Airtel, Glo Restore Airtime and Data Lending After Six-Week FCCPC Suspension
By Aboki Forex —
Telecommunications operators Airtel and Globacom have resumed airtime and data credit services across their networks. The restoration follows a six-week suspension triggered by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) Digital Lending Regulations 2025.
The services came back on May 25 after the FCCPC suspended enforcement of the regulations. The Commission said it acted in compliance with a Federal High Court order. In a statement, FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs Ondaje Ijagwu confirmed the suspension reflects the agency’s commitment to the rule of law while it challenges both the court ruling and the underlying suit.
Industry players welcomed the return. Ayo Stuffman, Chairman of the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN), confirmed that Airtel and Globacom have fully restored their products. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), said the FCCPC’s action recognises the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as the primary telecom regulator.
The move revives a market estimated at over N400 billion annually. It reconnects nearly 40 million Nigerians to services like Airtel Advance and Glo Borrow Me Credit. These allow prepaid subscribers to access airtime or data in advance, with repayment deducted automatically during the next recharge. Unlike digital loan apps, they require no paperwork, no third-party debt recovery, and no interest.
Despite the restoration, questions remain about the FCCPC’s original enforcement. Between 2021 and 2023, the Commission received thousands of complaints about predatory digital loan apps, including harassment and abusive debt recovery. But there is little evidence that telecom-based airtime credit generated similar complaints.
Analysts note the services returned without significant changes. Subscribers still use the same USSD codes and repayment structure. This has sparked debate over whether the enforcement was about regulatory classification rather than consumer protection.
On social media, many subscribers expressed relief. Several confirmed they accessed airtime and data advances within hours of reactivation. Industry stakeholders are now urging other telecom operators to restore similar services quickly, warning that millions depend on them for everyday connectivity.
Legit.ng earlier reported that the initial suspension caused widespread outrage. Subscribers in the Federal Capital Territory described it as harsh and damaging to their livelihoods. The affected services were halted as operators moved to comply with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.