The resumption follows a six-week suspension that frozen a critical mobile value-added service (VAS) market used by millions of subscribers.

The service restoration comes after the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) issued a public notice suspending the enforcement of its controversial Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional (DEON) Consumer Lending Regulations 2025.

This regulatory backtrack was triggered by an interim injunction granted by the Federal High Court in Lagos, following a legal challenge spearheaded by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN).

The Roots of the Dispute: Overlapping Jurisdictions

The crisis began when the FCCPC expanded the interpretation of its DEON framework to classify deferred-payment telecom services, such as Globacom’s “Borrow Me Credit” and Airtel’s emergency credit advances, as conventional digital loans.

Under these rules, telecom operators and their technical partner platforms were classified as digital money lenders.

This expansion subjected them to aggressive credit-checking burdens, data privacy disclosures, and steep non-compliance penalties of up to ₦100 million or 1% of annual turnover.

The move faced immediate pushback from the telecom ecosystem. Telcos and value-added service providers argued that emergency airtime is an advance on services, not a cash loan product. They maintained that the sector is already strictly regulated under the statutory mandate of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In April, Dr. Aminu Maida, NCC executive vice chairman clarified the regulator’s stance, noting that airtime advances fall explicitly under telecom value-added services governed by the Nigerian Communications Act, rather than commercial consumer lending frameworks.

Current Network Status and Access Codes

While Airtel and Glo have fully reactivated their systems, market checks indicate that MTN Nigeria has not yet restored its airtime lending service, though industry insiders expect a resumption shortly as regulatory clearance is finalized.

Subscribers on the active networks can now access emergency credit lines using the harmonized USSD shortcodes previously mandated by the NCC:

• Airtel Nigeria: Dial *303#
• Globacom (Glo): Dial *303#

Why This Matters for the Digital Economy

The six-week freeze highlighted the growing challenge of regulatory overlap in Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital landscape, where fintech, telecommunications, and consumer commerce increasingly intersect.

For value-added service providers, the freeze threatened a multi-billion naira revenue stream. For the broader economy, the sudden withdrawal of micro-credit communication buffers directly impacted low-income subscribers relying on short-term credit lines during cash-flow shortages.

While the FCCPC has indicated its intent to legally challenge the interim court order, the current enforcement halt provides needed operational stability for telecom operators and immediate relief for millions of mobile consumers.

As the world observes the 2026 International Workers’ Day, Globacom acknowledged the indispensable role of labour as the unseen engine that keeps the machinery of national advancement in measured, purposeful motion.

Glo, in a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday, appreciated the role of labour in oiling Nigeria’s wheel of development and also affirmed their importance in the progress of the country.

The company urged employees across both public and private sectors to remain resolute in their pursuit of excellence, emphasizing that the collective discipline of the workforce is central to realizing Nigeria’s aspirations for sustainable growth and prosperity.

“We encourage all workers not to relent in their noble task of advancing the nation through conscientious service and professional dedication,” Glo affirmed in the statement.

The International Workers’ Day, commemorated annually on 1 May, celebrates the dignity of labour and the enduring significance of workers in shaping the fortunes of societies across the world.

This week, Globacom (Glo) captured that rhythm in two distinct cinematic stories, “Road Trip” and “Department of Imagination.”

The commercials aren’t just ads; they are mirrors. “Road Trip” leans into the heartbeat of Nigerian wanderlust, proving that a long journey is only as good as the signal that keeps the playlist running and the maps updated. It’s a love letter to the reliability of staying connected, even when the scenery changes.

Then, there is the “Department of Imagination.” This piece shifts the lens toward the future, inviting Nigerians to dream without boundaries. It suggests that Glo isn’t just providing data, it’s providing the canvas for innovation, where “limitless possibilities” aren’t just a slogan, but a lived reality for the next generation of digital creators.

Together, these films remind us that whether we are navigating a physical road or a mental breakthrough, we are never truly alone if the network holds.

In “Road Trip,” a relatable family adventure unfolds, filled with lighthearted moments and familiar challenges. When Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi encounters frustrating network issues, the contrast becomes evident after switching to Glo. Instantly, connectivity improves downloads speed up, navigation becomes effortless, and entertainment flows without interruption.

