MTN Nigeria has reinstated its airtime and data borrowing service after weeks of disruption, but with a significantly reduced credit ceiling. The telecom operator slashed the maximum borrowing limit from N10,000 to N5,000, halving the amount subscribers can access through the popular *303# code.
New borrowing conditions
In an exclusive statement to Legit.ng, MTN officials confirmed that the service is now active again using the same code. The company stated: "Please be informed that the service is back with the same code *303#. The maximum credit limit has been revised from NGN10,000 to NGN5,000."
Beyond the lower credit ceiling, MTN introduced a stricter repayment condition. Subscribers must fully repay any existing airtime or data loan before they can qualify for another advance. The company noted: "All outstanding balances must be cleared before accessing a new one." This rule aims to enforce responsible borrowing among users.
Why the service was suspended
The weeks-long disruption stemmed from a regulatory dispute between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The two agencies clashed over authority to regulate digital lending and value-added services offered by telecom operators.
The suspension drew sharp criticism from industry groups, which warned that millions of Nigerians—particularly low-income earners, traders, artisans, and small business owners—rely on airtime and data advances to stay connected for work, mobile banking, and emergencies.
Impact on subscribers and industry
MTN is the largest telecommunications network in Nigeria, with over 96 million subscribers, representing about 51.33% of the total mobile subscriber base. The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) estimated that the dispute between telcos and the FCCPC put at risk an industry valued at between N300 billion and N400 billion annually, while also raising concerns about investor confidence and regulatory certainty.
The Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) described the borrowing service as an essential financial lifeline for subscribers who have limited or no access to traditional credit facilities. With the service now restored, eligible MTN subscribers can dial *303# to access airtime or data advances, though under tighter conditions than before. Those who previously qualified for the full N10,000 credit will now find their borrowing capacity reduced by half.
Other operators follow suit
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Airtel and Globacom also restored their lending services following the suspension of controversial regulations by the FCCPC. Subscribers can now regain access to products such as Globacom's popular 'Borrow Me Credit' service and other airtime advance options that many Nigerians rely on during emergencies and temporary cash shortages.
