Nigeria’s leading telecom operator, MTN Nigeria, has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data borrowing services following new regulatory requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The company secretary, Uto Ukpanah, made this known on Thursday during a session at the Nigerian Exchange Limited.
According to MTN, the decision is tied to the enforcement of the Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025, which establishes a stricter compliance and licensing framework for providers of digital credit services.
The telecom firm explained that the new rules require all operators offering non-traditional lending services—including airtime credit—to register with the FCCPC and adhere to updated regulatory standards.
Despite the suspension, MTN reassured subscribers that other digital channels for purchasing airtime and data remain fully operational. The company also noted that the pause in borrowing services is not expected to significantly affect its revenue.
The FCCPC had earlier expanded its regulatory oversight of digital lending, building on interim guidelines introduced in 2022, with the rollout of the 2025 regulations aimed at strengthening consumer protection and industry accountability.
