Relief as Court Stops MTN, Airtel from Disrupting Airtime, Data Credit Services Nationwide

The Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division, has granted an interim injunction restraining MTN Nigeria Communications and Airtel Networks Limited from suspending or interfering with Nairtime’s access to critical telecommunications platforms.

Nairtime Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of global AI-powered financial infrastructure group, Optasia, confirmed this in a statement. The company said the Order, issued in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/779/2026, prevents any disruption to essential infrastructure such as Short Codes, SMS, USSD, and billing services, following a directive issued by the FCCPC that left Nigerians without a safety net.
According to the statement, the ruling ensures that millions of Nigerian consumers, particularly those without access to traditional banking, can continue to access airtime and data on credit—services that have become increasingly vital for daily communication, work, education, and digital participation.
It added that the court’s intervention provides policy certainty and helps preserve continuity for users who depend on these services not just for connectivity, but also as a gateway to financial inclusion and digital identity in an increasingly connected economy.
The decision also reinforces the legitimacy of Nairtime’s operations, which are conducted under a valid Value-Added Service (VAS) licence issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Nairtime maintained that it has consistently complied with all regulatory requirements and contractual obligations. The company noted that the suspension linked to the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 risked disrupting services relied upon daily by ordinary Nigerians.
Speaking on the development, Chief Commercial Officer of Optasia, Ms. Uchenna Agbo, said the decision was ultimately about protecting underserved Nigerian consumers. She noted that it ensures uninterrupted access to essential digital services for millions of people who are often excluded from traditional financial systems.
She added that responsible use of such services can help users demonstrate reliability and improve their chances of accessing broader financial opportunities in the future. According to her, the platform enables responsible, data-driven lending that keeps people connected when they need it most, while expressing readiness to work with partners to fully restore services without delay.
Nairtime Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to consumer and data protection through strong governance frameworks and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
Agbo further stated that the system has been built to support inclusion at scale while maintaining strong risk controls for industry stability and economic impact. She emphasized that the ruling allows the company to continue delivering safe and reliable services that Nigerians depend on daily.
She concluded that the company remains focused on keeping the Nigerian consumer at the centre of innovation and will continue collaborating with regulators and partners, including MTN and Airtel, to promote a fair, transparent, and inclusive digital ecosystem that benefits all Nigerians.