The ad subtly highlights the convenience of accessing data plans via *312#, reinforcing how easy it is to stay connected on the move. With appearances from Bolaji Ogunmola and other vibrant cast members, the story is brought to life with humor and energy, positioning Glo as a dependable companion for life’s journeys.

On the other hand, “Department of Imagination” transports viewers into a forward-looking world powered by innovation. Guided by Richard Mofe-Damijo in the role of “The Professor,” the commercial explores how ideas evolve into impactful digital experiences. From immersive gaming to enhanced culinary processes showcased by Hilda Baci, and a dynamic tech-inspired presence from Bamike Adenibuyan, each scene paints a picture of a smarter, more connected world enabled by Glo.

Together, the two campaigns capture both the simplicity of staying connected in everyday moments and the limitless potential of tomorrow.

With these releases, Glo reinforces its promise of dependable service while boldly embracing the future one where connectivity is effortless and possibilities are boundless.

A recent nPerf Barometer of mobile internet connections, covering data collected between January 1 and December 31, 2024, offers a detailed snapshot of how mobile connectivity is performing across the country and what it means for consumers, businesses, and investors.

Performance Leaders in Nigeria’s Mobile Internet

MTN establishes itself as leader of mobile Internet in Nigeria for 2025, according to the annual nPerf barometer.

This edition reveals strong competition between three major operators with differentiated service profiles across all performance indicators.

MTN leads the sector with 37 106 nPoints and dominates all measured indicators. With download bitrate of 18.7 Mbps and upload bitrate of 8.7 Mbps, the operator delivers the fastest speeds in the market.

Leader in browsing (35.8%) and video streaming (67.0%), it ensures a smooth experience for data-intensive applications.

ALSO READ: MTN | Airtel | Glo | 9mobile: Which Network Offered Best Mobile Internet Performance in 2024?

Airtel ranks second with 25 614 nPoints and achieves solid performances across key metrics.

Download bitrate reaches 10.6 Mbps and upload bitrate 4.7 Mbps, supporting reliable video calls and content sharing.

The operator demonstrates strong video streaming capabilities (62.5%, 2nd position), providing users with consistent content delivery.

Glo completes the podium with 20 475 nPoints and displays the best latency in the sector (121.8 ms).

The operator ranks second in browsing (29.9%), ensuring efficient web navigation for users.

Nigeria’s fourth operator, T2 (formerly 9mobile) is conspicuously missing in the recent nPerf Barometer of mobile internet connections for Nigeria. Find out why here.

“The Nigerian market demonstrates strong competition with three operators delivering increasingly capable networks for streaming and data-intensive applications”, declares Sébastien de Rosbo, chief executive officer of nPerf.

Market Context and Competitive Dynamics

While MTN held the performance crown in 2025, Airtel and Glo remain important competitive players.

Airtel delivered solid results in specific areas such as browsing and video performance, while Globacom showed steady improvements in overall connectivity metrics.

The nPerf Barometer’s methodology, which draws on millions of real-world tests performed by users across busy and idle hours, gives a statistically robust view of network quality throughout the year.

Telecom Growth and Technology Adoption

These insights arrive at a time when Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is experiencing significant technology shifts:

• 4G remains dominant, serving the bulk of mobile data traffic, while 5G adoption continues to grow, albeit from a low base. As of late 2024, 5G connections were expanding in urban centres like Lagos and Abuja, even though broader adoption is constrained by device and infrastructure costs.
• Broader connectivity trends indicate that mobile broadband accounts for the vast majority of active connections, highlighting how central mobile networks are to Nigeria’s digital participation.

Strategic Implications for Business and Investment

For businesses and investors, the nPerf Barometer results are more than just performance rankings, they highlight structural trends with economic implications:

Quality Drives Digital Adoption: Higher speeds, lower latency, and better streaming experiences are key to unlocking consumer and enterprise demand for services such as e-commerce, cloud computing, fintech applications, telemedicine, and remote work platforms.

Network Investment Signals Long-Term Value: Operators that prioritize infrastructure upgrades, particularly in 4G and 5G expansion, can capture more data traffic, command premium service offerings, and lead in customer retention.

Competitive Differentiation Attracts Capital: As telecoms evolve into platforms supporting broader digital ecosystems, performance leadership can become a driver of market share and investor confidence.

