Airtel Stops Airtime, Data Loan Services

Airtel Nigeria, a prominent telecommunications provider, has announced a temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit services. This decision follows similar actions taken by MTN Nigeria, making Airtel the second major telecom operator in the country to pause these offerings in response to new regulatory requirements concerning digital lending.

In a statement released on Friday, Femi Adesina, the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR for Airtel Nigeria, explained that the suspended services allowed eligible prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data, which would be repaid upon their next recharge.

This move aligns with the recent introduction of the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025. These regulations establish a comprehensive licensing and compliance framework for digital or alternative consumer credit services in Nigeria, which now encompasses airtime and data advances from telecom companies.

Despite the suspension of these borrowing services, Airtel Nigeria assured customers that they will continue to have uninterrupted access to purchasing airtime and data through existing channels. The company emphasized that this decision is not anticipated to significantly affect 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.