Airtel Nigeria has temporarily suspended its airtime and data credit services as it moves to comply with new regulatory requirements governing digital lending in the country.
The decision makes Airtel the second major telecom operator to take such action, following a similar move by MTN Nigeria.
The suspension follows the introduction of the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, aimed at strengthening oversight of digital lending activities.
Under the new rules, services that allow subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge are now classified as digital credit offerings. As a result, they must meet registration and compliance standards set by regulators.
The framework is enforced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, which requires all digital lenders to register or face penalties.
In a statement, Airtel confirmed that while its airtime and data credit services have been paused, customers will continue to access regular airtime and data purchases without disruption.
According to Airtel’s Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, the move reflects the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance and consumer protection.
“This is a necessary and responsible step as we align our operations with evolving requirements… while continuing to innovate responsibly within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
The development comes shortly after MTN Nigeria suspended its Xtratime service, signalling a broader industry adjustment to the new regulatory framework.
Telecom operators, including Airtel, MTN, Globacom, and 9mobile, are now required to formalise their digital lending services in line with the updated rules.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission introduced the 2025 regulations as an extension of its earlier 2022 digital lending guidelines, intending to improve transparency, accountability and consumer protection in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital credit market.
The commission had initially set compliance deadlines, with penalties of up to ₦100 million for operators that fail to meet the requirements. Although timelines have been extended, companies are now taking steps to avoid potential sanctions.
For subscribers, the suspension means temporary loss of access to services that allow borrowing airtime or data during low balance periods. However, standard telecom services, including regular purchases and subscriptions, remain unaffected.
The move reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s digital economy, where telecom-based services are increasingly being brought under financial regulation.
As oversight of digital lending tightens, operators will need to balance innovation with compliance, particularly as they expand into fintech-related offerings. In the short term, users may face limited access to credit-based telecom services, but the changes are expected to support safer and more transparent lending practices across the industry.
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