THUR APRIL 16 2026-theGBJournal| MTN Nigeria Communications PLC (MTNN) has announced temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit service, Xtratime, notifying the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the investing public that the move is part of efforts to comply with new regulatory requirements governing digital consumer lending in Nigeria.
The regulatory requirements 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.
What this means is that, all calls, texts, and data usage must now be funded beforehand. You’ll need to recharge or buy a data bundle through normal channels like bank apps, USSD, or mobile wallets.
MTNN said, in the interim, customers continue to have access to alternative digital channels for airtime and data purchases.
”Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” MTNN said but did not clear the exact return date.
Analysts note that once compliant, the service may return—possibly with updated terms.
”We are closely monitoring customer behaviour and usage trends and will provide an update on any quantified impact in our Q1 2026 results,” MTNN adds.
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