Subscribers fume as FCCPC directive grounds airtime borrowing services

In what has become a trending story, nigerian telecom subscribers have expressed frustration over the suspension of airtime borrowing services following a directive from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, which has led to the unavailability of the popular *303# short code across major networks.

The service, which allows users to borrow airtime and repay on subsequent recharge, has been widely used as an emergency credit option, particularly by low-income earners. Its sudden disruption has triggered complaints across social media, with many subscribers describing the suspension as disruptive to daily communication needs.

as disclosed by reports, the suspension was not initiated by telecom operators alone but followed regulatory instructions from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. The directive reportedly stemmed from concerns over compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON) 2025.

A letter dated April 2, 2026, was noted to have ordered operators to halt services linked to the lending framework, citing requirements that telecom companies only engage FCCPC-approved service providers.

The commission also warned of enforcement actions and penalties for non-compliance.

The disruption has left many subscribers stranded, with users saying the airtime credit service plays a critical role in emergencies and daily communication.

As reported by the Nigerian Tribune on Friday, one user, Segun Olabode, described the service as a financial relief mechanism, saying it helped him manage limited resources more effectively.

“The effectiveness of the borrowing plan is indescribable and relieving. To think of stopping it is more than suicidal,” he noted.

In Port Harcourt, trader Alice Obiateru also expressed frustration, questioning why the service was suspended and describing it as a “lifesaver” that many depend on for urgent communication needs.

A bureau de change operator in Abuja, Nasiru Mohammed, added that communication is essential for business operations and noted the suspension has created avoidable difficulties for users who rely on instant airtime access.

He enjoined regulators to allow telecom operators to maintain the service, arguing that consumers were not actively opposing the arrangement.

Despite the intervention of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which granted an interim injunction restraining the FCCPC from enforcing aspects of the DEON Regulations in a suit filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria, the airtime borrowing service remains suspended.

As a result, millions of subscribers continue to experience uncertainty over when the popular airtime credit service will be restored across mobile networks.