MTN Nigeria has temporarily suspended its Xtratime airtime and data advance service as it moves to comply with new regulations governing digital lending in the country.
The development was disclosed in a corporate filing submitted to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Thursday, April 16, 2026, following the expiration of a compliance deadline set by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
According to the company, the suspension is linked to the implementation of the Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional (DEON) Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
Under the new framework, telecom operators offering credit services, such as airtime or data advances—are now classified as digital lenders. This requires them to obtain appropriate licensing and comply with stricter consumer protection standards.
The regulations also mandate that credit must be user-initiated, prohibit unsolicited lending, and enforce transparency in pricing, alongside fair and ethical debt recovery practices.
Xtratime has been widely used by subscribers as a quick way to access airtime in emergencies, with repayment deducted on the next recharge. Despite the suspension, MTN assured customers that alternative channels for purchasing airtime and data remain available, including banking apps, USSD services, and retail outlets.
The telecom operator stated that the temporary halt is not expected to significantly affect its earnings, noting that the service represents a relatively small portion of its overall revenue.
The company added that further updates would be provided in its first-quarter 2026 financial results.
The move comes amid a broader enforcement drive by the FCCPC to regulate Nigeria’s digital lending space and curb exploitative practices.
Industry analysts say other telecom providers may also review or suspend similar credit services as they adjust to the new regulatory requirements.
The FCCPC has warned that non-compliance could attract penalties, including fines and other sanctions, as it intensifies oversight of digital and non-traditional lending platforms in Nigeria.