MTN Nigeria has suspended its Xtratime airtime and data credit service following new compliance requirements issued by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

The decision, disclosed in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange, aligns with the commission’s updated Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (2025), which place stricter licensing and oversight requirements on digital credit providers.

Xtratime, which allows subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge, falls under the expanded definition of digital lending introduced by the new framework.

While the service has been paused, MTN confirmed that customers can still access airtime and data through other channels and stated that the suspension is not expected to materially affect earnings. The company also noted it will monitor customer behavior and provide updates in its Q1 2026 results.

The regulatory tightening builds on earlier FCCPC guidelines first introduced in 2022 and later expanded in 2025 to include telecom operators and short-term credit services.

Operators were required to register under the framework or face penalties, with non-compliance fines reportedly reaching ₦100 million.

FCCPC leadership, including CEO Tunji Bello, has warned that enforcement actions will follow missed deadlines, signaling a tougher stance on digital credit governance in Nigeria’s fast-evolving telecom-fintech space.