MTN Nigeria has suspended its airtime and data lending service, Xtratime, following new lending rules introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The telecom company announced the temporary suspension in a corporate filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Thursday. The service, known as Xtratime, allows eligible prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.
MTN said the suspension relates to the implementation of the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025. The new regulations introduce a compliance and licensing framework for companies offering digital consumer credit services.
Under the guidelines, all digital lenders in the country must register with the FCCPC. This requirement includes telecom operators that provide airtime and data credit services.
The commission had initially set a registration deadline of October 31, 2025, with a penalty of N100 million for non-compliance. The deadline was later extended to January 5, 2026, and then to April 2026 to allow operators to complete the process. MTN's suspension took effect on April 12, 2026.
MTN said customers can still buy airtime and data through other digital channels, including banking apps and USSD platforms. The company told investors it does not expect the suspension to have a material impact on its earnings. "Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact," the company said in its filing.
The company is monitoring customer behaviour and usage trends during the suspension. It said it will provide updates on any measurable impact in its first quarter 2026 financial results.
The FCCPC regulation builds on earlier guidelines issued in 2022 to strengthen oversight of Nigeria's digital lending space. The new framework requires lenders to clearly disclose loan terms and conditions before transactions are completed. Loan agreements must be communicated in plain language so consumers understand their obligations.
The suspension has affected millions of Nigerians who rely on airtime and data borrowing. The service has been widely used by prepaid subscribers, particularly those facing short-term financial constraints. Some users have reported receiving messages that the service is “currently unavailable” when trying to access it.