In a landmark ruling for digital inclusion, the Federal High Court of Nigeria has intervened to prevent a massive disruption of essential mobile services for millions of underserved citizens.
Nairtime Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the global AI-powered financial infrastructure group Optasia, confirmed today that the court has granted an interim injunction restraining MTN Nigeria Communications PLC and Airtel Networks Limited from suspending or interfering with Nairtime’s access to critical telecommunications platforms.
The court order (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/779/2026), issued on April 24, 2026, serves as a protective shield for the vital infrastructure that powers daily life in Nigeria. It prevents any disruption to Short Codes & USSD services, SMS & Billing systems and Airtime and Data-on-credit facilities
The intervention follows a directive from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) that threatened to disconnect these services, potentially leaving millions of Nigerians without a digital safety net.
For many Nigerians, particularly those outside the traditional banking system, Nairtime’s platform is more than just a convenience; it is a gateway to the modern economy. The service allows users to access airtime and data on credit, enabling them to work, study, and stay connected even when cash flow is tight.
Ms. Uchenna Agbo, CEO of Nairtime Nigeria and Chief Commercial Officer of Optasia, emphasized that the court’s decision is a victory for the consumer.
“This decision is ultimately about protecting underserved Nigerian consumers. Over time, using these services responsibly helps users prove their reliability, opening doors to larger financial opportunities in the future. We look forward to working with our partners to restore full service value to Nigerian consumers without further delay,” Agbo stated.
The ruling reinforces the legitimacy of Nairtime’s operations, which are conducted under a valid Value-Added Service (VAS) license issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Despite recent regulatory shifts regarding “Non-Traditional Consumer Lending,” Nairtime maintains that it has consistently met all contractual and regulatory obligations. The company leverages proprietary AI to make credit decisions in under one second, using alternative data to provide credit to those who have never held a formal bank account.
Founded in Nigeria 14 years ago, Optasia (Nairtime’s parent company) has grown into a global leader in financial infrastructure, recently listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in late 2025.
Today, the group partners with 50 distribution networks and 17 financial institutions worldwide. While its current focus remains on ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for Nigerians, the company is expanding into SME and Merchant Finance, Telco “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) schemes and Revolving credit lines for underserved markets.
Nairtime reaffirmed its commitment to the Federal Government’s consumer protection objectives, pledging to maintain constructive engagement with both regulators and its partners at MTN and Airtel. The goal remains a “fair, transparent, and inclusive digital ecosystem” that ensures no Nigerian is left behind in the country’s rapid digital transformation.