MTN, Airtel, Glo to lose over N300bn revenue as FCCPC approves new airtime and data lenders

Nigerian telecom operators like MTN, Airtel and Glo are set to lose over N300 billion in airtime and data revenue following the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) approval of new lenders.

Recall that mobile network operators such as MTN and Airtel publicly announced the suspension of their XtraTime services due to the need for compliance with the FCCPC’s digital lending rule, Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025 (DEON).

In the latest development, the commission has now approved five new lenders for the airtime and data advanced services. 

A look at the potential revenue loss

Amid the suspension of the airtime and data lending service, telcos are expected to suffer some revenue losses, which might impact their earnings based on the degree of their subscriber base or the service usage. 

While Telcos don’t always state revenue from the XtraTime service, they have a way of infusing it into their financial statement for a particular period.

For instance, Airtel’s airtime and data lending service is factored into the category of “other revenue”. In its financial statement for the nine months ending 31 December 2025, it recorded $155 million from “other revenue”, including credit advances, (XtraTime) value-added services, e-commerce, partnerships, USSD charges, SMS and others. 

Considering the magnitude of XtraTime services, it always accounts for a major part of the other revenue, with a share between 70% and 80%. This signals an average of about N156 billion ($116 million) in revenue.

As in the case of MTN, digital lending revenue is included in its Fintech revenue, which is split into core fintech revenue and value-added services (VAS). Airtime and data lending revenue are then included in the VAS. 

For the financial period of 2025, MTN Nigeria’s fintech revenue grew by 79.7% to N191.3 billion, of which its core fintech revenue saw N10.9 billion, while the rest came from airtime lending and other value-added services.

Again. While it’s not always stated, airtime and data lending have always been a dominant driver of fintech revenue, contributing to about 80% (N144 billion) of non-core revenue. 

Factoring in other MNOs such as Glo and T2mobile will see the total revenue from XtraTime services amount to over N300 billion. 

While the service suspension is expected to cause a reduction in short-term transaction volume, telcos said they do not anticipate a material impact on their overall financial performance.

Also Read: XtraTime Suspension: Subscribers to repay airtime, data debts via recharge – Insider.

Meet the new XtraTime lenders 

According to the FCCPC, the five firms have met all the requirements to provide the services as stipulated in the Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

The five firms include Total Tim Nigeria Limited, Rane Interactive Medien CLS Limited, Mode NG Applications Limited, Cloud Interactive Associate Limited, and Coverage Broadband Limited.

While it’s uncertain when telcos will sort out their compliance with the digital lending rule, they are still involved, as the airtime to be sold by the approved lenders will still come from them.

FCCPC noted that the licensed lenders enter into an agreement with MNOs to be able to provide the services. Also, this will likely involve the sharing of returns or the inclusion of a service charge.