RismadarVoice Reporters, April 28, 2026
Millions of Nigerian telecom subscribers may soon regain access to airtime and data credit services following separate interim orders of the Federal High Court in Abuja and Lagos restraining enforcement actions tied to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) digital lending regulations.
The rulings, delivered in April 2026, temporarily halted regulatory actions that had disrupted airtime advance services such as MTN’s XtraTime and Airtel’s data credit offerings, which were suspended earlier in the month.
In Abuja, Justice issued an interim order in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/779/2026 restraining MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Airtel Networks Limited from suspending or interfering with the services provided to Nairtime Nigeria Limited pending determination of the substantive suit.
The plaintiffs, Nairtime Holdings Limited and Nairtime Nigeria Limited, argued that telecom operators planned to cut off access to essential platforms including USSD, SMS, short codes, and billing systems based on directives arising from the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025.
They maintained that such action would unlawfully disrupt their operations despite holding valid licences issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), insisting that no breach notice had been served.
The court ordered that the status quo be maintained, restraining the defendants from interfering with the plaintiffs’ telecom-enabled services while the case is pending.
Similarly, in Lagos, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/720/2026, granted an interim injunction restraining the FCCPC from enforcing key provisions of the same regulations against the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN).
The court barred the commission from implementing, enforcing, or applying provisions of the DEON Regulations, including clauses affecting digital lending operations, pending hearing of the motion for interlocutory injunction.
The judge also restrained the FCCPC from taking steps that could hinder service providers from continuing their operations.
The regulatory dispute had triggered widespread disruption in mid-April after telecom operators suspended airtime and data credit services, citing compliance obligations under the new framework. The suspension affected millions of prepaid users who depend on airtime borrowing for daily communication and small-scale economic activity.
The FCCPC introduced the DEON Regulations in July 2025 to regulate digital and non-traditional lending services, including airtime credit, but enforcement deadlines were extended twice before the April clampdown.
While the commission maintains it did not ban airtime credit services, operators say they acted to avoid regulatory sanctions amid uncertainty over compliance requirements.
Industry stakeholders argue that the FCCPC may have exceeded its mandate, insisting that telecom-based services fall under the regulatory oversight of the Nigerian Communications Commission under the Communications Act 2003.
Analysts estimate that airtime lending transactions in Nigeria are worth between ₦500 billion and ₦1.2 trillion annually, serving as an informal microcredit system for millions of low-income users.
Both cases have been adjourned for hearing of interlocutory applications, with parties ordered to maintain the status quo pending further court decisions.
