Millions of telecom subscribers in Nigeria could soon regain access to airtime and data credit services following separate rulings by Federal High Courts in Abuja and Lagos that halted enforcement actions linked to new digital lending regulations.
In Abuja, the court restrained telecom operators, including MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Airtel Networks Limited, from suspending or restricting services provided to Nairtime Nigeria Limited. The order followed a suit filed by Nairtime Holdings Limited and its subsidiary, which alleged that the operators were planning to disrupt their services based on directives tied to the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025.
The plaintiffs argued that such actions would unlawfully interfere with their operations, including access to USSD channels, SMS, short codes, and billing systems. They maintained that they are licensed Value Added Service providers under the Nigerian Communications Commission and had not breached any contractual obligations.
In its ruling, the court directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit. It also emphasised that telecom operators must adhere to existing contractual agreements, including notice periods and dispute resolution processes.
Similarly, a Federal High Court in Lagos issued an interim injunction restraining the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from enforcing key provisions of the same regulations against the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria.
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The Lagos court barred the commission from taking any action that could disrupt the operations of service providers, pending the hearing of an interlocutory injunction.
The controversy began in mid-April when telecom operators suspended airtime and data credit services, such as MTN’s XtraTime and Airtel’s data credit offerings, citing compliance with the new regulatory framework.
The move affected millions of prepaid subscribers who rely on these services as a form of short-term credit, particularly within the informal sector.
While the FCCPC has maintained that it did not order a suspension, industry stakeholders argue that the regulations created uncertainty and overstepped the commission’s authority, noting that telecom-based services fall under the jurisdiction of the Nigerian Communications Commission.
With court orders now in place, stakeholders expect a possible restoration of services as legal proceedings continue, offering relief to millions of users who depend on airtime borrowing for daily communication and business activities.
