Telecom subscribers across Nigeria have voiced frustration following the sudden suspension of airtime borrowing services, a move linked to a directive from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) that rendered the popular *303# short code inactive on major networks.
The service, which enables users to borrow airtime and repay on their next recharge, has long served as an emergency credit option—especially for low-income earners.
Its abrupt disruption has sparked widespread complaints on social media, with many describing the development as a setback to their daily communication needs.
Reports indicate the suspension did not originate solely from telecom operators but followed regulatory instructions tied to compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON) 2025.
A letter dated April 2, 2026, reportedly directed operators to halt services associated with the lending framework, stressing that telecom companies must only work with FCCPC-approved service providers.
The commission also warned of enforcement actions and penalties for non-compliance.
For many subscribers, the outage has created unexpected communication challenges, as the airtime credit facility remains a crucial fallback during emergencies and periods of financial constraint.
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