The Digest:
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has clarified that it has not banned airtime borrowing or data advance services in Nigeria. The statement follows MTN Nigeria's suspension of its "Xtratime" service, which the telecom operator attributed to compliance with FCCPC's 2025 Digital Economy and Online Lending (DEON) regulations. The FCCPC said any suspension was a business decision by operators, not a commission-imposed ban.
Key Points;
- Millions of Nigerians who rely on airtime credit can still access such services.
- The FCCPC accuses vested interests of spreading misinformation to undermine regulation.
- Operators had until January 5, 2026, to comply with the new rules.
- The regulations target opaque charges, aggressive recovery, and poor disclosure.
- MTN's suspension appears to be its own compliance choice, not a directive.
Consumers will watch whether other telcos follow MTN's lead or continue offering credit services.
Sources: Nairametrics
