Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Telecom Subscribers Borrow ₦4.6trn Airtime in 2025 Amid Rising Cost of Connectivity
Optasia report shows Africa accounts for 94% of global airtime credit, as fintech sector faces regulatory review
Optasia report shows Africa accounts for 94% of global airtime credit, as fintech sector faces regulatory review
Millions of mobile phone users in Lagos and across Nigeria borrowed a record ₦4.61 trillion in airtime credit in 2025, according to new figures from fintech company Optasia. The company’s latest financial report, released on Monday, revealed that demand for telecom-based lending surged throughout the year as living costs continued to rise and access to traditional banking remained limited for many Nigerians.
The data showed that customers across emerging markets borrowed $3.18 billion (₦4.61trn) in airtime on credit, with Africa accounting for more than 94 percent of the total amount. According to Optasia, the value of airtime credit issued through telecom operators increased by 12.3 percent compared to $2.83 billion (₦4.38trn) recorded in 2024. Lagos remains one of the largest urban markets driving this demand, alongside other major cities across Africa.
Experts say the figures highlight how millions of Nigerians are increasingly depending on small-value digital loans—popularly known as nano-loans—to stay connected and manage daily expenses. “Airtime credit services represent service fees charged on airtime credit amounting to $3,176.34m (2024: $2,829.2m) granted to subscribers of the telecom operators during the year,” Optasia stated in its financial summary.
The report also revealed that nano-loan transactions more than doubled within the year, reaching $2.30 billion globally in 2025 from $967.9 million in 2024. Africa accounted for $1.41 billion (61 percent) of these loans, while Europe and Asia contributed $888.9 million combined. Optasia explained that its technology platform enables telecom operators and financial institutions to assess customer eligibility for these credits through behavioural analysis and automated scoring systems.
While this rapid growth has boosted revenue—Optasia’s earnings jumped by 75 percent to $265 million in 2025—the company faces regulatory uncertainty as authorities consider opening Nigeria’s airtime lending sector further to local fintech firms. The National Communications Commission (NCC) is expected to release new guidelines later this year to increase competition and consumer protection within the sector.
With profit after tax rising to $43 million and total assets more than doubling, industry analysts believe the trend will continue as economic pressures persist and more Nigerians seek quick digital solutions for essential services like mobile connectivity.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals in Ndokwa West
One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road
One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two individuals suspected of vandalising electric cables in Ndokwa West Local Government Area on Tuesday, 25 June. The suspects were apprehended around 10:30pm along the Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road following a joint operation involving officers from Kwale Police Station and members of the local vigilante group.
According to a statement issued by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the security team acted swiftly on credible intelligence that some persons were removing and stealing electric cables in the area. Upon sighting law enforcement, the suspects attempted to flee the scene, resulting in one of them sustaining injuries during the pursuit. The injured suspect is currently receiving medical attention, while the other is in police custody.
Cable vandalism has become a significant concern in Delta State and across Nigeria, often leading to prolonged power outages and financial losses for communities. The state government has repeatedly called for increased vigilance by residents and closer collaboration with security agencies to combat such crimes.
SP Edafe stated that investigations are ongoing to determine if other individuals are involved in the syndicate. “We urge members of the public to continue providing timely information that can help us protect public infrastructure,” Edafe said in Thursday’s press release.
The police command assured residents that efforts will be intensified to prevent further incidents of cable theft in Ndokwa West and neighbouring communities. Authorities also reminded residents that anyone found engaging in vandalism or aiding such activities would face prosecution according to Nigerian law.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/delta-police-arrest-two-suspected-cable-vandals/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Trump Claims US Military Strikes in Borno Prevented Mass Killing of Christians by ISWAP
Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response
Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response
Former United States President Donald Trump has stated that military strikes authorised by his administration in Borno State helped prevent the mass killing of Christians by militants linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Trump made this assertion on Friday during an event held in Washington, where he defended his decision to target terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East region.
According to Trump, the US military operations significantly reduced attacks on Christian communities in Borno and neighbouring states, which had been facing repeated assaults from ISWAP fighters. He said, “As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations. They have a great Christian population. They were being butchered—thousands and thousands of people were being killed, children, women, old people, just being slaughtered, hacked to death.”
Trump added that the American intervention sent a strong warning to the militants responsible for these attacks. He claimed the strikes discouraged further violence against religious minorities in the region. The former president did not provide specific details regarding the timing or scale of the US operations referenced.
The Nigerian government and security agencies are yet to release any official statement confirming the reported strikes or commenting on Trump’s claims as at press time. In previous years, Borno State and other parts of North-East Nigeria have witnessed repeated attacks targeting both Muslim and Christian communities by various armed groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram.
Security analysts say international military cooperation is often conducted discreetly and that foreign involvement in counter-insurgency operations can carry both diplomatic and security implications for Nigeria. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding Trump’s statements.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Laid to Rest in Modakeke, Osun State
Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football
Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football
Adegboye Onigbinde, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, was buried on Saturday in Modakeke, Osun State. The burial ceremony drew family members, friends, and football stakeholders who came together to pay their last respects to the veteran tactician.
Onigbinde’s funeral was held at his hometown of Modakeke, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected football coaches. Attendees described him as a disciplinarian and a mentor whose contribution to Nigerian football development spanned decades. Many local residents and members of the football community gathered to honour his memory.
Onigbinde rose to national prominence when he managed the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He is credited with nurturing young talent and promoting professionalism in Nigerian football. His death is considered a significant loss by many in the sports fraternity, particularly those from Osun State and across the South-West geopolitical zone.
Though details of official statements were not available at press time, tributes have continued to pour in from fans and former players who worked with Onigbinde during his long career. They praised his dedication and commitment to raising the profile of Nigerian football on the world stage.
As Nigerians reflect on Onigbinde’s enduring legacy, sports analysts note that his impact will continue through coaches and players he mentored over the years. The Nigerian Football Federation is expected to organise further commemorative events in honour of his service.
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