Digital Divide Opportunities: Persistent gaps in coverage or performance (especially outside major cities) signal opportunities for targeted investments in infrastructure sharing, regional network expansion, and digital inclusion initiatives.

Market Outlook

The Nigerian mobile internet market remains dynamic, with expanding user expectations and intensifying competition.

As digital services become more integral to economic activity, the quality of connectivity will be a defining factor in how quickly businesses can adapt, scale, and innovate.

The nPerf Barometer offers a valuable benchmark, one that captures not just speeds and scores, but the evolving realities of connectivity that are shaping Nigeria’s digital economy and investment landscape.

NCC Looking into Telecoms Competition:

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the sector’s chief regulator, has formally engaged global consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to conduct the first comprehensive, independent study of competition in the nation’s telecommunications industry in over a decade.

Mrs Omotayo Mohammed, head, Competition and Tariff at the NCC, in her opening remarks at recent Stakeholders’ Forum on the Study on the Level of Competition in the Nigerian Telecom Industry, noted that the telecom market has evolved significantly over the past years.

According to her, revenue models have shifted, investment patterns have changed, and new forms of market interaction have emerged.

“We are witnessing rapid technological change, evolving consumer expectations and usage patterns, rising investment costs, and heightened competitive pressures.

Concurrently, concerns around barriers to entry, market concentration, sustainability of smaller players, and quality of service continue to warrant careful consideration. These dynamics highlight the importance of continuous validation of competition policy assumptions against current market evidence,” she said.

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The prize-presentation ceremonies which were held across multiple cities the same day in the country featured winners from different categories – Jolly Life lottery, Jolly Wheel, Jolly Win, and Jolly Trivia.

Sixty-nine-year-old Sunday Efenure, a technician from Edo State, who got the ₦1 million top prize in the Jolly Wheel promo, said at the Lagos presentation ceremony at Gloworld, Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, that he was skeptical when he was first informed of his win.

“With the rate of scams in the country, I didn’t believe it. My wife told me to check, and I even asked my son to make verifications about it. When he confirmed it was real, I hurried down to Lagos. I am grateful to Glo for this life-changing reward,” he said with visible joy.

The second major prize of ₦500,000 went to Taiwo Oni, a 39-year-old Ibadan resident, who got lucky in the Jolly Life category in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. His twin brother, Kehinde, who accompanied him to the event, could not hold back his ecstasy “E chop am o! me sef don run go buy my own glo sim. I must win”, he quipped excitedly in pidgin.

From the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Esther Clifford got ₦500,000 in the Jolly Win segment. Said she, the prize was “a blessing that came at the right time.”

In the same vein, Christopher Onajobhe from Warri, Delta State, winner of ₦200,000 in the same reward scheme, noted that  Globacom had once again shown its commitment to making the lives of its subscribers better.

Likewise, Denem Usman Maji from Nasarawa and Godwin Udanna from Onitsha, Anambra State, won ₦100,000 each while Ijeoma Anogwa from Enugu, received ₦200,000. All three winners in these two categories said their prizes came at the nick of time.

At the presentation ceremony, Globacom’s Head of Value Added Services (VAS), Mr. Mojeed Aluko, reiterated the company’s dedication to rewarding loyalty. While congratulating the winners, Aluko   charged more Nigerians to participate in the Jolly promos Nigerians to participate in the Jolly promos by dialling *13199# on their Glo lines and following the menu prompt to join the list of winners.

Similarly, Tolulope Aminu, the representative of Tetragrammaton International, Globacom’s partner in the initiative, urged the winners to spread the news of their luck in order to encourage others to participate.

“These promotions are not only exciting but also life-changing, as today’s testimonies have shown,” she added.

The winners took turns to commend Globacom for its consistency in creating opportunities that enrich lives. They extended goodwill messages to the company, thanking it for the platform and wishing it greater success in the future.

Effective August 10, the new rates began applying to over 15 popular international destinations, including the United States which has moved to ₦30 per minute, down from ₦35, United Kingdom is now N350 from ₦400, while India also moved down to ₦40 from N45.

The rates for China, Saudi Arabia and Cameroon however recorded major reductions moving to ₦75, ₦300 and ₦700 respectively.

