The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has urged an urgent resolution to the ongoing regulatory dispute affecting Nigeria’s airtime credit market, warning that the disruption—estimated at up to ₦400 billion—poses serious risks to consumers, investors, and the country’s regulatory credibility.
Speaking on Tuesday, ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo said the issue goes beyond a disagreement between agencies and reflects a broader concern about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s business and regulatory systems. He noted that despite existing court orders and valid operating licences, businesses are still being affected, emphasizing the need for all stakeholders, including regulators, telecom operators, and the Federal Government, to act swiftly.
The crisis stems from overlapping authority claims between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). While interim court injunctions in Lagos and Abuja restrained interference in the operations of licensed Value Added Service providers—such as Nairtime Nigeria Limited and members of the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPA)—airtime credit services have nonetheless been disrupted, raising concerns about regulatory coordination.
ALTON maintains that oversight of Value Added Services clearly falls under the NCC, as outlined in the Nigerian Communications Act. The association had previously raised concerns in August 2025, warning that conflicting FCCPC regulations could create legal uncertainty and disrupt the market.
Adebayo stressed that the implications extend beyond telecom operators. Airtime credit serves as an informal financial lifeline for millions of Nigerians, especially small business owners and individuals without access to formal banking. Its disruption directly affects their ability to manage short-term financial needs.
He also warned that investor confidence could be undermined, as regulatory uncertainty and inconsistent enforcement of rules make the market less attractive for long-term investment in digital infrastructure.
ALTON has called on both the FCCPC and NCC to urgently resolve their jurisdictional differences, ensure compliance with court rulings, and restore stability to the market. The association also expressed its willingness to work with regulators and government authorities toward a constructive resolution
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