MTN,Airtel suspends airtime, data credit services

By Abubakar Yunusa

Airtel Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit services, becoming the second major telecom operator in the country to halt such offerings following new regulatory requirements for digital lending.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adesina, the company said the affected services previously enabled eligible prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.

The development comes barely 24 hours after MTN Nigeria Communications Plc announced a similar suspension of its Xtratime service, citing compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

The new regulations introduce a comprehensive licensing and compliance framework for providers of digital or alternative consumer credit services in Nigeria—categories that now include airtime and data advance offerings by telecom operators.

Airtel Nigeria noted that despite the suspension, customers would continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to airtime and data purchases through its existing channels. The company added that the move is not expected to materially impact service delivery.

Commenting on the decision, Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, said the action was necessary to ensure regulatory compliance.

“This is a necessary and responsible step as we align our operations with evolving requirements. Airtel Nigeria remains committed to the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and consumer protection, while continuing to innovate responsibly within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” he said.

Earlier, MTN Nigeria had informed investors that the suspension of its Xtratime service used by subscribers to borrow airtime or data would not significantly affect its earnings due to the service’s relatively small contribution to overall revenue.

Industry analysts say the parallel actions by Airtel and MTN signal a broader sector-wide adjustment to the new rules, which are expected to tighten oversight of digital credit products and enhance consumer protection.

The regulations, introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, build on earlier guidelines for digital lending issued in 2022. Under the new framework, all digital lenders including telecom operators offering airtime and data advances are required to register with the Commission.

This brings major telecom players such as Airtel, MTN, Globacom, and 9mobile under a unified regulatory regime for digital lending services.

Operators granted provisional approval under transitional arrangements have been given until April 2026 to complete their registration. According to the FCCPC, failure to comply within the stipulated period could attract regulatory sanctions.

The Commission had earlier set October 31, 2025, as the initial deadline for registration, with a N100 million penalty for defaulters. However, the deadline was later extended to January 5, 2026, to allow more operators to comply.

The temporary suspension of airtime and data credit services is seen as a precautionary step by telecom operators to avoid sanctions while finalising compliance with the new regulatory requirements.