MTN Nigeria has temporarily suspended its popular Xtratime airtime and data credit service to comply with new digital lending regulations, affecting millions of subscribers across the country.
The telecom giant disclosed the development in a corporate filing to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Thursday, citing the need to align with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
The Xtratime service, widely used by customers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge, has become a financial fallback for many Nigerians, especially during cash shortages.
According to the company secretary, Uto Ukpanah, the suspension is temporary and tied to ongoing compliance processes under the new regulatory framework governing digital credit services.
The regulation introduces stricter licensing requirements and oversight for companies offering non-traditional consumer lending products.
Despite concerns about the disruption, MTN reassured customers that alternative recharge options remain available, including banking apps and USSD channels.
The company also moved to calm investor fears, stating that the suspension is unlikely to significantly impact its overall revenue performance.
MTN said it is monitoring customer usage patterns and will provide further updates, including any measurable financial impact, in its Q1 2026 results.
The move comes amid increased scrutiny of Nigeria’s digital lending space by regulators seeking to strengthen consumer protection and enforce transparency.
The new rules, backed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (2018), were formalised in July 2025, with full compliance required by January 2026.
