Yemisi Izuora
The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has said the implementation of the regulatory framework for use of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) will commence from October 1, this year.
The implementation of the framework was initially scheduled to start on June 1, 2018.
The CBN, in a new circular issued by the Director, Banking and Payment System Department, CBN, Mr. ‘Dipo Fatokun, the implementation would be effective from October 1, 2018.
“In order to fully realise the objectives of the regulatory framework, the CBN has observed, considered and approved the extension of the implementation of the date of the circular to be effective from October 1, 2018,” Fatokun said.
The CBN said that the regulatory framework was aimed at promoting and facilitating the development of efficient and effective system for the settlement of transactions, including the development of electronic payment systems through the USSD.
“The vast applications of the USSD technology, in terms of available services, have raised the issue of the risks inherent in the channel. Concerns have been expressed on the likely exposure of the CBN-approved entities to the possible breaching of the USSD accessed financial services, in view of likely vulnerability in the technology and the ever-growing threats,” it said.
The central bank said the regulatory framework sought to establish the rules and risk mitigation considerations when implementing the USSD for financial services offering in Nigeria.
It added that any deposit money bank, mobile money operator, payment solution service provider, and other financial institutions that failed to comply with the framework would be appropriately sanctioned.