By Chinenye Anuforo
Nigeria’s two major telecommunications operators, MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, have announced the temporary suspension of their airtime and data credit services as they move to comply with new regulatory requirements governing digital lending in the country.
MTN Nigeria disclosed the development in a corporate notice filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), stating that its Xtratime service — which allows subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge — has been paused to align with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
The notice, signed by Company Secretary Uto Ukpanah, explained that the new framework introduces stricter compliance and licensing requirements for organisations offering 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 stated.
“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.”
Similarly, Airtel Nigeria announced the suspension of its airtime and data credit services, which also enabled eligible prepaid customers to borrow and repay on subsequent recharges. Airtel said the decision is part of efforts to align its operations with evolving regulatory requirements, while maintaining high standards of compliance and consumer protection.
Despite the suspension, both telecom operators assured customers of uninterrupted access to airtime and data purchases through alternative channels, including banking apps, USSD platforms, and other existing recharge options. They also moved to calm investor concerns, noting that the temporary halt is not expected to materially impact earnings or overall service delivery.
MTN stated that given the scale of the service within its revenue mix, the suspension would not significantly affect its financial performance, adding that it is monitoring customer behaviour and will provide updates in its Q1 2026 results.
The development comes amid intensified regulatory oversight of Nigeria’s digital lending space by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), aimed at strengthening consumer protection and ensuring financial system stability.
The regulations, which took effect on 21 July 2025, were issued under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, establishing a comprehensive framework covering registration, transparency, and ethical loan recovery practices. The Commission had earlier set 5 January 2026 as the deadline for full compliance by all digital lenders.
Industry analysts said the move by MTN and Airtel highlights the growing impact of regulatory reforms on telecom-led financial services, especially as operators deepen their expansion into fintech offerings.
While the suspension may temporarily affect user convenience, it signals a broader shift towards a more structured, transparent, and compliant digital lending ecosystem in Nigeria.
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