MTN, Airtel suspends airtime, data borrowing services

The telecom operator disclosed the decision in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday, saying the suspension was to enable compliance with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

The service allows prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.

In the disclosure signed by its company secretary, Uto Ukpanah, MTN said Xtratime falls under the scope of the new regulations, which require additional licensing and compliance procedures for providers of digital credit services.

“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 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 suspension, MTN said customers would continue to access other channels for purchasing airtime and data and stressed that the decision is not expected to materially affect earnings.

“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 was monitoring customer behaviour and usage patterns and would provide updates in its first quarter 2026 results.

The FCCPC’s 2025 regulations expand oversight of digital lending to include telecom operators and other providers of short-term credit services.

Under the framework, companies offering airtime and data advances are required to register and obtain approval to continue operations.

The commission had earlier introduced a regulatory framework for digital lending in 2022, but expanded its scope with stricter rules in 2025.

Transitional compliance deadlines have been set, with full registration expected by April 2026.

The tightening of rules reflects growing concerns over consumer debt, data privacy and lending practices in Nigeria’s expanding digital credit sector.

In another development, Airtel Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit services, which previously allowed eligible prepaid customers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.

In a statement on Friday, the Director, Corporate Communications & CSR Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, said the decision is part of ongoing adjustments to align its operations with evolving regulatory and operational requirements in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

Despite the suspension, Airtel Nigeria assured customers that they will continue to have uninterrupted access to standard airtime and data purchases through existing channels.

According to the company, the pause in the credit service is not expected to affect overall service quality or network performance across the country.

Commenting on the development, Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, described the move as necessary and responsible.

“This is a necessary and responsible step as we align our operations with evolving requirements. Airtel Nigeria remains committed to the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and consumer protection, while continuing to innovate responsibly within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” he said.

The telecom operator added that updates on the status of the suspended service will be communicated to customers in due course.

The development comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny of digital lending and credit-based services in Nigeria’s telecom sector, as operators adjust to new compliance expectations.