MTN Nigeria has temporarily suspended its airtime and data borrowing service, Xtratime, following new regulatory requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The telecom giant disclosed the development in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday, stating that the move is aimed at ensuring compliance with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
Xtratime allows prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge. However, MTN said the service now falls within the scope of the new regulations, which impose stricter licensing and compliance obligations on providers of digital credit services.
In the disclosure signed by its Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, the company confirmed that the suspension is temporary and part of efforts to align with the new regulatory framework.
“MTN Nigeria Communications PLC hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public that the company has temporarily suspended its airtime and data credit advance service (‘Xtratime’),” the statement read.
The telecom firm explained that the updated rules require additional processes, including registration and approval, for companies offering non-traditional consumer credit services such as airtime and data advances.
Despite the suspension, MTN assured customers that alternative channels for purchasing airtime and data remain available. It also noted that the decision is not expected to significantly impact its earnings.
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“Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” the company stated, adding that it will continue to monitor customer usage patterns and provide updates in its first quarter 2026 results.
The FCCPC had initially introduced a regulatory framework for digital lending in 2022 but expanded its scope in 2025 to include telecom operators and other providers of short-term credit services.
Under the revised rules, affected companies are required to obtain proper licensing, with full compliance expected by April 2026.
The tighter regulations reflect growing concerns over consumer protection, rising digital debt, and data privacy within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding credit ecosystem.