MTN’s XtraTime is Back: Here’s How to Borrow Airtime and Data Again

• MTN Nigeria has restored its XtraTime service, allowing eligible prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime and data again after months of suspension caused by new regulatory requirements.

MTN Nigeria has restored its XtraTime service, enabling eligible prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime and mobile data once again after the service was suspended for several months.

The telecom operator halted the service in April 2026 following new regulations introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which required providers of digital lending services to comply with a new licensing and regulatory framework.

Following the restoration, MTN informed customers via an SMS notification announcing that airtime borrowing was available again.

The message read:

*“Good news! Airtime loan is back! You can now borrow up to ₦1,295 by dialing 303# and stay connected.”

How to Borrow Airtime on MTN

Eligible subscribers can borrow airtime by following these steps:

• Dial *303#.
• Select the option to borrow airtime.
• Choose your preferred loan amount.
• Confirm the request.

Customers can also borrow mobile data through the same XtraTime service by following the on-screen prompts.

Who Is Eligible?

The XtraTime service is available only to eligible prepaid MTN subscribers.

Eligibility is determined by several factors, including:

• The customer’s recharge history.
• The length of time the SIM has been active.
• Frequency of airtime purchases and usage.

The amount each subscriber can borrow varies depending on these factors.

How Repayment Works

Any airtime or data borrowed through XtraTime will be automatically deducted from the subscriber’s next recharge, together with the applicable service fee.

The return of the service is expected to provide relief for many MTN users who depend on airtime and data loans to make emergency calls, send messages or stay connected when they run out of credit.