Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have reportedly recovered over N2 trillion from subscribers in a sweeping debt recovery campaign that has left millions unable to make calls due to unpaid airtime and data loans.

The aggressive enforcement follows new compliance requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which telecom operators reportedly failed to meet, according to The News Chronicle.

This led to the suspension of airtime and data lending services and triggered a nationwide push to recover outstanding debts.

As part of the measures, indebted subscribers have had their lines restricted from making calls until their loans are fully repaid.

The move has disrupted daily life across Nigeria, particularly for small business owners and workers who depend heavily on mobile connectivity.

The lending service, valued at over N400 billion annually, has long served as a financial lifeline for many Nigerians, especially those without access to formal credit systems.

However, its sudden suspension has forced users to seek alternative means to clear their debts or abandon their lines altogether.

Meanwhile, a legal dispute involving Nairtime Nigeria Limited has added another layer of complexity.

A Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria to maintain access to key telecom infrastructure, including USSD and SMS services linked to the platform.

Despite the court’s interim injunction, lending services tied to the platform remain unavailable, indicating ongoing tensions between telecom providers, regulators, and fintech firms.

Industry stakeholders warn that the disruption highlights deeper challenges within Nigeria’s digital economy, where telecom infrastructure increasingly supports financial services.

Millions of users who rely on airtime and data borrowing remain disconnected, caught between regulatory policies, corporate disputes, and the need for affordable communication.

As pressure mounts, both regulators and telecom operators are expected to seek a resolution that balances consumer protection with uninterrupted access to essential digital services.

Theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure have reached crisis levels in Nigeria, as hundreds of generators and batteries are being stolen from base stations across the country.

Vandals and criminal gangs target power-related assets and cables, creating significant operational damage, with over 50,000 cases reported over five years, leading to network shutdowns.

A newly released data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showed that 656 critical power assets were stolen from telecom sites across the country in 2025 alone.

According to the NCC data, a total of 152 generators and 504 batteries were stolen within the year, raising fresh concerns about network reliability and quality of service.

The infrastructure theft debacle is not limited to generators and batteries alone as rampant cases of cables and diesel thefts are also reported.

This vandalism causes massive disruptions in electricity and connectivity, resulting in significant financial losses and hindered business operations nationwide.

Hardest Hit States are; Delta, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Lagos, Kogi, FCT, Kaduna, Niger, Osun, and Kwara.

Operators like MTN Nigeria said it spent over N1 billion on security and repair in 2025 due to 9,218 fiber cuts.

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has reported a total remittance of N878.7bn in taxes, levies, and duties for the 2025 financial year, representing a 15 per cent increase from the prior year and underscoring its significant contribution to government revenue and national development.

The disclosure was contained in the company’s 2025 Sustainability Report, released on Monday, which highlights sustained progress across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics, alongside continued investment in network expansion, social impact, and responsible business practices.

The telecoms operator said the increase in fiscal contributions reflects its expanding operations and commitment to regulatory compliance, even as it navigates a dynamic macroeconomic environment.

The report also marks MTN Nigeria’s seventh consecutive sustainability publication and its third year of voluntary adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards, ahead of mandatory compliance timelines.

Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, described the report as evidence of “decisive action and measurable progress,” noting that sustainability remains central to the company’s long-term value creation strategy.

According to him, MTN Nigeria continues to integrate ESG principles into its core operations to drive growth, manage risk, and unlock new opportunities.

Beyond its tax contributions, the company recorded notable environmental milestones, including a 6.4 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions relative to its 2021 baseline.

It also secured a ‘B-’ rating for climate change and ‘C’ for water security from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), while over a third of its top suppliers by spend have committed to its net-zero ambitions.

On the social front, MTN Nigeria expanded its network coverage to 93.7 per cent of the population, improving connectivity nationwide.

Female representation within its workforce rose to 43.4 per cent, while N2.7bn was invested in corporate social investment initiatives, impacting more than 534,000 individuals.

The company also launched its “Help Children Be Children” programme to promote child online safety and awareness.

In terms of governance and business performance, MTN Nigeria reported a Reputation Index of 80.2 per cent, exceeding its benchmark, and achieved a sustainability rating of 3.7 out of 4.0 from ESG rating firm Risk Insights.

The firm further strengthened local economic participation by directing 62 per cent of its procurement spend to domestic suppliers, an increase from the previous year.

Tobechukwu Okigbo, chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer,  said the company remains focused on delivering measurable, positive outcomes across its operations.

He noted that MTN Nigeria conducted a comprehensive “True Value Assessment” covering its economic, social, and environmental impacts between 2021 and 2024, alongside a double materiality assessment to better align its strategy with stakeholder priorities.

Okigbo added that the company also hosted its inaugural “Facts Behind the Sustainability Report” session at the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), aimed at enhancing transparency and stakeholder engagement.

MTN Nigeria said it will continue to prioritise sustainable innovation, inclusion, and governance excellence, reiterating its commitment to ensuring broader access to the benefits of a modern, connected life while delivering long-term value to shareholders and society.