• Airtel Nigeria has suspended its airtime and data borrowing services as the service pause affects eligible prepaid subscribers nationwide
• Airtel says the move is temporary and linked to regulatory requirements
• The suspension comes amid growing scrutiny of telecom credit services in Nigeria

Airtel Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit services, ending a feature that allowed eligible prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay after their next recharge.

The telecom company disclosed the decision in a statement issued on Friday, April 17, by its Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran.

According to the company, the move is part of broader efforts to align its operations with changing regulatory and operational requirements in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

The suspension means Airtel users will no longer be able to access airtime or data advances for now.

However, the company assured subscribers that regular airtime purchases and data bundle subscriptions will continue without disruption through its existing channels.

Airtel also stressed that the temporary halt will not affect network quality, call services, internet connectivity, or other core telecom operations across the country.

Commenting on the development, Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, described the decision as a necessary step for the company.

“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.

The company added that customers will be informed once there are updates regarding the return of the borrowing service.

The decision comes at a time when there is increasing regulatory attention on digital lending, credit-based telecom services, and consumer protection in Nigeria.

Telecom operators are under pressure to meet new compliance standards, especially in areas linked to digital borrowing and subscriber credit offerings.

For many prepaid users who rely on airtime and data loans during emergencies, the suspension may create temporary inconvenience until the service is restored.

MTN suspends xtratime service over new FCCPC lending rules

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that MTN Nigeria temporarily suspended its Xtratime airtime and data advance service following new consumer lending regulations introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

The telecom company announced the move in a filing submitted to the Nigerian Exchange Limited, explaining that the suspension is necessary to comply with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.