MTN Nigeria has temporarily suspended its airtime and data credit service, Xtratime, following new regulatory requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The telecoms operator disclosed the development in a corporate filing to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Thursday, stating that the decision was driven by compliance obligations under the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
The regulations introduce a new licensing and compliance framework for companies offering digital and non-traditional consumer credit services in Nigeria, bringing services such as airtime lending under formal oversight.
Xtratime allows prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on subsequent recharges, making it one of MTN’s most widely used value-added services.
In the disclosure signed by Company Secretary Uto Ukpanah, MTN said the service has been paused to allow for alignment with the new regulatory framework. The company, however, noted that customers can still access other channels for purchasing airtime and data.
MTN also said the suspension is not expected to materially affect its revenue, adding that it is monitoring usage trends and will update investors in its first quarter 2026 results.
