The MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has temporarily suspended its airtime and data lending service, “Xtratime”, following new regulations introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The MTN said in its corporate filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Thursday that the suspension was necessitated by the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, which established a new compliance and licensing framework for providers of digital credit services.
According to the Company Secretary of MTN. Uto Ukpanah, the the Xtratime service enables eligible prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.
“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’).
“This relates to the implementation of processes under the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
”The implementation introduced a new compliance and licensing framework for entities providing digital or non-traditional consumer credit services,” the company said.
The company assured its customers that other digital channels for purchasing airtime and data would remain available during the suspension and that the temporary halt was not expected to significantly impact its earnings.
“Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” it stated.
The company added that it would continue to monitor customer behaviour and provide updates on any measurable impact in its first quarter 2026 results.
The FCCPC regulation requires all digital lenders, including telecom operators offering airtime or data credit services to register with the commission.
GIK/APA