Telecommunication subscribers across Nigeria can once again borrow airtime and data after major network providers restored their lending services. The return of the service follows weeks of disruption caused by a legal disagreement over new regulations governing digital consumer lending.
MTN Nigeria resumed its airtime borrowing platform after the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) suspended the enforcement of some disputed sections of its Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations. The suspension will remain in place until the court reaches a final decision on the ongoing case. Airtel Nigeria and Globacom have also restored similar services.
The development has brought relief to millions of mobile users who depend on airtime and data borrowing whenever they run out of credit. The service has become an important backup for many Nigerians, especially traders, artisans, small business owners and low-income earners who rely on their phones for communication, banking and business transactions.
Industry estimates show that around 40 million Nigerians regularly use airtime borrowing services. The market is believed to be worth between ₦300 billion and ₦400 billion every year, making it one of the country’s most widely used telecom services.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) had earlier warned that the suspension would negatively affect millions of subscribers. According to ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, airtime borrowing has grown beyond being a simple telecom product.
He explained that the service has become an essential part of Nigeria’s economy because millions of people use it regularly to stay connected. He also noted that the disruption raised concerns about consumer welfare, investor confidence and the need for clear and stable regulations in the telecommunications sector.
The Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN), which challenged parts of the FCCPC regulations in court, said its action was aimed at protecting licensed operators and subscribers. According to the association, airtime and data advances have become an important financial support system for many Nigerians who have limited access to traditional loans and banking services.
Many subscribers welcomed the return of the service. A Lagos-based employee, Farouk Rabiu, said he was surprised when he discovered he could no longer borrow airtime on MTN and Glo during the suspension.
Rabiu explained that he had exhausted his data and planned to borrow airtime to access his bank account, but the service was unavailable. Although he admitted that the charges for borrowing airtime can sometimes be expensive, he described the service as very useful during emergencies.
The FCCPC had earlier classified airtime and data advances as forms of digital consumer lending, arguing that stronger oversight was necessary to improve transparency and accountability within the growing digital credit industry.
However, after the court became involved, the commission suspended the enforcement of the disputed regulations while the legal process continues. FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the commission took the decision in compliance with the rule of law while it continues to defend its position in court.
For now, millions of Nigerians can once again enjoy uninterrupted access to airtime and data borrowing, helping them stay connected to family, businesses, banking services and emergency communications while the legal battle continues.
