Questions have arisen over claims that N3 trillion leaves Nigeria yearly through airtime credit and data advances. Industry estimates place the market size at N300 billion to N400 billion annually. The debate occurs alongside a legal challenge to the DEON Regulations 2025.
Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, stated that the airtime credit market serves as an informal credit mechanism for millions of Nigerians. He described it as worth between N300 billion and N400 billion annually and warned that regulatory disputes threaten this lifeline. Analysts have questioned how a market of this size could support annual profit repatriation figures of N3 trillion. One analyst said that figures of such magnitude entering public discourse require disclosure of the underlying methodology for transparency in policy decisions. The Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria has filed Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026 at the Federal High Court in Lagos. The court issued interim orders restraining enforcement of key aspects of the DEON Regulations 2025. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission stated it was not involved in certain claims and confirmed that implementation of the regulations remains suspended.
