MTN Nigeria has suspended its airtime and data advance service, Xtratime, in response to new regulatory guidelines introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
The telecom operator disclosed this in a notice filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday, stating that the move was necessary to comply with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
Xtratime allows prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay upon their next recharge.
In the disclosure signed by its Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, the firm explained that the service falls within the scope of the new rules, which mandate additional licensing and compliance requirements for digital credit providers.
“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,” the statement read.
The company added that the decision was linked to the implementation of processes required under the new regulatory framework governing digital lending services.
Despite the suspension, MTN assured subscribers that other channels for purchasing airtime and data remained available, adding that the development would not significantly impact its financial performance.
“Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” the company said.
The firm also noted that it would continue to monitor customer usage patterns and provide updates in its first quarter 2026 financial results.
The 2025 regulations by the FCCPC broaden oversight of digital lending activities to include telecommunications operators and other providers of short-term credit services.
Under the framework, operators offering airtime and data advances are required to obtain approval and fully comply with licensing conditions before continuing such services.
The stricter rules are part of efforts by regulators to address concerns around consumer protection, data privacy and lending practices within Nigeria’s growing digital credit ecosystem.
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