Millions of telecom subscribers in Nigeria could soon regain access to airtime and data credit services following fresh rulings by the Federal High Court in Abuja and Lagos. These court orders temporarily halted enforcement actions tied to the controversial Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025.
In Abuja, the court restrained MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Airtel Networks Limited from suspending services linked to Nairtime Nigeria Limited. The ruling followed a legal challenge filed by the company, which argued that any disruption would unlawfully affect its licensed operations under the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Similarly, the Lagos division issued an injunction against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, preventing it from enforcing key provisions of the regulations against members of the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria. Consequently, the court directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending further hearings.
Earlier in April, telecom operators suspended services such as airtime borrowing and data credit—including popular offerings like XtraTime—citing compliance requirements. As a result, millions of prepaid users faced sudden disruptions without prior notice.
However, stakeholders argue that the FCCPC overstepped its authority, insisting that telecom-based lending services fall under the NCC’s jurisdiction. Notably, industry analysts estimate that airtime lending in Nigeria is worth between N500 billion and N1.2 trillion annually, serving as a vital microcredit system for small businesses and low-income earners.
While the FCCPC maintains that it did not ban these services, the courts’ intervention may now pave the way for their restoration as legal proceedings continue.
