MTN Nigeria has temporarily suspended its airtime and data advance 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 suspension is necessary to comply with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
Xtratime, a popular service among prepaid users, allows subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay upon their next recharge. However, under the new regulatory framework, such services are now classified as digital lending, requiring providers to obtain additional licensing and meet stricter compliance standards.
In a statement signed by Company Secretary Uto Ukpanah, MTN said the decision was part of efforts to align with the updated rules governing digital credit services in Nigeria.
Despite the suspension, the company assured customers that other channels for purchasing airtime and data remain fully operational. It also noted that the move is not expected to significantly impact its revenue, given the relatively small contribution of Xtratime to its overall earnings.
The FCCPC’s 2025 regulations broaden oversight of digital lending to include telecom operators and other providers of short-term credit, reflecting rising concerns about consumer debt, data protection, and lending practices in the country.
Companies offering such services are required to register and obtain regulatory approval before continuing operations, with full compliance expected by April 2026.
MTN added that it is closely monitoring customer behavior and will provide further updates in its first-quarter 2026 financial results.
