MTN Reactivates XtraTime, Allows Customers Borrow Airtime Again

Subscribers of MTN Nigeria can once again access the company's popular XtraTime service following its restoration after a temporary suspension prompted by regulatory compliance requirements.

The development comes as welcome relief to millions of customers who rely on the service to borrow airtime during emergencies or when their account balances are insufficient.

XtraTime allows eligible subscribers to access airtime on credit and repay the loan automatically during their next recharge, making it one of the most widely used value-added services in the country's telecommunications sector.

The service was suspended earlier after new compliance measures were introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, prompting MTN to temporarily halt both airtime and data credit facilities while it aligned its operations with the new regulatory framework.

At the time, MTN formally notified the public and the Nigerian Exchange through a notice signed by its Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, confirming the suspension of its airtime and data loan services.

The telecommunications company has now announced the full restoration of the airtime loan feature, signalling the completion of the necessary compliance processes. Customers were informed of the development through a text message from the network provider.

“Good news! Airtime loan is back! You can now borrow up to N1,295 by dialing *303# and stay connected,” the message read.

The restoration of the service is expected to benefit millions of subscribers who depend on airtime advances to maintain communication, particularly in situations where immediate recharge options may not be available.

While the airtime loan service has resumed, MTN has not yet provided further details on whether additional changes have been made to the service framework following the regulatory review.