This decision follows an ex parte application from Nairtime Holdings Limited and its subsidiary, which argued that the telecom giants intended to suspend their access to telecommunications platforms based on new regulatory directives. The court emphasized that telecom operators must maintain agreed contractual notice periods while complying with regulations.

Key details of the case:

• The court delivered its ruling in Abuja following claims by Nairtime that MTN and Airtel intended to suspend their services.
• The injunction was necessary due to suspensions initiated in mid-April 2026 as part of compliance with new digital lending regulations.
• The FCCPC introduced these regulations in July 2025, not banning airtime credit services but asserting that suspensions were commercial decisions.
• The airtime lending market is substantial, estimated between N300 billion and N400 billion annually according to industry associations.

The FCCPC clarified its position, stating that it did not impose a ban on these services. Instead, it claimed that any suspensions were choices made by the telecom operators themselves. This is significant because it highlights the tension between regulatory compliance and commercial decisions within the telecommunications industry.

Yet, uncertainties remain regarding how this ruling will affect future regulatory actions and compliance strategies for these companies. The next steps in this legal battle are eagerly anticipated, especially as they may set precedents for digital lending regulations in Nigeria.

Сообщение Nigeria airtime credit service injunction: What does the court ruling mean? появились сначала на naijanewsreporters.