MTN Suspends Xtratime Service Over New FCCPC Lending Rules
MTN Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its popular airtime and data loan service, Xtratime, following new regulatory directives from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The company said the move is aimed at complying with updated rules governing digital lending in Nigeria.
Under the FCCPC’s 2025 regulations, services like Xtratime are now classified as digital credit offerings. This requires telecom operators to obtain appropriate licences and meet stricter standards on transparency, consumer protection, and responsible lending practices before continuing such services.
MTN explained that the suspension is temporary and part of efforts to fully align with the new compliance framework. It assured subscribers that while borrowing services are currently unavailable, normal airtime and data purchases remain unaffected through existing channels.
The development is expected to strengthen oversight in Nigeria’s growing digital credit sector, although it may cause short-term inconvenience for users who depend on airtime advances. MTN says the service will be restored once all regulatory requirements have been met.
