Technology social media users are praising Airtel and Glo for restoring airtime lending services, while MTN Nigeria continues to delay the return of its XtraTime service. The development follows the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission's (FCCPC) decision to suspend enforcement of its consumer lending regulations.
Background on Airtime Lending Restoration
Airtel and Globacom have resumed their airtime credit services after the FCCPC suspended the implementation of its Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON) 2025. The suspension complied with a Federal High Court order restraining enforcement of the regulations. Telecom operators have indicated that full restoration across all networks is imminent, with approximately 40 million Nigerians relying on airtime and data credit services, particularly prepaid and low-income subscribers.
Public Reactions on Social Media
Subscribers have taken to social media to compare operators and praise networks that have already resumed airtime advances. One Facebook user, Frank Rock, simply declared: "Airtel best." Another commenter, IB Bernard, wrote: "I loan 5k for Airtel now." These reactions surfaced following a Guardian Nigeria report on the continued absence of MTN Nigeria's XtraTime service.
FCCPC Suspension of DEON
The FCCPC's decision to suspend the DEON regulations was welcomed by the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON). Its Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, described the move as an important step toward restoring normalcy to a service relied upon by millions of Nigerians. Adebayo stated: "The regulatory environment is now clear, and we are confident that full restoration is imminent." He added: "The courts have spoken, the FCCPC has acted responsibly, and two of the four major operators have already restored services. There is no ambiguity left, and we expect every operator to act with the urgency their subscribers deserve."
MTN Yet to Restore XtraTime
Attention has shifted to MTN Nigeria, the country's largest telecom operator, which is yet to restore XtraTime despite the return of similar services on competing networks. MTN has maintained that it requires further legal clarity before resuming the offering. During the company's earnings call, MTN Nigeria's Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo, said the company would need either a court ruling setting aside the regulations or a clear directive instructing operators to reinstate the service. Okigbo explained: "In terms of what needs to happen for us to resume airtime advance service, there are essentially two conditions."
Industry Outlook
While industry players remain optimistic that a full restoration across all networks is near, reactions from subscribers suggest that the return of airtime lending services by rival operators is already shaping customer perceptions. Some subscribers are openly applauding networks that have moved first to restore access, while MTN faces growing pressure to follow suit.
