Airtel Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit services in compliance with new regulatory requirements governing digital lending in the country.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday and signed by the company’s Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adesina.

The firm said the affected services, which previously enabled eligible prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge, would be put on hold pending alignment with the new rules.

Airtel’s decision comes barely 24 hours after MTN Nigeria Communications Plc announced a similar suspension, citing the need to comply with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

The new framework introduces stricter compliance and licensing conditions for firms offering digital or alternative consumer credit services, a category that now covers airtime and data advance products.

Despite the suspension, Airtel assured subscribers of uninterrupted access to regular airtime and data purchases through its existing channels, adding that the move would not significantly impact overall service delivery.

Speaking on the development, the company’s Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, said the decision was necessary to ensure full regulatory compliance.

“This is a necessary and responsible step as we align our operations with evolving requirements. Airtel Nigeria remains committed to the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and consumer protection, while continuing to innovate responsibly within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” he said.