MTN Nigeria suspends airtime, data borrowing over new FCCPC rules

MTN Nigeria has suspended its airtime and data borrowing services effective immediately, citing new regulatory requirements from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The telecom giant attributed the pause to the implementation of the FCCPC's Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025, which introduced a stricter compliance and licensing framework for digital lenders. MTN's secretary, Uto Ukpanah, disclosed this development at the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday.

This suspension impacts millions of Nigerians who rely on borrowing airtime or data for urgent communication needs, especially in low-income segments. However, MTN emphasized that alternative channels for purchasing airtime and data—including its mobile app, USSD codes, and authorized vendors—remain fully operational. The company also stated that, given the service's scale within its revenue mix, it does not anticipate the temporary suspension to have a material impact on its financial performance.

While MTN works to align its borrowing services with the new FCCPC licensing requirements, customers should use available digital or physical purchase options for their airtime and data needs. The company has not provided a specific timeline for when the borrowing services will resume, advising users to monitor official channels for updates.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/17/why-mtn-nigeria-suspended-airtime-data-borrowing-services/