banks settle their obligations.

The impacted banks include Fidelity Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank, Jaiz Bank Plc, Polaris Bank Limited, Sterling Bank Limited, United Bank for Africa Plc, Unity Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc. These financial institutions reportedly owe substantial amounts to telecommunications operators, with some debts dating as far back as 2020.

According to a notice issued by Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, the directive comes after the failure of the banks to comply with a joint circular from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the NCC, issued on December 20, 2024. This circular mandated the settlement of outstanding invoices due to mobile network operators.

The notice also highlighted the potential consequences for consumers, who may face disruptions in accessing essential USSD services used for mobile banking. Codes such as 770, 919, and 822 are vital for providing banking services to customers without internet access. The NCC warned that unresolved debts could result in these codes being reassigned to other applicants.

The commission emphasized that the affected banks’ non-compliance with the directive means they are not in good standing for the renewal of their USSD code licenses.