Court Halts Suspension of Airtime Credit Services, Orders MTN and Airtel to Resume Operations

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered leading telecommunications operators in Nigeria, MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, to restore airtime and data credit services following an interim injunction over a regulatory dispute involving digital lending operations.

The ruling followed a suit filed by Nairtime Holdings Limited and Nairtime Nigeria Limited, challenging the suspension of airtime lending services, which they argued would significantly disrupt business activities and affect millions of subscribers who rely on the platform for emergency airtime and data access.

The dispute centers on the enforcement of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)’s Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025, introduced to regulate digital credit providers and strengthen consumer protection across Nigeria’s growing fintech and telecom sectors.

In its ruling, the court restrained MTN and Airtel from further suspending or restricting services linked to Nairtime pending the determination of the substantive case. The judge held that maintaining the status quo was necessary to prevent potential economic losses and protect the interests of consumers and business partners.

The case also extends to the Federal High Court in Lagos, where another interim order reportedly restrained the FCCPC from enforcing certain aspects of the consumer lending regulations against telecom operators until the matter is fully heard.

The affected services, including MTN’s XtraTime and Airtel’s airtime credit facilities, have become essential tools for millions of Nigerians, allowing subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay later, especially during emergencies or financial constraints.

Industry analysts say the court’s decision could have wider implications for the regulation of telecom-based lending services, as operators and regulators seek to strike a balance between consumer protection, business sustainability, and digital financial inclusion.

The development is expected to provide immediate relief to customers across the country, while stakeholders await the court’s final judgment on the legality and scope of the FCCPC regulations.