Social media users across Nigeria have continued reacting to the partial return of airtime lending service, as telecom operators gradually restore airtime credit following regulatory and legal developments in the sector.
Airtel and Globacom have already resumed the service, while MTN Nigeria is yet to reinstate its XtraTime feature, triggering widespread comparisons among subscribers.
Industry stakeholders say the development could improve access to communication credit for millions of prepaid users who depend on short-term borrowing to stay connected amid rising telecom costs.
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Airtel and Globacom have restored airtime lending services after regulatory suspension was eased
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MTN Nigeria has not yet restored its XtraTime service, citing need for legal clarity
FCCPC suspends DEON
The return of airtime lending services followed the suspension of enforcement of the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON) 2025 by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The decision came after a Federal High Court order restrained enforcement of the regulations, creating temporary regulatory relief for operators across the telecommunications and digital lending space.
Following the development, Airtel and Globacom quickly restored airtime credit services, a move widely welcomed by users who depend heavily on the facility for daily communication needs.
Reactions have since flooded social media, with subscribers openly comparing networks based on service restoration speed.
One Facebook user, Frank Rock, wrote: “Airtel best.”
Another user, IB Bernard, said: “I loan 5k for Airtel now.”
The reactions reflect how sensitive the telecom market remains to service availability, especially for low-income and prepaid customers who rely on short-term credit to stay connected.
ALTON is happy as lending service resumes
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria) has welcomed the partial restoration of airtime lending service, describing it as a positive step toward stabilising telecom services nationwide.
ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo said the evolving regulatory clarity has helped restore confidence within the industry.
He stated:
“The regulatory environment is now clear, and we are confident that full restoration is imminent.”
Adebayo added that with Airtel and Globacom already back on airtime credit services, other operators are expected to follow without further delay.
“The courts have spoken, the FCCPC has acted responsibly, and two of the four major operators have already restored services. There is no ambiguity left, and we expect every operator to act with urgency.”
MTN Nigeria, however, is yet to restore its XtraTime service, maintaining that it is still seeking clearer legal direction before resuming operations.
During a recent earnings call, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo, said the company is considering either a court ruling setting aside the regulations or an explicit directive allowing reinstatement.
Analysts say the delay is already influencing consumer perception, as subscribers increasingly compare operators based on service responsiveness.
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The airtime lending system remains a key financial support tool in Nigeria’s telecom sector, with estimates suggesting that about 40 million users regularly depend on airtime and data credit advances to stay connected.
As restoration continues, stakeholders expect full normalisation of airtime lending services across all networks in the coming days, depending on regulatory alignment and operator compliance.
