MTN Nigeria has suspended its XtraTime airtime loan service in response to new lending regulations affecting telecom operators.

The company said the pause is temporary while it aligns the product with updated regulatory requirements for digital credit services. XtraTime allows subscribers to borrow airtime and repay on their next recharge, but recent guidelines have introduced stricter compliance standards for lending and customer data management.

MTN assured customers that existing loans remain valid and will continue to be recovered through normal recharge deductions. It added that work is underway to relaunch the service once all regulatory conditions are met.

The suspension affects millions of subscribers who rely on XtraTime for emergency calls and data. MTN advised users to explore alternative recharge options pending further updates.