Airtel, MTN Suspend Airtime, Data Borrowing Services

Two of Nigeria’s major 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, which previously allowed eligible prepaid customers to borrow and repay on their next recharge.

The company said the move 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 they would continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to regular airtime and data purchases through existing channels, adding that the development would not affect overall service quality or network performance.

Commenting on the decision, Airtel’s Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, described the move as “necessary and responsible.”

“This is a necessary and responsible step as we align our operations with evolving requirements. Airtel Nigeria remains committed to the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and consumer protection, while continuing to innovate responsibly within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” he said.

In a message sent to customers and seen by SaharaReporters, the company stated: “Latest Update! Dear Customer, Airtime and Data loans (Extra credit) is currently unavailable. Enjoy 10% CASHBACK when you recharge via SMARTCASH. Pay with Smartcash now!”

Similarly, MTN Nigeria announced the suspension of its airtime and data lending service, popularly known as “Xtratime,” linking the decision to new regulatory requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

The company disclosed this in a corporate filing signed by its Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, and presented to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday.

According to MTN, the suspension is connected to the implementation of the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, which introduced stricter compliance and licensing conditions for companies offering digital credit services.

“MTN Nigeria Communications Plc hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public that the Company has temporarily suspended its airtime and data credit advance service (Xtratime),” the statement read.

“This relates to the implementation of processes under the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, which introduced a new compliance and licensing framework for entities providing digital or non-traditional consumer credit services.”

The company explained that the service allowed eligible subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay later, making it one of its widely used value-added offerings among prepaid users.

MTN, however, reassured customers that alternative digital channels for purchasing airtime and data remain available during the suspension.

It also sought to calm investors, noting that the temporary halt is not expected to significantly impact its earnings.

“Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” the company stated.

The telecom giant added that it is monitoring customer behaviour and usage trends and will provide further updates, including any measurable impact, in its first quarter 2026 results.

The FCCPC’s updated Digital Lending Regulations, introduced in 2025 as a follow-up to its 2022 interim framework, require all digital lenders, including telecom operators offering airtime credit, to register with the commission.

Operators have reportedly been given until April 2026 to comply with the new rules or face potential regulatory sanctions.