News
NCC May Suspend USSD Service Amid ₦250 Billion Debt Dispute
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is planning to take drastic measures to end the lingering dispute between telcos and banks over the unstructured supplementary service data (USDD) debt, TheCable understands.
Sources close to the conversation said the commission may suspend the USSD service and publish a list of banks still owing telcos for the service.
If this happens, the USSD channel will no longer be available for banking services.
Although it is uncertain when the suspension will be officially announced, the list of defaulters may be published before the week ends.
The development, which may be part of the federal government’s efforts to address industry challenges, comes amid telcos’ push for a tariff hike.
USSD DEBT HAS RISEN BY 681.2% SINCE 2019
Analysis of media reports shows that the USSD debt has risen by 681.2 percent since 2019, leading to many threats of service withdrawal by telecoms operators.
On March 12, 2021, telcos threatened to suspend the USSD service over N42 billion debt accumulated by banks (the amount was N32 billion in 2019). The move was, however, halted by Isa Pantami, former minister of communications and digital economy.
The telcos and banks eventually agreed on March 16, 2021, to adjust the charge on customers to N6.98k for each USSD transaction.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) said the USSD debt was N80 billion as at November 2022.
By November 16, 2023, the debt, according to telcos, had risen to N200 billion — up from N120 billion in May of the same year.
On October 22, 2024, Gbolahan Awonuga, the executive secretary of ALTON, said the amount had increased to N250 billion.
TheCable understands the NCC, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other stakeholders have been engaging to find a lasting solution to the impasse, but efforts at resolving the matter have had little results.
The CBN and the NCC, on December 24, 2024, directed mobile network operators (MNOs) and deposit money banks (DMBs) to settle the protracted debt conflict, asking financial institutions to pay 85 percent of all outstanding invoices by December 31, 2024.
’18 BANKS STILL OWING AS AT DECEMBER 31′
However, a source told TheCable that about 18 banks are yet to pay their debt, while four had paid as at December 31.
Another source said the commission believes that the banks are treating the issue with levity, hence they want the public to be aware of the imminent USSD suspension.
Speaking on the agency’s plan to publish the names of financial institutions still owing, he said the public notice will be addressed to customers, stating that “the underlisted banks are yet to pay”.
It is understood that with the public notice, the NCC intends to give the consumers two weeks to come up with their alternative plans for making transactions, while banks would also get two weeks to pay the outstanding debt or be disconnected.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
News
Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.
Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.
Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.
Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.
The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.
According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.
“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.
“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.
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