MTN, Airtel Suspends Airtime And Data Borrowing

MTN and Airtel networks have suspended airtime and data borrowing.

NewsRain Nigeria reports that Telecommunications operators, MTN and Airtel, have temporarily suspended their airtime and data lending services known as “Extratime”, citing the new regulation released by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) as the reason.

The company disclosed this in a corporate disclosure to the NGX released on Thursday.

MTN and Airtel explained that the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, introduced a fresh compliance and licensing framework for companies offering digital or non-traditional consumer credit services in Nigeria.

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In the disclosure signed by its Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, MTN noted Xtratime allows eligible subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge, making it one of the widely used value-added services among prepaid users.

“MTN Nigeria Communications PLC (MTN Nigeria or the Company) 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, which introduced a new compliance and licensing framework for entities providing digital or non-traditional consumer credit services,” the company stated.

MTN said customers will continue to have access to other digital channels for purchasing airtime and data while the service remains suspended.

Also, 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.

MTN assured investors that the temporary halt is not expected to significantly affect earnings.

Airtel Nigeria also 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.

Recall that, building on its Limited Interim Regulatory/Registration Framework and Guidelines for Digital Lending, 2022, the FCCPC last year introduced the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

Under the guidelines, all digital lenders in the country are expected to register with the FCCPC. This also includes airtime or dental lenders, which brings MTN and other telecom operators offering the services under a new set of regulations.

Operators provisionally designated as eligible under transitional arrangements were recently given a new deadline of April 2026 to complete their registration under the DEON Regulations.

“This window is provided to enable affected operators to take steps towards compliance. Operators that choose not to regularise their status within this period may be subject to further regulatory measures, as provided under the law,” FCCPC CEO, Tunji Bello had said.

Also, note that 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.