Telecommunications company MTN Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data loan service, known as Xtratime, following new regulations introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
In a statement, the company said the move became necessary to comply with provisions of the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, which classify airtime and data loan services as digital credit.
The new regulations require all companies offering such services to obtain additional licenses and meet stricter regulatory conditions before continuing operations.
Despite the suspension, MTN Nigeria reassured its customers that other methods of purchasing airtime and data remain fully available, emphasizing that the decision is not expected to significantly impact the company’s revenue.
This development comes at a time when authorities are intensifying oversight of digital lending activities in Nigeria, particularly regarding consumer protection, credit systems, and data privacy.
