By Ayomide Otitoju
Airtel Nigeria has temporarily suspended its airtime and data credit services, which previously allowed eligible prepaid customers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.
The company, however, clarified that customers will continue to have uninterrupted access to airtime and data purchases through existing channels, assuring that the suspension will not materially affect service quality nationwide.
In a statement on the development, Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, said the move was part of operational adjustments in response to evolving regulatory requirements.
“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.
Airtel added that updates on the service would be communicated in due course.
The development comes as MTN Nigeria had earlier implemented a similar suspension, following a federal government directive aimed at tightening oversight of the digital lending space. The move is part of efforts to protect consumers and ensure financial stability within the electronic ecosystem.
The regulations, known as the Digital and Electronic Online Lending (DEON) consumer lending framework, were officially gazetted and took effect on July 21, 2025
