Telecom
FCCPC Denies Banning Airtime Borrowing, Blames Cartel for Misinformation
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed widespread claims that it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria, describing the reports as false and driven by vested interests seeking to mislead the public.
In a statement issued on Friday, the commission said it neither cancelled nor prohibited such services, contrary to viral social media posts and some media reports suggesting otherwise.
The clarification follows a wave of public concern triggered by viral social media posts and some media reports suggesting that the Commission had shut down telecom-based credit services widely used by millions of Nigerians.
Recall that in separate notices, Airtel and MTN Nigeria announced the temporary suspension of their airtime and data credit services, which previously allowed eligible prepaid customers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.
But FCCPC, said no such directive was issued, stressing that consumers remain free to access lawful telecom value-added services.
Ondaje Ijagwu, director of Corporate Affairs, FCCPC, said that “The attention of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has been drawn to a series of newspaper publications and a viral anonymous post on social media seeking to create the impression that the Commission cancelled, shut down, or banned airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria. Those claims are incorrect.
“The Commission has not prohibited airtime borrowing or data advance services, and no directive was issued preventing consumers from accessing lawful telecom value-added services,” the statement partly read.
Rather than a regulatory ban, the FCCPC attributed recent disruptions in some of these services to the failure of certain operators to comply with its Consumer Lending Regulations introduced in July 2025.
According to the Commission, the regulations were developed following a surge in consumer complaints over exploitative practices in the digital lending and advance-services space.
“Following a deluge of consumer complaints bordering on opaque charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery practices, poor disclosure standards, and inadequate accountability in segments of the digital lending and advance-services market, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission issued the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations in July 2025.
“The Regulations were introduced, among other reasons, to curb the excesses of abusive service providers whose practices had generated persistent consumer harm and undermined confidence in the market,” it stated.
The agency said the framework was designed to sanitise the market and protect consumers by enforcing transparency, accountability, and fair competition.
“The primary aim is to promote a fairer and more transparent system by mandating proper registration, responsible lending conduct, clear disclosure of fees and terms, accessible consumer complaint channels, data protection safeguards, stronger accountability for third-party partners, and effective regulatory oversight,” the FCCPC explained.
Providing a deeper insight into the telecom sector, the Commission revealed that some operators had been engaged in anti-competitive practices, including exclusionary arrangements with third-party service providers.
“In the telecom sector, our findings indicated that some operators engaged in exclusionary third-party technical arrangements in clear disobedience to the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018. The Regulations sought to unlock the market to allow local participants alongside foreign partners, in line with free market principles,” it said.
It added that the new regulations were also intended to open up the market to more participants, including local players, in line with free market principles.
Despite giving operators ample time to comply, the FCCPC said several companies failed to align with the new regulatory framework.
Related News
“These measures benefit Nigerians by reducing abusive practices, improving transparency, strengthening consumer choice, and encouraging responsible innovation by legitimate operators. At the commencement of the framework in July 2025, affected operators were granted an initial 90-day compliance period to regularise their products, structures, and operations. That opportunity was not utilised within the prescribed timeframe,” the statement noted.
The Commission said it extended the deadline to January 5, 2026, but compliance remained unsatisfactory.
“Despite that further extension, the necessary compliance steps were still not completed by the relevant operators,” it added.
The regulator stressed that any temporary suspension or restriction of services should be seen as a business decision by non-compliant operators rather than a government-imposed ban.
“Any temporary suspension, restriction, or operational change introduced by service providers should therefore be understood as a business or compliance decision by those operators, not a ban imposed by the FCCPC,” it said.
The Commission also accused certain interest groups of deliberately spreading false information to undermine reforms.
“We are aware that some vested interests and their foreign collaborators are opposed to the creation of safe markets and fair competition, therefore resorting to a campaign of disinformation,” it stated.
Describing such narratives as “mischievous,” the FCCPC urged Nigerians to disregard sensational claims and rely on verified information.
“It is inaccurate to attribute avoidable disruption to regulation where regulated entities had adequate notice and sufficient opportunity to comply. Nigerians deserve accurate information, not sensational claims.
“The FCCPC is fully committed to protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, encouraging responsible innovation, ensuring transparent digital financial practices, and working constructively with sector regulators and service providers in the public interest,” the statement added.
Airtime borrowing and data advance services have become critical tools for millions of telecom subscribers in Nigeria, allowing users to access credit for calls and internet services with repayment deducted upon recharge.
