Two of Nigeria’s leading telecommunications companies, Airtel Nigeria and MTN Nigeria, have suspended their airtime and data borrowing services, citing regulatory changes and compliance requirements.
Airtel Nigeria, in a statement issued on Friday by its Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran, announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit services. The offering previously allowed eligible prepaid customers to borrow and repay on their next recharge.
The company explained that the decision is part of ongoing adjustments to align with evolving regulatory and operational requirements in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
Despite the suspension, Airtel assured subscribers that regular airtime and data purchases remain unaffected and accessible through existing channels, adding that overall service quality and network performance will not be impacted.
Airtel’s Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, described the move as “necessary and responsible,” emphasizing the company’s commitment to compliance, transparency, and consumer protection while continuing to innovate within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Customers were also notified via SMS: “Airtime and Data loans (Extra credit) is currently unavailable. Enjoy 10% cashback when you recharge via Smartcash.”
Similarly, MTN Nigeria announced the suspension of its airtime and data lending service, popularly known as “Xtratime,” linking the move to new regulatory requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The disclosure was made in a corporate filing signed by Company Secretary Uto Ukpanah and submitted to the Nigerian Exchange Limited.
According to MTN, the suspension is tied to the implementation of the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, which introduce stricter compliance and licensing conditions for providers of digital credit services.
The company noted that while the Xtratime service has been widely used by prepaid subscribers, alternative channels for airtime and data purchases remain fully operational.
MTN also reassured investors that the temporary suspension is not expected to significantly affect its earnings, noting that the service represents a relatively small portion of its overall revenue mix.
The telecom giant added that it is closely monitoring customer behaviour and usage trends and will provide updates, including any measurable impact, in its Q1 2026 results.
The FCCPC’s updated digital lending regulations require all providers of digital credit services—including telecom operators offering airtime advances—to register with the commission.
Operators have reportedly been given until April 2026 to comply with the new framework or risk regulatory sanctions.
