MTN Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its popular airtime and data lending service, Xtratime, following new regulatory requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The telecom giant disclosed the development in a corporate filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Thursday, citing the need to comply with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
According to the company, the new framework introduces stricter compliance and licensing requirements for all providers of digital credit services, including telecom operators offering airtime and data advances.
Xtratime, a widely used service among prepaid subscribers, allows customers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.
However, MTN stated that the service has been paused while it aligns its operations with the updated regulatory framework.
In the filing signed by Company Secretary Uto Ukpanah, MTN assured customers that the suspension is temporary and that alternative channels for purchasing airtime and data remain fully operational.
The company also downplayed any potential financial impact, noting that the service does not represent a significant portion of its overall revenue.
“Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” MTN said.
The FCCPC regulation builds on earlier guidelines issued in 2022 to strengthen oversight of Nigeria’s fast-growing digital lending space.
Under the updated rules, all digital lenders are required to register with the commission and meet specific compliance standards.
The commission had initially set an October 31, 2025 deadline for registration, later extending it to January 5, 2026, and then to April 2026 to allow operators complete the process.
Non-compliant entities risk penalties of up to ₦100 million and further regulatory sanctions.
FCCPC Chief Executive Officer Tunji Bello had earlier warned that enforcement actions would be taken against operators that fail to regularise their status within the stipulated timeline.
MTN said it will continue to monitor customer behaviour during the suspension period and provide updates in its Q1 2026 financial results.
