News
FG to blacklist 18 banks owing telcos N200bn on USSD
There are indications that the Federal government will tomorrow list out names of 18 banks owing almost N200 billion to Nigerian telecom operators on Unstructured Suplementary Service Data, USSD, and remained adamant towards settling it for several years.
The reason for the public disgrace seems to be for the telcos to stop offering them services that enable their customers to conveniently do online banking.
Vanguard gathered that the telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has been given the nod to publish the names and approve that telcos withdraw services to them if after two weeks they fail to settle the debts.
Recall that the issue of banks’ multi billion naira USSD debt to telcos has lingered since 2020, rising from below N40 billion to N57 billion by the end of 2021 and N80 billion in 2022.
But now, the telcos claim the debt has risen above N250 billion and accused the banks of not complying with the repayment plan.
The recent development, cannot be unconnected with a December joint meeting between the two regulators, NCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria which resolved that the banks pay part of the money by December 31, last year and defray the remaining gradually.
However, Vanguard gathered authoritatively that only four banks complied with the directive, while 18 others are still adamant.
Similarly, when the matter brewed heavily a few years ago, the National Assembly, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, waded in and also generated such a gentleman’s agreement, which gave the banks leverage to defray the debts gradually.
However, that did not also happen as the banks allegedly reneged.
A few weeks ago the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, accused the banks of deliberately frustrating any move to resolve the issue and threatened that the only option, since the banks have consistently failed to honour the agreements, would be to withdraw the support that gives the USSD platform life.
USSD, commonly known as ‘bank transfers’, is done through short codes on mobile phones.
The support is provided by the telcos.
If the latest approval Vanguard gathered that telcos will be given, to blacklist the 18 banks is carried out, it means that in the next two weeks all the short code services to such banks may be suspended and users will not be able to carry out some online banking services from the comfort of their homes.
News
Wike plans special reception for FCT victorious athletes
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Barrister Nyesom Wike, is set to honour victorious athletes that have recently represented the Capital Territory in various Games.
This is in recognition of the athletes’ performance at the various Games, the 2022 National Sports Festival, the 7th and 8th National Youth Games and will be staged on Thursday January 16th, 2025.
The historic performance of the team at the Games, is what led to Barr. Nyesom Wike’s approval that a special reception be held in their honour.
The event is organized to appreciate the team’s great acts of sacrifice, patriotism and determination, demonstrated at the Games which has brought the FCT great positivity.
Barr Wike is committed to the development of sports, and has always reiterated that he would continue to create an enabling environment for sports to thrive as part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s focus to engage youths to help discover their potentials and empower them to be better.
News
Reps Urge FG To Sustain Support For Nigerian Military
News
Gov Zulum Sad Over Boko Haram Attack Killing 40 Farmers
Governor Babagana Zulum has condemned terrorists’ attack in the Dumba community, near Baga in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The governor condemned the attack which claimed at least 40 farmers and fishermen on Sunday and called on the officers and men of Operation Hadin Kai to track and obliterate the insurgent elements that are operating at Dumba and other similar enclaves in the Lake Chad Area.
The attack was said to have been carried out by Boko Haram and ISWAP elements operating in the area.
Zulum commiserated with the victims and their families and assured them that those still missing would be found and reunited with their families.
In a statement by the state’s Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, the governor said, “With deep sorrow and anguish, I received the sad news of the attack on Dumba where scores of our farmers and fishermen were killed by the terrorists.
“On behalf of the government, I sympathise with the victims’ families. Let me assure the citizens of Borno that this matter will be thoroughly investigated for further necessary action.
“Let me use this opportunity to call on the armed forces to track and deal decisively with the perpetrators of this heinous act of violence against our innocent citizens.
“It was observed that the farmers strayed off the security corridor established by the security agencies, and went into an enclave that is yet to be cleared. Such enclaves are usually prone to nocturnal attacks by marauding terrorists, as well as being contaminated with landmines.”
The governor called on citizens not to venture beyond the safety zones that are demarcated by the government and security agencies.
-
Entertainment12 hours ago
BBNaija: I regretted dating Venita – Adekunle
-
Metro12 hours ago
Police arrest suspected kidnappers of Ministry of Justice Director, niece in Akwa Ibom
-
News13 hours ago
Court Remands Dunamis Church Senior Pastor, Paul Enenche’s Two Brothers, Pastor Abraham Daniel In Prison After Honouring Police Invitation
-
Metro12 hours ago
Driver, two others injured in Sagamu-Benin expressway crash
-
News7 hours ago
Wike bans ‘pantekas’ for two weeks in Abuja
-
Economy12 hours ago
Tariff hike: Telcos, ICT firms owe banks N1.69tn
-
News13 hours ago
‘Lagos Lawmakers List Obasa’s Sins Which Led To His Impeachment’
-
News12 hours ago
Why Obasa Was Impeached As Lagos Assembly Speaker After 10 years