- Safiu Kehinde
Airtel Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit services following a new regulation issued by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
This is coming barely a day after similar announcement by fellow telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria, which suspended its Xtratime credit service over same FCCPC’s regulation.
NPO Reported that that the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, introduces a new compliance and licensing framework for companies offering digital or non-traditional consumer credit services in the country.
Threading same path like MTN, Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Marketing, Mr Ismail Adeshina, also announced the company’s suspension of its airtime and data credit services.
Adeshina, in a statement issued on Friday, said the affected services previously allowed eligible prepaid customers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.
He, however, disclosed that customers would continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to airtime and data purchases through the company’s existing channels.
Adeshina added that the temporary suspension was not expected to have a material impact on service delivery across the country.
“This is a necessary and responsible step as we align our operations with evolving regulatory 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.
He added that the company would provide updates on the status of the service in due course.