Dr Isa Ali Pantami, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has resolved the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) dispute between telecommunication giant, MTN and commercial banks.
MTN had halted USSD services for commercial banks telling customers to make use of MTN apps only for the purchase of airtime and data.
Reacting to the fallout, Pantami called a meeting between the telco and the banks as well as inviting regulatory agencies to the meeting.
“On the fallout between MTN Nigeria and some banks on USSD services today, I engaged with both regulators, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission,” He said in a tweet on Friday.
“We have reached an advance stage of resolving the issues, for the services to be restored to our citizens. Many thanks,” he added.
On the fallout between @MTNNG and some banks on USSD services today, I engaged with both regulators, the Governor of @cenbank and EVC @NgComCommission. We have reached an advance stage of resolving the issues, for the services to be restored to our citizens. Many thanks!
— Isa Ali Pantami, PhD (@DrIsaPantami) April 2, 2021
MTN had in a circular sent to its customer service agents notified customers via text messages that it will be discontinuing USSD services.
“Please be informed that some of MyCustomers may not be able to purchase airtime and data recharges via banks including MOD and myMTN App.
“Please pacify MyCustomers and educate them to use MTNTopit, MoMo channels, as well as the debit card options on MOD or myMTN app.”
“We apologize for any inconvenience this is causing. Feedback will be provided as soon as resolution is confirmed.”
