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April 17, 2026

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Airtel Nigeria Suspends Airtime, Data Borrowing Services Amid Regulatory Review

 

Airtel Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data borrowing services, a move that affects prepaid customers who rely on credit advances to stay connected.

The telecom operator disclosed on Friday that the decision is part of ongoing efforts to align its operations with evolving regulatory and operational requirements within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

In a statement, the company’s Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran, said the pause will not disrupt core services, assuring customers of continued access to regular airtime and data purchases through existing channels.

Despite the suspension of the credit feature, Airtel emphasized that network quality and overall service delivery remain unaffected.

Commenting on the development, Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, described the move as a necessary step to ensure compliance and maintain industry standards.

“This is a responsible decision as we align with evolving requirements. Airtel Nigeria remains committed to transparency, consumer protection, and responsible innovation within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” he said.

The company added that customers will be notified once there are updates regarding the reinstatement of the service.

The development comes amid increasing regulatory scrutiny of digital lending and credit-based telecom services, as operators adjust to stricter compliance frameworks in the country.

Business, News, Photo, Politics, Trending

Tinubu Signs ₦68.32tn 2026 Budget, Extends 2025 Spending Deadline

President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the ₦68.32 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill, marking a significant expansion of Nigeria’s fiscal framework as the government intensifies efforts to drive economic growth and infrastructure development.

The President also approved an extension of the 2025 budget implementation period from March 31 to June 30, 2026, to allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) complete ongoing capital projects.

Details of the new budget show ₦4.799 trillion allocated for statutory transfers, ₦15.8 trillion for debt servicing, and ₦15.4 trillion for recurrent expenditure. A substantial ₦32.2 trillion has been earmarked for capital expenditure, representing nearly half of the total budget.

According to the presidency, the budget reflects a strategic balance between meeting statutory obligations and investing in projects critical to economic productivity and national development.

“The allocations underscore the administration’s commitment to economic stability, infrastructure development, national security, and inclusive growth,” a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said.

The 2026 budget, which took effect on April 1, is aligned with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and focuses on consolidating macroeconomic stability, improving the investment climate, and promoting job creation.

President Tinubu directed MDAs to ensure disciplined and transparent use of funds, emphasizing value for money and timely project delivery.

He also commended the National Assembly for what he described as its “diligence and cooperation” in passing the budget, stressing the importance of sustained collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.

The extension of the 2025 budget, the presidency noted, is aimed at maximising the utilisation of allocated funds, particularly for infrastructure projects already at advanced stages.

Originally presented at ₦58.47 trillion in December 2025, the budget was revised upward during legislative review before receiving final approval.

Key sectoral allocations include ₦5.41 trillion for defence and security, ₦3.56 trillion for infrastructure, ₦3.52 trillion for education, and ₦2.48 trillion for healthcare.

The government says it will continue to pursue fiscal reforms, boost revenue generation, and prioritise investments that support economic growth, job creation, and social protection.

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