The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has dismissed reports suggesting it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services, describing the claims as false and driven by vested interests opposed to regulatory reforms.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said at no time did the agency prohibit telecom value-added services or restrict consumers from accessing airtime credit and data advance offerings.
According to him, the misinformation, circulating in sections of the media and on social platforms, misrepresents the intent and scope of the Commission’s regulatory actions.
Ijagwu explained that the FCCPC’s intervention in the digital lending and telecom services space was anchored on widespread consumer complaints, including unclear charges, unauthorised deductions, aggressive debt recovery tactics, and weak disclosure standards.
To address these concerns, the Commission introduced the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations in July 2025, aimed at sanitising the market and promoting transparency, accountability, and fair competition.
He noted that the framework mandates service providers to comply with registration requirements, ensure full disclosure of fees and terms, establish accessible complaint channels, and uphold data protection and responsible lending practices.
The regulations also seek to dismantle anti-competitive arrangements, particularly in the telecom sector, where some operators were found to be operating exclusionary partnerships in violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
“These measures are designed to protect consumers, improve service transparency, and encourage responsible innovation within a fair and competitive market,” Ijagwu stated.
He, however, expressed concern over what he described as a coordinated disinformation campaign by certain operators and their foreign collaborators, who are resisting efforts to enforce compliance and open up the market.
The FCCPC disclosed that operators were initially given a 90-day window from July 2025 to regularise their operations under the new framework, which was later extended to January 5, 2026.
It noted that despite this, some providers failed to comply with the requirements.
Ijagwu clarified that any service disruption or temporary suspension experienced by consumers should be seen as a consequence of business decisions by non-compliant operators, not a directive from the Commission.
“It is misleading to attribute avoidable service interruptions to regulation when operators had ample notice and opportunity to comply,” he said.
The Commission urged Nigerians to disregard false narratives and rely on verified information, reaffirming its commitment to consumer protection, fair competition, and the development of a transparent and accountable digital services ecosystem.
