Lagos, NIGERIA – Airtel Nigeria has suspended its airtime and data credit services, becoming the second major telecom operator after MTN Nigeria to halt such offerings in response to stricter digital lending regulations.
The company announced that the affected services—which allow prepaid users to borrow airtime or data and repay later—will remain paused while it aligns with new regulatory requirements. Customers, however, can still purchase airtime and data through existing channels.
kay News reports that the move follows earlier action by MTN, which suspended its Xtratime service due to compliance obligations under new rules introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The new regulations, known as the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, expand oversight of digital credit services. They require all providers—including telecom operators—to register and comply with stricter standards on transparency and consumer protection.
According to Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, the suspension is a necessary step to ensure compliance with evolving rules, adding that the company remains committed to responsible innovation and customer protection.
The coordinated suspension by two of Nigeria’s largest telecom providers signals a broader shift in the industry, as regulators move to tighten control over non-traditional lending platforms. Airtime and data credit services have become widely used, particularly among low-income users who rely on them to stay connected between recharges.
While both companies described the pause as temporary and not expected to significantly impact earnings, analysts say it could disrupt short-term usage patterns for millions of subscribers.
The FCCPC has set compliance deadlines extending into 2026 and warned that operators who fail to meet the requirements risk facing sanctions. Industry observers note that the development reflects the growing overlap between telecom services and financial regulation, as mobile operators increasingly offer services similar to banking products.
Airtel stated that updates on the resumption of the suspended services will be communicated in due course.
