Telecommunications provider Airtel Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit services for subscribers.
The affected services, which previously allowed eligible prepaid users to borrow airtime or data and repay upon their next recharge, have been put on hold as part of what the company described as an operational adjustment.
Despite the suspension, Airtel assured customers that access to regular airtime and data purchases remains unaffected, with all existing recharge channels continuing to function normally across the country.
In a statement addressing the development, the company said the move is not expected to significantly impact its overall service delivery. Director of Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina, explained that the decision was taken in response to evolving regulatory requirements within the telecommunications and financial services space.
He noted that the company remains committed to maintaining high standards of compliance, transparency, and consumer protection, while continuing to innovate responsibly within Nigeria’s growing digital ecosystem.
Airtel also assured subscribers that updates regarding the resumption of the suspended services will be communicated in due course.
The development follows a similar action by MTN Nigeria, which earlier halted its airtime and data lending services in line with regulatory directives from the Federal Government.
The directive is part of broader efforts to strengthen oversight of digital lending activities and safeguard consumers. The regulations, known as the Digital Economy and Online Lending (DEON) consumer protection framework, came into effect on July 21, 2025.
According to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the rules—issued under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018—provide a comprehensive structure for lender registration, operational transparency, and ethical loan recovery practices.
The commission had, in November 2025, set January 5, 2026, as the deadline for full compliance with the new regulations, signaling increased scrutiny of lending services within Nigeria’s digital and telecommunications sectors.
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