Airtel Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit services, which previously allowed eligible prepaid customers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge. The decision is part of ongoing adjustments to align its operations with evolving regulatory and operational requirements in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

In a similar move, MTN Nigeria has suspended its airtime and data advance service known as Xtratime. This suspension is to enable compliance with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

The FCCPC's regulations require additional licensing and compliance procedures for providers of digital credit services. A letter dated April 2, 2026, reportedly ordered operators to halt services linked to the lending framework, citing requirements that telecom companies only engage FCCPC-approved service providers. The commission also warned of enforcement actions and penalties for non-compliance.

Subscribers have expressed significant frustration over the suspension of these services, which are widely used as an emergency credit option, particularly by low-income earners. The disruption has been described as disruptive to daily communication needs and a financial relief mechanism for many.

Despite the suspension, both Airtel and MTN assured customers that they will continue to have uninterrupted access to standard airtime and data purchases through existing channels. The telecom operators also stated that the decision is not expected to materially affect service standards or earnings.

The FCCPC's 2025 regulations expand oversight of digital lending to include telecom operators and other providers of short-term credit services. Transitional compliance deadlines have been set, with full registration expected by April 2026. The tightening of rules reflects growing concerns over consumer debt, data privacy, and lending practices in Nigeria’s expanding digital credit sector.