Millions of Nigerian telecom subscribers may soon regain access to airtime and data credit services following court rulings restraining enforcement actions tied to digital lending regulations.
The Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim injunction preventing MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria from restricting services provided to Nairtime Nigeria Limited.
The ruling followed a lawsuit challenging regulatory directives linked to the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025.
A similar order was issued by the Lagos division of the court against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
The court held that telecom operators must maintain existing services, including USSD, SMS, and billing platforms, pending the outcome of the case.
The suspension of airtime credit services earlier in April had disrupted millions of prepaid users who rely on borrowing airtime as short-term credit.
Industry stakeholders argue that the regulatory framework overlaps with the authority of the Nigerian Communications Commission.
The case has been adjourned for further hearing as stakeholders seek clarity on regulatory control.
