MTN and Airtel Pause Airtime Lending Amid New Regulatory Rules

Two of Nigeria’s leading telecom operators have paused their airtime and data lending services. MTN’s Xtratime and a similar offering from Airtel are now unavailable to prepaid users. Both telcos say the halt is a compliance measure under the new Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission now classifies airtime advances as consumer credit, requiring licensing, clear disclosures, data protection, and pricing transparency. Airtime lending has long been a key revenue source for telcos and a digital safety net for millions of Nigerians. Operators have until January 2026 to align with the rules. The industry is watching how the service will return under full financial regulation.

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