How to Block Your USSD Account: A Guide for Nigerian Bank Customers

Marie Kinti

Banks in Nigeria have introduced a convenient USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) feature known as the 911 emergency service. This service allows customers to block transactions on their USSD accounts from any phone, offering a practical solution in case of a stolen phone or other emergencies. In this article, we will explain the process of blocking your USSD account and provide some additional information to help you understand the service better.

Procedure to Block Your USSD Account:

To block your USSD account, follow these simple steps:

1. Dial your bank’s designated code followed by 911#. For instance, if you are a First Bank customer, dial * 894 * 911#.
2. On the first screen, you will be prompted to enter the mobile number associated with your bank account. This ensures that the correct account is targeted for blocking.
3. After entering your mobile number, proceed to the final screen.
4. On the final screen, you will receive a confirmation message stating that your request has been processed successfully. Please note that the terms and conditions for the emergency service apply, and if you require further information, you can contact your bank’s customer care.
   It’s important to keep in mind that the user experience may vary slightly depending on the bank you are associated with.
   Banks have provided an additional layer of security, with certain restrictions in place for the block initiation process: for example A mobile number can only block one USSD account per month. This limitation ensures that the feature is not misused and protects against unauthorised blocking attempts.
   All in all the 911 emergency service allowsNigerian banks customers to proactively protect their USSD accounts in emergency situations such as a stolen phone. By following the straightforward process outlined above, customers can block transactions on their USSD accounts using any phone. This additional security measure helps safeguard against unauthorized access and offers peace of mind. For more details or clarification on the emergency service, we recommend reaching out to your bank’s customer care.