The reduction was also extended to African countries including Benin Republic which goes for ₦650 per minute, Niger Republic ₦750, Ghana ₦500, and Togo ₦650. United Arab Emirates also moved from ₦450 to ₦325, Germany to ₦550, Côte d’Ivoire ₦700, Libya ₦700, while calls to Malawi is now ₦1,100 from ₦1,200.

Glo aims to provide more value for its customers through these revised rates, encouraging them to make Glo their preferred network for international calls. New IDD bundles will also be introduced, offering frequent international callers even more attractive deals.

Globacom, which remained optimistic that frequent international callers will benefit immensely from the reductions in IDD bundles, enjoined customers to take advantage of the new rates to stay connected with friends and business associates across the globe.

Why? We’ve moved from basic browsing to Zoom calls, cloud workspaces, streaming platforms, and real-time trading apps, all of which burn data like kerosene.

Many users are now abandoning the traditional capped plans for “truly unlimited” bundles, especially in high-demand urban areas like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The telecom market is changing, and not all networks are keeping up.

So this week on Brand Comparison Thursday, we’ve gone beyond the advertising brochures to ask: Which Nigerian network actually provides the best data plans for browsing in 2025 – daily, weekly, and monthly? We looked beyond price, tested network speed, data efficiency, hidden terms, and feedback.

The Important Metrics?

Before diving into the numbers, let’s set the ground rules. These are the metrics we used to compare the networks:

• Price per GB – not the sticker price, but how much data you actually get per naira.
• Network quality – including download speed consistency, and downtime.
• Plan flexibility – ease of subscription, rollover options, app/USSD availability.
• Hidden terms – like night-only data, throttling, or social-only bundles.
• User reviews – social media complaints, Reddit feedback, Nairaland experiences.

The Networks

• MTN Nigeria – widely rated the fastest and most stable in 2025
• Airtel Nigeria – strong in streaming and urban coverage, usually second to MTN
• Glo Nigeria – known for bulk bundles but inconsistent speeds
• 9mobile – smallest footprint, frequent network downtime and unpopular packages in 2025

Daily Data Bundles (Up to 24‑Hour Validity)

Verdict: Airtel offers the best price-to-volume for light users, especially with occasional 2-day validity. 9mobile offers moderate flexibility thanks to the social bonus. Glo gives raw volume but suffers inconsistent speeds. MTN is costlier but most reliable in transit and load times. 

MTN and Airtel are ideal if you need quick streaming access. Glo? Only if you’re patient.

Weekly Data Bundles

Fine Print:

• MTN/Airtel don’t always rollover unless renewed before expiry.
• Glo’s data is usable full day.
• 9mobile plan only via a specific code (*312#).

Verdict: So, which offers the best data plans? Glo is unbeatable for basic value. Airtel’s bonuses give it more utility. MTN offers consistent reliability. 9mobile is limited both in volume and flexibility.

Monthly Bundles (30 Days)

Verdict: Glo wins on sheer GB count, but if your priority is function (streaming, cloud work, video calls), Airtel and MTN still give better user experience. 9mobile here offers no clear advantage.

Performance by Location

User Convenience & App Access

Network	App Quality	USSD Code	Rollover Support
MTN		*312#	Yes—early renewal rollover available
Airtel		*312#	Yes
Glo		*312#	Partial—some bundles rollover
9mobile		*312#	Rollover, but app and support weak

Data Efficiency in Practice

Conclusion: MTN transfers more content with less data thanks to fast loading and efficient compression. Airtel follows closely. Glo and 9mobile burn more data due to slow retransmissions under load.

Final Verdict: Best Data Plans by Use Case

Editor’s Take

If you only look at how much data a network gives you, you’ll probably think Glo is better. But if you factor in how usable that data is, how fast it loads, whether it works during rainstorms, and if you can stream without rage-quitting, MTN and Airtel are at the top.

For 2025, when considering the best plans, note that data isn’t about quantity anymore, but quality and reliability. Nigeria’s mobile users know this, which is why we’re seeing a shift away from deceptive big-number plans to actual browsing experience.

We’ve tested all four networks over the past month. Glo gave more data, MTN gave peace of mind.

The telecoms giant is executing these strategic enhancements in response to growing demand and recent tariff adjustments, ensuring customers continue to receive exceptional value.

