The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it did not ban airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria.
In a statement by Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs, the Commission clarified that no directive was issued preventing consumers from accessing lawful telecom value-added services.
Ijagwu made the statement in Abuja on Friday in response to media reports alleging that the Commission had banned such services, calling the claims “incorrect.”
“Following numerous consumer complaints about opaque charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery practices, poor disclosure, and inadequate accountability in segments of the digital lending and advance-services market, FCCPC issued the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations in July 2025,” he said.
The regulations aim to curb abusive practices, promote transparency, and ensure proper registration, responsible lending, clear disclosure of fees and terms, accessible complaint channels, data protection safeguards, and stronger accountability for third-party partners.
Ijagwu added that some telecom operators had engaged in exclusionary third-party arrangements, violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018. The regulations were designed to open the market to both local and foreign participants, promoting fair competition and consumer choice.
“These measures benefit Nigerians by reducing abusive practices, improving transparency, and encouraging responsible innovation,” he said.
Ijagwu also noted that affected operators were initially given a 90-day compliance period starting in July 2025, later extended to January 5, but many telecom operators still failed to register and regularize their services.
He urged consumers to disregard false narratives, emphasizing that FCCPC remains committed to protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and ensuring transparent digital financial practices.
