Nigeria’s telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria, has explained that the suspension of its airtime and data borrowing services is due to new regulatory requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The company secretary, Uto Ukpanah, disclosed this on Thursday during a session at the Nigerian Exchange Limited.
According to the telecom firm, the temporary suspension is linked to the implementation of new rules under the Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
These regulations introduce a stricter compliance and licensing framework for companies offering digital or non-traditional credit services.
MTN stated that the move is necessary to align its operations with the FCCPC’s updated requirements.
The regulations mandate that all digital lenders operating in Nigeria including those providing airtime credit services must register with the commission.
Despite the suspension, the company reassured customers that other digital channels for purchasing airtime and data remain available.
It also noted that the temporary halt is not expected to significantly affect its revenue.
The FCCPC introduced the updated lending regulations in 2025, building on its earlier interim regulatory framework for digital lending launched in 2022.
The new rules is aimed to strengthen oversight of digital lending services and ensure better consumer protection across the sector.
🚨Watch The Full Video ➤