However, the segment has long been plagued by complaints over hidden charges, automatic deductions, unclear repayment terms, and aggressive recovery mechanisms.
The FCCPC’s intervention through the Consumer Lending Regulations marked one of the most significant attempts to regulate digital micro-lending and telecom-based credit services in the country.
The rules align with broader efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen consumer protection, enhance transparency in digital financial services, and curb exploitative practices in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding fintech and telecom ecosystem.
Friday’s clarification signals a push by the regulator to reclaim the narrative, reassure consumers, and shift responsibility to operators who have yet to fully comply with the law.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers while fostering innovation and fair competition in the sector, noting that regulatory compliance remains non-negotiable for all service providers operating in the Nigerian market.
A new non-profit advocacy group, the National Affordable Connectivity Advocacy Network (NACAN), has launched initiatives aimed at addressing broadband affordability challenges and promoting policy reforms for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.
Broadband
The launch coincided with the 2026 edition of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD), themed: “Digital lifelines: Strengthening resilience in a connected world.”
NACAN said its primary objective is to bridge digital access gaps affecting Nigerian SMEs by reducing broadband costs, advocating regulatory reforms and improving digital capacity for small businesses.
As part of its rollout plans, the organisation unveiled the Southern Connectivity Voucher Pilot, a programme designed to provide subsidised data vouchers to small businesses in major commercial centres in southern Nigeria.
According to the group, the intervention is expected to reduce internet-related operational costs for businesses and improve digital access.
NACAN also announced plans to host the Niger Delta Digital Lifelines Roundtable in Port Harcourt, bringing together state ICT commissioners, internet service providers, telecom stakeholders and civil society groups.
The forum is expected to focus on strengthening resilient last-mile broadband infrastructure across underserved communities.
Speaking at the launch, National Coordinator of NACAN, Uchechukwu Emmanuel Ugochukwu, said internet access had become critical infrastructure for Nigerian businesses.
“In the current economic climate, internet access is no longer a luxury for Nigerian businesses; it is an infrastructure lifeline.
“We are debuting to ensure that high data costs and weak network reliability do not permanently exclude Nigerian SMEs from the global digital economy,” he said.
The organisation also unveiled a policy advocacy agenda targeting reforms on Right-of-Way charges and measures to reduce frequent network outages affecting businesses.
To deepen stakeholder engagement, NACAN said it is collaborating with industry groups including the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCIMA), and the APC ICT Directorate, alongside private sector partners.
NACAN described itself as a non-profit initiative focused on promoting digital equity for Nigerian SMEs through advocacy for affordable, reliable and secure broadband infrastructure.
The group said its long-term goal is to support the integration of local businesses into the formal digital economy and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has said that sustained collaboration among African countries remains central to the continent’s drive toward digital transformation.
The organisation stressed that building secure, interoperable and inclusive digital systems across Africa cannot be achieved in isolation, calling for stronger regional partnerships to accelerate innovation and shared infrastructure development.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Head of Corporate Communications at Galaxy Backbone, Chidi Okpala.
As it prepares to host a major delegation of policymakers, technology leaders and development partners in Abuja, GBB said the engagement would further highlight the importance of cross-border cooperation in shaping Africa’s digital future.
Okpala explained that the initiative is designed to provide both dialogue and practical exposure to Nigeria’s digital infrastructure ecosystem.
According to him, the visit will allow delegates to better understand how shared ICT systems are supporting governance and service delivery in the country.
“This engagement will provide an opportunity for African stakeholders to not only discuss policy frameworks but also see firsthand how digital public infrastructure is being deployed to improve efficiency, connectivity and innovation in the public sector,” Okpala said.
He added that GBB’s hosting role reflects its growing importance in advancing digital governance and infrastructure development across the continent.
“Galaxy Backbone is increasingly positioned as a key enabler of trusted digital infrastructure, and this engagement reinforces that role within Nigeria and beyond,” he noted.
Speaking ahead of the programme, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, said the future of Africa’s digital economy depends on the ability of countries to work together in building resilient systems.
“No single country can achieve the level of transformation required on its own. We must share knowledge, align strategies, and invest in systems that can serve the entire continent,” Adeyanju said.
According to the statement, the engagement will feature a continental dialogue themed “Building Africa’s Digital Foundations Together,” bringing together stakeholders from 11 African countries in Abuja.
The programme is being organised in partnership with Co-Develop, Smart Africa, and MicroSave Consulting, with discussions expected to focus on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), digital identity systems, secure connectivity, interoperability frameworks, and inclusive digital ecosystems.
