MTN Nigeria has suspended its airtime and data advance service, Xtratime, following new regulatory requirements issued by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
In a filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday, the telecom giant said the decision was taken to ensure 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.
According to a statement signed by company secretary Uto Ukpanah, the service falls under the scope of the new framework, which introduces stricter licensing and compliance requirements for providers of digital credit services.
“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 company stated.
It added that the suspension is tied to ongoing compliance processes under the new regulations, which now require operators offering digital or non-traditional consumer credit services to register and obtain approval.
Despite the suspension, MTN assured customers that alternative channels for purchasing airtime and data remain available and said the move is not expected to have a material impact on earnings.
The company noted that it is monitoring customer behaviour and will provide updates in its first-quarter 2026 results.
The FCCPC’s updated framework expands regulatory oversight of digital lending, bringing telecom operators and other short-term credit providers under its supervision amid rising concerns over consumer debt, data protection, and lending practices.
Transitional compliance is ongoing, with full registration expected by April 2026.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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