MTN Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its popular airtime and data borrowing service, Xtratime, citing new regulatory requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The telecom giant disclosed the decision in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday, noting that the move is aimed at ensuring compliance with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
Xtratime, widely used by prepaid subscribers, allows customers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.
Confirming the development, the company stated: “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, signed by Company Secretary Uto Ukpanah, explained that the service now falls under the FCCPC’s expanded regulatory framework governing digital lending.
“The suspension relates to the implementation of processes under the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, which introduced a new compliance and licensing framework for entities providing digital or non-traditional consumer credit services,” the company added.
Despite the disruption, MTN assured subscribers that other channels for purchasing airtime and data remain fully operational, while also downplaying the financial implications of the move.
“Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” the company said, adding that it is monitoring customer behaviour and will provide updates in its first-quarter 2026 results.
The FCCPC’s updated regulations significantly expand oversight of Nigeria’s fast-growing digital lending space, bringing telecom operators and other providers of short-term credit services under stricter scrutiny.
Under the framework, companies offering such services are now required to obtain fresh licensing and meet enhanced compliance standards before continuing operations.
The Commission first introduced a regulatory framework for digital lending in 2022 but expanded it in 2025 amid growing concerns over consumer debt, data privacy, and lending practices.
With a compliance deadline set for April 2026, industry players are expected to align with the new rules or risk sanctions, signaling a new phase in the regulation of Nigeria’s digital credit market.
