FCCPC Refutes Claims of Airtime Borrowing Ban, Reaffirms Consumer Protection Drive
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‎The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed widespread claims that it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria.
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‎In a strongly worded statement, the Commission described the reports as misinformation spread by “a desperate cartel” seeking to undermine its Digital Economy Operations and Consumer Lending (DEON) Regulations, introduced in July 2025.
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‎The FCCPC clarified that it has not prohibited telecom value-added services, but rather introduced reforms to tackle opaque charges, aggressive recovery practices, poor disclosure standards, and inadequate accountability in the digital lending sector.
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‎The Commission emphasized that the DEON Regulations are designed to promote transparency, responsible lending, and fair competition. It noted that any disruptions in services are the result of operators failing to comply with Nigerian law, not regulatory bans.
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‎Reaffirming its commitment, the FCCPC pledged to continue protecting consumers, strengthening market confidence, and encouraging responsible innovation in Nigeria’s telecom and digital lending industries.