A social media user has labeled Airtel as "the best" amid growing frustration over MTN Nigeria's continued delay in restoring its XtraTime airtime advance service, even as regulatory developments have enabled rival operators to resume similar offerings.
The reaction emerged under a Guardian Nigeria Facebook post titled "MTN subscribers wait longer for Airtime Advance Service," where a user identified as Frank Rock simply commented: "Airtel best." Another commenter, IB Bernard, claimed to have already obtained a 5,000 naira airtime loan from Airtel, while others indicated they had given up waiting for MTN's service to return.
These comments reflect mounting attention on MTN, which remains the only major operator yet to fully restore its airtime advance platform. This follows the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) suspending enforcement of its Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending (DEON) Regulations 2025 after a Federal High Court order. The suspension prompted Airtel and Globacom to restore airtime credit services that were halted earlier this year due to regulatory directives.
Industry body ALTON has expressed confidence that all operators will eventually reinstate the service, noting that about 40 million Nigerians rely on airtime and data credit products, particularly low-income and prepaid subscribers. However, MTN says it is still seeking additional legal clarity before resuming XtraTime. According to Tobechukwu Okigbo, MTN's Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, the company requires either a court ruling setting aside the regulations or a clear directive authorizing the reinstatement of the service.
With Airtel and Globacom already back in the market, subscriber reactions on social media suggest patience is wearing thin among some MTN customers still waiting for the return of XtraTime.
