Airtel Nigeria has suspended its airtime and data credit services in response to fresh regulatory requirements governing digital lending, tightening the space for telecom operators offering advance credit to subscribers.
The telecom firm announced the decision in a statement issued on Friday by its Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adesina, noting that the affected services previously enabled eligible prepaid customers to borrow airtime or data and repay upon their next recharge.
The development comes barely 24 hours after MTN Nigeria Communications Plc took a similar step, citing the need to comply with the newly introduced Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
The new framework establishes stricter licensing and compliance conditions for firms providing digital credit services—an umbrella under which telecom-based airtime and data advances are now classified.
Despite the suspension, Airtel assured subscribers of uninterrupted access to regular airtime and data purchases through its existing channels, adding that the move would not disrupt overall service delivery nationwide.
Speaking on the development, the company’s Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, described the action as a proactive measure to meet regulatory expectations.
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He said the company remained committed to upholding compliance, transparency, and consumer protection, while continuing to explore responsible innovation within Nigeria’s evolving digital ecosystem.
