MTN Nigeria has temporarily suspended its airtime and data advance service, known as Xtratime, following new regulatory requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The telecom operator disclosed the development in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Thursday, stating that the suspension was necessary to comply with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
Xtratime allows prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data instantly and repay on their next recharge cycle. MTN said the service falls under the scope of the new rules, which introduce stricter licensing and compliance obligations for providers of digital credit services.
In a statement signed by the company secretary, Uto Ukpanah, MTN confirmed the suspension of the service pending full regulatory compliance.
“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 company explained that the move is tied 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.”
Despite the suspension, MTN assured customers that other airtime and data purchase channels remain fully operational and said the decision is not expected to significantly affect its earnings.
“Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” the company added, noting that it is monitoring customer behaviour and will provide updates in its Q1 2026 results.
The FCCPC’s updated 2025 framework expands oversight of digital lending to include telecom operators and other providers of short-term consumer credit. Under the new rules, affected companies are required to obtain proper registration and approval to continue offering such services.
While a broader digital lending framework was first introduced in 2022, the 2025 update strengthens enforcement and widens its scope, with transitional compliance deadlines set through April 2026.
The tighter regulation reflects growing government concern over consumer debt exposure, data privacy, and lending practices within Nigeria’s expanding digital credit ecosystem.
