Some Nigerians on Tuesday urged the newly approved firms taking over airtime and data lending services from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to be transparent, flexible, and user-friendly.
The subscribers, who spoke with reporters in separate interviews in Lagos, expressed cautious optimism that the change could improve service delivery if properly regulated.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) recently approved five firms to provide digital airtime and data lending services. This followed new regulatory requirements that led major operators like MTN and Airtel to suspend their own borrowing services, such as MTN Xtratime.
The approved firms as of April 2026 are: Total TIM Nigeria Limited, Rane Interactive Medien CLS Limited, Mode NG Applications Nigeria Limited, Cloud Interactive Associate Limited, and Coverage Broadband Limited.
The move complies with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025. The Commission stated that it did not ban airtime or data lending but introduced the regulations to address consumer complaints over opaque charges and poor disclosure practices.
An undergraduate who simply identified himself as Hakim said: “For me, it’s about flexibility. Let the firms give us more time to repay. Life is unpredictable, and strict repayment deadlines don’t help struggling users.”
Zainab, a secondary school teacher, said: “I hope the new firms will educate users. Many people don’t understand how airtime loans work. Proper awareness will help people avoid falling into unnecessary debt.”
Kemi, a Lagos-based undergraduate, said: “If they can integrate with apps we already use, like banking or mobile wallets, it will be much easier. Convenience matters a lot to my generation.”
Musa Abdullahi, a civil servant, appealed: “Don’t turn this into another debt trap. Keep interest rates low and avoid aggressive deductions that leave people stranded.”
Tunde Ajayi, a Lagos-based Uber rider, also called for flexible repayment structures, noting that rigid deadlines often worsen financial strain for low-income earners.
Student Nwankwo Favor emphasised the need for smaller loan options. “Not everyone needs big data bundles. Even ₦100 or ₦200 data loans should be available without stress,” she said.
Another civil servant, Musa Abdullahi, warned against exploitative practices and urged regulators to ensure interest rates remain fair and consumer-friendly.
He noted that while the transition could bring innovation, failure to address past challenges may erode public confidence.
He added that micro-credit services in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector are very important, as digital access is increasingly tied to economic participation.
