Millions of telecom subscribers in Nigeria may soon regain access to airtime and data credit services following separate interim orders issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja and Lagos, restraining enforcement actions linked to digital lending regulations.
In a ruling delivered on April 24, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered telecommunications firms, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Airtel Networks Limited, not to suspend or restrict services provided to Nairtime Nigeria Limited pending the determination of a substantive suit. The case challenges regulatory actions associated with digital lending operations.
The interim injunction, contained in a Certified True Copy obtained on Tuesday, followed an ex parte application filed by Nairtime Holdings Limited and Nairtime Nigeria Limited. The applicants alleged a looming disruption to their operations by the telecom operators.
In Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/779/2026, the plaintiffs argued that the defendants planned to suspend or interfere with their access to telecom platforms, including USSD channels, SMS, short codes, and billing services. They maintained that the proposed action was based on directives linked to the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025.
According to the plaintiffs, such measures would amount to unlawful interference with contractual rights and business operations. They noted that they operate as licensed Value Added Service providers under valid approvals issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission and have fulfilled all contractual obligations without any notice of breach.
The court granted an interim injunction restraining the telecom firms, their agents, or representatives from suspending or interfering with the plaintiffs’ access to telecom platforms and services during the validity of their licence. It also held that operators could not bypass agreed contractual notice periods or dispute resolution mechanisms in an attempt to comply with new regulatory directives.
The order covers access to USSD services, SMS, short codes, billing systems, and other telecom-enabled operations used by Nairtime Nigeria Limited. The court directed that the status quo be maintained pending the determination of the substantive suit.
In a related development, the Federal High Court in Lagos, in a ruling delivered on April 15, 2026, granted a similar interim injunction against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/720/2026.
Presiding judge, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, restrained the commission from enforcing key provisions of the same regulations, imposing sanctions, or taking steps that could disrupt the operations of members of the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria, pending the hearing of an interlocutory injunction.
The court further barred the commission and its agents from interfering with service providers offering products governed by the Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025.
Airtime credit services, including MTN’s XtraTime and Airtel’s data credit offerings, were suspended in mid-April as operators cited compliance obligations under the regulatory framework introduced by the commission.
The suspension affected millions of prepaid subscribers who depend on airtime borrowing as short-term credit, with no prior notice or clear timeline for restoration.
The commission introduced the regulations in July 2025, extending licensing requirements to digital and non-traditional consumer lending services, including airtime and data credit. Compliance deadlines were extended twice before enforcement began in April, prompting service suspensions amid regulatory uncertainty.
However, industry stakeholders argue that the commission exceeded its statutory mandate, noting that services delivered via telecom infrastructure licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission fall under the regulatory scope of the telecoms regulator as defined by the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
Industry estimates value airtime lending transactions at between N500 billion and N1.2 trillion annually, driven largely by demand in the informal sector. Analysts say the services serve as a vital microcredit system supporting small businesses, artisans, and low-income earners reliant on mobile connectivity.
While the commission maintains it did not ban airtime credit services, stating that suspensions were commercial decisions by operators, stakeholders have urged compliance with existing court orders and dialogue to resolve the regulatory dispute.
Both cases have been adjourned for interlocutory hearings.
