MTN Nigeria has temporarily suspended its airtime and data loan service, Xtratime, following the introduction of new regulatory guidelines by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The company disclosed this in a notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited, explaining that the move is aimed at ensuring compliance with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
Xtratime allows prepaid customers to borrow airtime or data and repay upon their next recharge. However, under the updated rules, such services are now classified as digital credit offerings and must meet stricter licensing and regulatory requirements.
In a statement signed by Company Secretary Uto Ukpanah, MTN confirmed that the suspension is temporary and part of efforts to align its operations with the new compliance framework.
Despite pausing the service, the telecom provider assured customers that other methods of purchasing airtime and data remain available. It also noted that the suspension is unlikely to significantly impact its overall revenue, given the relatively small contribution of Xtratime to its earnings.
The FCCPC’s updated regulations broaden oversight of digital lending to include telecom operators and other providers of short-term credit services. Companies offering such services are now required to register and obtain approval to continue operations.
The revised framework builds on earlier rules introduced in 2022 but introduces stricter compliance measures, with full registration expected by April 2026.
The regulatory changes come amid increasing concerns over consumer protection, including issues related to debt management, data privacy, and lending practices within Nigeria’s growing digital credit ecosystem.
- MTN
- MTN