MTN Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data advance service, Xtratime, in response to new regulatory requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The development was disclosed in a filing submitted to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday. According to the company, the decision is part of efforts to comply with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
Xtratime, a service widely used by prepaid subscribers, allows customers to access airtime or data on credit and repay the amount upon their next recharge. However, under the new framework, such offerings are now classified within the broader scope of digital credit services, which are subject to stricter regulatory oversight.
In the disclosure signed by Company Secretary Uto Ukpanah, MTN explained that the service falls under the newly expanded regulatory regime, which mandates additional licensing and compliance processes for providers.
“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.
It further clarified that the suspension is linked to ongoing adjustments required under the updated rules.
“It added that the suspension relates 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 reassured customers that alternative channels for purchasing airtime and data remain available. The company also noted that the suspension is unlikely to significantly affect its financial performance.
“Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” the company said, adding that it continues to monitor customer usage trends and will provide further updates in its first-quarter 2026 results.
The FCCPC’s revised 2025 regulations extend oversight to telecom operators and other providers offering short-term credit solutions. Under the framework, affected companies are required to register and secure regulatory approval to continue operations.
While a digital lending framework had previously been introduced in 2022, the updated regulations impose stricter compliance standards, reflecting increasing concerns around consumer protection, data privacy, and lending practices in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital credit market.
Transitional deadlines have been outlined, with full compliance and registration expected by April 2026.
