Airtel Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit service, a facility that previously allowed eligible prepaid customers to borrow airtime and data and repay on their next recharge, as regulatory pressure tightens across the telecom sector.
Airtel halts credit service
The company said the decision is part of ongoing operational adjustments aimed at aligning with evolving regulatory requirements in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
In a statement on Friday, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran, explained that the move was necessary to ensure full compliance with current industry expectations.
He added that the suspension reflects broader efforts to meet operational and regulatory standards guiding telecom services in the country.
Core services remain unaffected
Despite the suspension, Airtel assured customers that its main services remain fully operational.
Subscribers, according to the company, will continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to airtime and data purchases through existing recharge channels.
The firm also stressed that the temporary pause will not affect network performance or overall service delivery nationwide.
“Responsible step” — Airtel explains decision
Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, described the suspension as a necessary and responsible move in line with compliance obligations.
“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 further updates on the suspended service will be communicated in due course.
MTN takes similar action
The development comes just hours after rival telecom operator MTN Nigeria also suspended its Xtratime service, which allows subscribers to borrow airtime and data.
The back-to-back decisions point to increasing regulatory scrutiny of credit-based telecom services in Nigeria’s digital space.