Widespread Network Expansion

At the heart of Glo’s upgrade is the deployment of hundreds of new 4G LTE base stations across key cities and underserved communities. This aggressive expansion aims to boost signal strength, reduce call drops, and enhance data speed for millions of users.

The network densification also focuses on strengthening coverage in high-density population areas, an essential move to ensure consistent performance as demand surges.

Fibre Re-Routing to Protect Connectivity

In response to disruptions caused by nationwide road construction, Glo is relocating its fibre infrastructure along strategic routes such as:

• Auchi–Okene
• Benin–Ekpoma
• Lafia–Akwanga
• Minna–Abuja
• Funtua–Gusau

This massive investment not only restores disrupted services but fortifies the backbone of Glo’s network against future interruptions.

“We decided, at a huge cost, to relocate the fibres, many of which were vandalized during uncoordinated road construction, to bring best-in-class services to our customers,” Glo disclosed.

Scaling with Sustainability

Globacom is also prioritizing environmentally friendly solutions, including the expansion of hybrid power systems and increased reliance on battery-powered sites, steps aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of its growing infrastructure.

Tackling Infrastructure Sabotage

Despite being designated as critical national infrastructure, Glo continues to battle acts of vandalism targeting its equipment. The company has called for stronger protective regulations to secure telecom assets vital to national development.

What’s Next?

Glo has pledged to:

• Add over 1,000 new sites by 2026
• Extend fibre coverage to more hub sites
• Deepen 4G LTE penetration nationwide
• Deliver faster data, better voice clarity, and broader access

With this multi-billion naira investment, Glo is reinforcing its commitment to being Nigeria’s most customer-centric network, bridging digital gaps, powering businesses, and enriching lives across the country.

The service suspension stemmed from NIMC’s migration to NINAuth, a more secure digital identity platform for verifying National Identity Numbers (NINs) during SIM registration and related services.

By the weekend of July 21–22, 2025, MTN and Airtel confirmed service restoration via social media, assuring users that NIMC’s portal was back online. Glo and 9mobile are expected to follow suit shortly.

The restoration brings relief to millions affected by the outage, especially users needing SIM replacements or new lines. It also highlights the growing importance of seamless digital ID integration in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

With services stabilizing, telcos are urging customers facing residual issues to visit their nearest service centers.

The episode underscores the need for stronger coordination among regulators and operators to avoid future service disruptions during system upgrades.

The promotion, which runs from June 19th to August 8th, 2025, offers Nigerians the chance to win amazing prizes when they purchase Glo airtime and data via the PalmPay app.

According to a joint statement by PalmPay and Glo,

“A weekly live raffle draw will be held and streamed on PalmPay’s official social media channels throughout the campaign. Customers who make Glo transactions through the PalmPay app will be eligible to win prizes, including the iPhone 15 Pro, Infinix Hot 40, and other exciting items”.

To participate, interested customers can visit here.

The statement added that all transaction above N500 gives participants an extra shot at winning, adding that daily social media challenges will also offer participants a chance to win cash prizes. Additionally, PalmPay users can enjoy up to 6% cashback when they buy Glo airtime and data through the PalmPay app. As an added bonus, customers who have not subscribed to a Glo data plan in the last 90 days will receive a 100% bonus on their recharge during the campaign period.

Wayne Ruppel, head of Billers at PalmPay Limited, expressed excitent about the partnership, stating that,

“This collaboration is a major step in our mission to deliver MORE – more support, more rewards, and more innovation to our customers. Partnering with Glo, a leader in the telecommunications sector, is a testament to our shared commitment to improving everyday experiences for all Nigerians. We are excited to reward our users and encourage everyone to take full advantage of this exciting opportunity.

Globacom also expressed delight at creating additional value for its subscribers through unique customer-appreciation schemes.

“Our partnership with PalmPay on the “Recharge and Win Bonanza perfectly underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional value and experiences. Over the years, we have always sought innovative ways to enrich the lives of our customers. We, therefore, enjoin our subscribers to utilize the opportunity provided by the bonanza and enjoy the many benefits it offers”, the company stated.

PalmPay and Glo will collaborate throughout the campaign period to deliver exceptional customer experience, reward loyalty, and reinforce their shared mission to make digital transactions more accessible, rewarding, and secure for millions of Nigerians.