Nigerian Telcos Suspend Airtime Borrowing Services

Major Nigerian telecommunications companies, including Airtel Nigeria and MTN Nigeria, have temporarily suspended their airtime and data borrowing services for prepaid customers, following a directive from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. The move, announced over the past week, affects popular features that allowed users to access credit in emergencies and repay upon recharging, disrupting a key option for millions of subscribers nationwide.

Airtel Nigeria disclosed the suspension on Friday, stating that eligible customers could no longer borrow airtime or data through the service. In a statement, Femi Adeniran, the company's director of corporate communications and corporate social responsibility, emphasized that standard purchases of airtime and data remain available via existing channels. Ismail Adeshina, Airtel's director of marketing, described the action as "a necessary and responsible step as we align our operations with evolving requirements." He added that Airtel remains committed to compliance, transparency, and consumer protection while innovating within Nigeria's digital landscape. The company assured that the pause would not materially...