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MTN Nigeria has suspended Xtratime, the service many Nigerians use to borrow airtime or data when they run out of balance and repay later after their next recharge.
The move means MTN subscribers who normally depend on Xtratime for urgent calls, texts or internet access will no longer be able to borrow airtime or data through the platform until the service is restored.
The telecom company announced the development in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday, explaining that the suspension is because of new rules introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission under its Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
According to MTN, Xtratime is now classified as a digital credit service under the new regulation, meaning the company must complete fresh licensing and compliance requirements before it can continue offering it.
In the statement signed by its company secretary, Uto Ukpanah, MTN said the temporary suspension is part of steps being taken to comply with the new regulatory framework.
For many Nigerians, Xtratime is more than just a telecom feature. It has become a quick rescue option when airtime finishes unexpectedly and there is no immediate cash or recharge available. From making urgent phone calls to buying emergency data bundles, millions of prepaid users rely on it as a backup.
Although the borrowing service has been paused, MTN said subscribers can still buy airtime and data normally through recharge cards, banking apps, USSD codes, MoMo wallets and other available channels.
The company also assured investors that the suspension is not expected to significantly affect its earnings, noting that Xtratime makes up only a small portion of its overall revenue.
The FCCPC’s updated 2025 rules have widened oversight of digital lending in Nigeria to include telecom operators and other providers of short-term credit services. Under the framework, companies offering airtime and data advances must register and obtain regulatory approval before continuing operations.
The stricter rules are part of broader efforts to address concerns around consumer debt, data privacy and lending practices in Nigeria’s growing digital credit market, with full compliance expected by April 2026.
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