The popular "Borrow Me" service is back. A Federal High Court has cleared the way for telecom operators to resume airtime lending, overriding previous restrictions imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). Both MTN and Airtel are re-enabling their services nationwide.
Background of the Suspension
Since mid-April 2026, many subscribers faced "Service Unavailable" messages when trying to borrow airtime. This was not a device issue. The FCCPC had reclassified airtime lending as a formal financial loan, forcing MTN and Airtel to suspend their services to avoid legal complications. The commission approved five third-party providers, but their app-based systems proved more complex than simple USSD codes.
Court Intervention
The Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that suspending the "Borrow Me" service constituted unlawful interference with the operators' NCC licenses. This decision restored the Nigerian Communications Commission's authority over telecom-specific services. A prior ruling in Lagos on April 15, 2026, by Justice Amborse Lewis-Allagoa had already blocked the FCCPC's strict "DEON" lending rules.
How to Reactivate Your SIM for Loan Eligibility
Even though the service is back, your line may need a refresh:
- Make a small recharge or a 1-minute call to trigger "Billed Activity" and notify the system your line is active.
- Dial the codes: MTN users dial *303#; Airtel users dial *500#.
- Check for Regulatory Credit: Look for NCC compensation airtime in your balance, which is free credit for network issues during the transition.
- Restart your device if you see a "Service Suspended" message to force a network update.
What About the New Providers?
The five FCCPC-approved companies—Total TIM, Rane Interactive, Mode NG, Cloud Interactive, and Coverage Broadband—will still operate. However, they will focus on larger data loans and fintech-style lending through apps. For everyday small loans, the USSD codes remain the fastest option.
Final Pro-Tip
Before borrowing, check if you have received NCC payout compensation. Since April 23, 2026, operators have been backdating compensation for service failures from November 2025. You might have free airtime in your balance that does not need repayment.
The return of "Borrow Me" is a huge relief for many Nigerians who rely on this service for emergencies. Whether you need a quick data top-up in traffic or an emergency call at midnight, the codes are back online.
