By Ghazali Ibrahim
Telecommunications giant Airtel Nigeria has suspended its airtime and data borrowing services, becoming the latest operator to halt the popular credit feature amid tightening regulatory requirements in the sector.
The company announced the decision on Friday, stating that the temporary suspension is part of efforts to align its operations with evolving rules governing digital lending in Nigeria.
The affected services, which allow prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or mobile data and repay on their next recharge, are widely used by millions of Nigerians, especially during emergencies.
According to Airtel, the move is a “necessary and responsible step” aimed at ensuring compliance with regulatory expectations while maintaining transparency and consumer protection.
The development comes shortly after MTN Nigeria suspended its similar Xtratime service, signaling a broader industry shift as telecom operators adjust to new lending rules introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Under the new framework known as the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, services such as airtime and data advances are now classified as digital credit offerings, requiring stricter compliance and licensing.
Industry analysts say the suspension is part of a wider effort by telecom operators to avoid regulatory sanctions while they review their systems to meet the new requirements.
Despite the pause, Airtel assured customers that regular airtime and data purchases remain fully available and that overall network service will not be affected.
The twin suspension by Nigeria’s two largest telecom operators is expected to impact millions of subscribers who rely on borrowing services, highlighting the immediate effects of regulatory changes in the country’s fast-growing digital lending space.