GBB said delegates will also undertake a guided tour of its infrastructure and facilities in Abuja, where they will be exposed to Nigeria’s digital transformation journey and the systems supporting cloud services, cybersecurity, government connectivity, and digital platforms.
The company noted that the tour is intended to demonstrate how shared ICT infrastructure is strengthening governance and enabling more efficient public service delivery.
Participants are expected to explore practical pathways for accelerating the deployment of digital public infrastructure to support economic growth and institutional reforms across Africa.
GBB maintained that the initiative also confirms Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for digital innovation and infrastructure development, while deepening cooperation among African nations.
MTN Nigeria reinforced its commitment to supporting African storytelling and emerging creative talent at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites.
MTN Nigeria
Hosted by Bovi Ugboma and Nomzamo Mbatha, the star-studded event brought together some of the biggest names in African film, television, and entertainment for a night celebrating creativity, culture, and cinematic excellence.
As part of its participation at the Awards Night, MTN Nigeria sponsored the Best Short Film category, one of the standout moments of the evening aimed at recognising and rewarding emerging filmmakers shaping the future of African storytelling.
The award was presented by the General Manager, Enterprise Sales, MTN Nigeria, Febisola Oyeleye, alongside actor Jide Oyegbile.
The winning film, Hussaini, by filmmakers Orire Nwani and Josh Olaoluwa, earned both the prestigious AMVCA recognition and a ₦5 million cash prize sponsored by MTN Nigeria.
Speaking during the presentation of the cash prize to the winners, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, reiterated MTN’s commitment to youth empowerment and supporting the creative industry through platforms that spotlight emerging talent.
According to her, the brand remains intentional about supporting young Nigerians who continue to push boundaries through creativity and storytelling. “At MTN, one of the things that we are so committed to is youth empowerment.
We believe that the youth of Nigeria are actually the future of the country. When we see young people being productive and coming out tops in what they do, it speaks to their commitment and ability to move beyond boundaries.
One of the ways we support the creative industry is through the short film category, and we are delighted to see deserving winners who are obviously on their way to great things,” she said.
The filmmakers behind Hussaini also celebrated the win, with one of the creators describing it as a defining moment after multiple nominations in the category.
“This is our last nomination in this category, and I’m excited we finally have it,” he said. “Next year, we are coming for Best Feature Film.”
Beyond the Awards Night, MTN’s presence throughout the AMVCA week extended to initiatives such as Young Filmmakers Day and the #MTNFilmChallenge, both designed to spotlight emerging talent and create opportunities for young creatives to tell authentic Nigerian and African stories through film and digital content.
With its continued investment in platforms that celebrate creativity and empower young storytellers, MTN Nigeria once again highlighted the important role partnerships can play in shaping the future of Africa’s entertainment industry.
Identy.io, US Firm Eyes 1Bn Biometric Verification Transactions in Nigeria
FG Says All Taxable Nigerian Must Obtain Taxpayer ID
SEC Sets June 1 for Transition to T+1 Settlement Cycle
Lagos Unveils Plan for 24-hour Electricity Supply in the State
EFCC Which Handles Sensitive Data, Financial Records has No Privacy Policy on Website- FiJ
MTN, VDT, Zoracom, Digital Realty Back 2026 Girls in ICT Campaign
Vitel Wireless Partners Fintechs to Expand Access to Services
Kaspersky Discovers Vulnerability in Qualcomm Snapdragon Chips that can Lead to Data Loss & Device Compromise
Bank Customers to Pay N1,500 for ATM Card Issuance, Replacement – CBN
FCCPC Licenses 5 Firms for Airtime, Data Lending as Telcos Step Aside
General News1 day agoXenophobic Attacks: Anonymous Nigeria Threatens to Leak South African Stolen Data
E-Financial1 day agoChapel Hill Denham Says Banks Lose N2.5 Trillion Annually to High CRR in New Report
Telecom1 day agoMTN Targets 8m Homes in Fibre Expansion Drive
Telecom1 day agoGBB Says Cross-border Partnerships Key to Africa’s Digital Transformation
E-Financial1 day agoLagos Sanctions 15 Money Lending Firms for Operational Violations
E-Financial1 day agoAfDB Approves $200m for BoI to Support MSMEs
News1 day agoWHO Says Ebola Outbreak Worse than Reported
News1 day agoDigital PayExpo 2026 to Convene Africa’s Most Influential Payments Leaders in Lagos