By Sunday Ehigiator
Millions of telecom subscribers across Nigeria have been left stranded following the sudden suspension of airtime and data borrowing services, a move that has triggered widespread backlash and highlighted the dependence of low-income users on the popular *303# shortcode.
The disruption, which has persisted for several days, has drawn heavy criticism on social media, with many users describing it as a major setback—especially for those who rely on borrowed airtime for urgent communication.
Investigations reveal that the suspension was not initiated by telecom operators but stemmed from a regulatory directive issued by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
In a letter dated April 2, 2026, the Commission instructed a telecom operator to immediately halt services tied to the Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending (DEON) Regulations 2025. The directive cited non-compliance with provisions requiring operators to engage only FCCPC-approved service providers.
The FCCPC warned that failure to comply would attract sanctions, including penalties under existing laws, and required operators to submit written assurances of compliance by mid-April.
Industry sources say the directive effectively compelled telecom companies to suspend airtime credit services—including the widely used *303# platform—to avoid regulatory penalties.
The move has drawn criticism from consumers and stakeholders, who argue that the action disproportionately affects vulnerable Nigerians who depend on the service as a financial buffer in times of need.
Concerns have also been raised over regulatory overlap, as the directive did not originate from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the primary regulator of the telecommunications sector. Analysts warn that such overlaps could create policy inconsistencies and uncertainty within the industry.
In a legal development, the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) secured an interim injunction against the FCCPC at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
In Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026, Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa restrained the Commission from enforcing the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations pending the determination of the substantive suit. The court order bars the FCCPC and its representatives from implementing the regulations until the case is resolved.
Despite the court’s intervention, airtime borrowing services remain suspended as of press time, leaving millions of subscribers uncertain about when access will be restored.
Stakeholders are now calling for urgent regulatory clarity and better coordination among government agencies to prevent further disruptions, as pressure mounts on authorities to reinstate the service and address growing consumer concerns.
Source: ThisDay Newspaper
