A Federal High Court order has ensured continued access to airtime and data credit services for millions of Nigerians, particularly those excluded from traditional banking services. The ruling, which came on April 24, 2026, follows a dispute between Nairtime Nigeria Ltd. and telecom giants MTN Nigeria and Airtel, over the suspension of essential services.
Nairtime, a subsidiary of the AI-powered financial infrastructure company Optasia, confirmed that the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, granted an interim injunction in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/779/2026, preventing MTN and Airtel from interrupting or interfering with their access to vital telecommunications platforms.
The court ruling ensured that Nigerians could continue to access airtime and data credits on credit, which had become a critical tool for communication, work, education, and financial inclusion. This decision followed a directive from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which had ordered the suspension of such services, leaving millions of consumers at risk.
Nairtime’s statement emphasized that this ruling was crucial for the continuity of services, particularly for individuals in underserved communities who rely on digital credit to maintain connectivity and financial access. These services have become gateways to economic opportunities, digital identity, and financial inclusion for many Nigerians.
Ms. Uchenna Agbo, Chief Commercial Officer of Optasia and CEO of Nairtime Nigeria Ltd, remarked, “This decision is about protecting underserved Nigerian consumers and ensuring they maintain uninterrupted access to essential services. Our platform enables responsible, data-driven lending, helping people stay connected when they need it most.”
The court’s intervention also confirmed the legitimacy of Nairtime’s operations, which are conducted under a valid Value-Added Service (VAS) licence issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Nairtime stated that it has complied with all regulatory and contractual obligations.
The ruling comes after the suspension of airtime and data credit services by MTN’s XtraTime and Airtel’s data credit offerings, which were halted in mid-April due to compliance issues with new regulations from the FCCPC. The FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending (DEON) Regulations of 2025 extended oversight to include airtime and data credit services. However, the FCCPC clarified that the suspensions were a commercial decision by the telecom operators, not a direct result of the regulation.
Optasia, a company founded in Nigeria 14 years ago and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 2025, has partnered with 50 distribution partners and 17 financial institutions to provide credit decisions powered by artificial intelligence. These partnerships enable access to financial services for millions of underserved customers across Africa.
