• MTN Nigeria has temporarily suspended its Xtratime airtime and data borrowing service
• The decision follows the new FCCPC regulations on digital and non-traditional lending
• MTN says the suspension is needed to complete licensing and compliance processes

MTN Nigeria has temporarily suspended its Xtratime airtime and data advance service following new consumer lending regulations introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

The telecom company announced the move in a filing submitted to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday, April 16, explaining that the suspension is 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 and repay the amount when they next recharge their lines.

According to MTN, the service now falls under the FCCPC’s expanded regulatory framework for digital lending, which requires operators to complete additional licensing and compliance procedures.

“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 said.

The company further explained that the decision is connected 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 temporary halt, MTN assured subscribers that other airtime and data purchase options remain available.

The telecom giant also noted that the suspension is not expected to significantly affect its revenue.

“Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” the company said.

MTN added that it is closely monitoring customer behaviour and service usage and will provide further updates in its first-quarter 2026 financial results.

The FCCPC’s updated 2025 regulations broaden oversight of digital lending services to include telecom firms and other businesses that provide short-term credit.

Under the new rules, companies offering services such as airtime and data advances must register and obtain regulatory approval before continuing operations.

The commission first introduced a framework for digital lending in 2022, but expanded it in 2025 with stricter compliance measures and wider coverage.

The full registration deadline for affected companies is expected to take effect in April 2026.

The tougher rules come amid increasing concerns over debt recovery practices, consumer protection and data privacy within Nigeria’s growing digital lending market.

Tariff Adjustments: MTN Nigeria’s service revenue increases by 35.6%

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the service revenue of MTN Nigeria increased by 35.6 per cent in March following telecommunications tariff adjustments implemented in February 2025.

According to a report by the MTN Group office in South Africa, further growth was expected in the revenue of MTN Nigeria for the rest of 2025 following the tariff adjustments.

MTN Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ralph Mupita, expressed optimism about the growth of the company in 2025 and beyond, saying the recorded increase in revenue was achieved despite challenges including currency depreciation in Nigeria.