A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued an interim injunction restraining MTN Nigeria and Airtel Networks Limited from suspending or interfering with airtime and data credit services provided by Nairtime Nigeria Limited.
The order, granted in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/779/2026, prevents any disruption to key telecommunications infrastructure, including short codes, SMS, USSD, and billing systems, which are essential to the delivery of credit-based airtime and data services.
Nairtime Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of global financial infrastructure firm Optasia, confirmed the development in a statement, noting that the court’s decision safeguards millions of Nigerians who rely on such services for communication, work, education, and access to digital platforms.
The dispute followed a regulatory directive linked to the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025, which had threatened to halt the services, potentially leaving many users—particularly those without access to conventional banking—without a viable alternative.
According to the company, the court’s intervention ensures continuity of service and provides policy clarity, while reinforcing the legality of its operations under a valid Value-Added Service (VAS) licence issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Reacting to the ruling, Chief Commercial Officer of Optasia, Uchenna Agbo, described the decision as a major win for financial inclusion and consumer protection.
“This decision is ultimately about protecting underserved Nigerian consumers. It ensures uninterrupted access to essential digital services for millions who depend on them daily,” she said.
Agbo added that the platform enables responsible, data-driven lending that supports users in maintaining connectivity while also building financial credibility for future opportunities.
Nairtime Nigeria also reiterated its commitment to data protection and responsible innovation, stating that its systems are designed to promote inclusion while maintaining strict risk controls.
The company expressed readiness to collaborate with regulators and telecom partners to restore and sustain full service delivery, emphasizing the need for a fair, transparent, and inclusive digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
