MTN, Airtel suspend airtime borrowing *303# service nationwide effective today

MTN Nigeria and Airtel have temporarily suspended their airtime and data borrowing services, including the popular *303# code, effective immediately to comply with new Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) rules introduced in July 2025. The regulator cited growing customer complaints about hidden charges, unclear deductions, and aggressive recovery tactics in digital lending products like airtime advances.

This removal of an instant fallback affects millions of Nigerians who relied on borrowing airtime for urgent calls, texts, or joining Zoom calls when cash was low—particularly during financial tight spots. MTN Nigeria reported ₦191.3 billion ($142.5 million) in fintech revenue in 2025, with a significant portion tied to these value-added services, while Airtel's similar service contributed to its $113 million other revenue bucket in nine months.

The suspension is temporary; both operators say services will return only after meeting FCCPC requirements, which include obtaining proper licenses, disclosing pricing models transparently, and adhering to consumer protection standards. For now, users must purchase airtime through normal channels without the borrowing convenience, requiring better planning for airtime needs, especially during emergencies.

Will you adjust your airtime purchasing habits to avoid running out unexpectedly, or seek alternative urgent communication methods like WhatsApp calls when data is available?

SOURCE: https://techcabal.com/2026/04/20/techcabal-daily-uber-orders-a-delivery-hero/