The Federal Government has on Saturday has given a directive to Mobile Network Operators to stop the intended suspension of USSD services by banks.
Recall that MNOs had threatened to cut Nigerian commercial banks off the USSD banking service on Monday, 15th of March, 2021, as a result of the banks’ indebtedness to the telecommunication company.
However, the FG through the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami intervened and directed a halt of the suspension.
Pantami’s directive was contained in a press release on Saturday, 13th March, 2021 signed by the Technical Assistant (Information Technology) to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Femi Adeluyi.
This followed a prior notification to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria on the 3rd of March 2021, regarding the need to direct the banks to settle their debt.
The minister, in order to resolve the issue, 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.
According to Dr. Adeluyi, the meeting is scheduled to hold on Monday, 15th of March, 2021.
“The outcome of the meeting will determine the next steps regarding the status of USSD financial services,” the statement said.
