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  • Sowore Accuses MTN Of “Data Theft”, Sparks Fresh Outrage Among Subscribers

    Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused telecom giant MTN Nigeria of exploiting customers through what he described as rapid and unexplained data depletion.

    His comments, which surfaced in a viral video earlier this week, have triggered widespread reactions from subscribers who say they face similar experiences with mobile data usage.

    What Sowore said

    Sowore alleged that many Nigerians are being unfairly charged for data that does not last as expected, describing the situation in strong terms.

    “You’ll buy ₦5,000 worth of data and by the time you wake up, it would have disappeared. MTN is looting your data,” he said.

    He called for urgent scrutiny of telecom operators, insisting that consumers deserve transparency and accountability.

    Subscribers echo concerns

    The claims have reignited long-standing complaints among users who argue that data bundles often deplete faster than anticipated.

    Many subscribers have taken to social media to share similar frustrations, demanding clearer billing systems and better regulation of the telecom sector.

    Calls for regulation

    Sowore stressed that regulators must step in to address what he described as exploitation, noting that Nigerians are spending hard-earned money on services they do not fully understand.

    Analysts say the controversy highlights ongoing concerns around consumer protection, pricing transparency, and service accountability in Nigeria’s telecom industry.

    MTN Nigeria has yet to issue an official response to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.

  • FCCPC Denies Banning Airtime Borrowing, Blames Telecom Operators For Disruptions

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed claims that it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria, describing the reports as false and misleading.

    FCCPC clears the air

    In a statement, the Commission said it never issued any directive stopping Nigerians from accessing airtime or data advance services.

    “The Commission has not prohibited airtime borrowing or data advance services, and no directive was issued preventing consumers from accessing lawful telecom value-added services,” it stated.

    The clarification comes amid widespread concerns following reports of service disruptions across telecom networks.

    Why FCCPC stepped in

    The Commission explained that its intervention was driven by growing complaints from consumers.

    These include issues such as hidden charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery tactics, poor transparency, and weak accountability among service providers.

    To address this, FCCPC introduced the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations in July 2025.

    The framework is aimed at improving transparency, ensuring proper registration, and protecting consumers from exploitative practices.

    Operators blamed for disruptions

    FCCPC noted that telecom operators were given a 90-day window to comply with the new regulations, which was later extended to January 5, 2026.

    However, it said some operators failed to meet the requirements and continued operating outside the regulatory framework.

    According to the Commission, any temporary suspension or disruption of services should be seen as a compliance decision by the companies, not a government ban.

    “Any temporary suspension, restriction, or operational change introduced by service providers should therefore be understood as a business or compliance decision by those operators,” it said.

    Allegations of misinformation

    The Commission also alleged that misinformation around the issue may be driven by vested interests opposed to stricter regulation and fair competition.

    It described attempts to blame the regulator as misleading, insisting that operators had enough time to comply with the rules.

    FCCPC urged Nigerians to ignore false narratives and rely on verified information regarding telecom services.

  • Airtel Nigeria Suspends Airtime and Data Credit Services, Cites Regulatory Compliance as MTN Follows Similar Move

    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.

  • MTN Suspends Xtratime Service Over New FCCPC Lending Rules

    MTN Nigeria has suspended its airtime and data advance service, Xtratime, following new regulatory requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) targeting digital lending operations.

    Why MTN took action

    The telecom giant disclosed the decision in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange on Thursday, stating that the move is to comply with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

    According to the company, the Xtratime service falls within the scope of the new rules, which now require providers of such services to obtain fresh licensing and meet stricter compliance standards.

    “MTN Nigeria Communications PLC hereby notifies… that the company has temporarily suspended its airtime and data credit advance service (‘Xtratime’),” the statement read.

    What the service does

    Xtratime allows prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge, making it a widely used option for customers facing short-term credit needs.

    However, the FCCPC’s updated framework now classifies such offerings as digital credit services subject to tighter oversight.

    Impact on customers and revenue

    MTN said customers can still purchase airtime and data through other available channels despite the suspension.

    The company also downplayed the financial impact of the move, noting that the service does not significantly affect its overall revenue.

    “Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” MTN stated.

    It added that customer usage patterns are being monitored, with further updates expected in its Q1 2026 results.

    Regulatory push on digital lending

    The FCCPC’s 2025 regulations expand oversight of digital lending to include telecom operators and other providers of short-term credit.

    Under the framework, companies offering airtime and data advances must register and obtain approval to continue operations.

    The commission had earlier introduced a similar framework in 2022 but expanded it with stricter rules in 2025.

    What it means

    The development signals increased scrutiny of Nigeria’s fast-growing digital credit sector, as regulators move to address concerns around consumer debt, data privacy, and lending practices.