MTN Nigeria has temporarily stopped its airtime and data loan service, Xtratime, in response to fresh regulations introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The telecom firm announced the development in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange on Thursday, stating that the decision is aimed at complying with the FCCPC’s 2025 guidelines on digital and non-traditional lending.
Xtratime enables prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay during their next recharge. However, the new rules now classify such offerings as digital credit services, requiring operators to secure additional licences and adhere to stricter regulatory standards.
According to MTN, the suspension is temporary and part of steps to meet the new compliance requirements. Subscribers can still buy airtime and data through other available options.
The company added that halting Xtratime is not expected to have a major impact on its revenue.
The updated FCCPC framework expands oversight of digital lending to include telecom operators and other short-term credit providers. Under the new rules, affected businesses must register and obtain approval to continue offering such services, with full compliance expected by April 2026.
The tougher measures come amid growing concerns over consumer debt, data privacy, and lending practices within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital credit sector.