FCCPC Clarifies Airtime Regulation Position, Suspends DEON Enforcement

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says its position on issues relating to digital and non-traditional lending remains strictly within its statutory regulatory mandate, under the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 (DEON Regulations).
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission clarified that it has suspended the implementation and enforcement of the DEON Regulations pending the determination of a court case.
Ijagwu said the suspension followed the service of an ex-parte order issued by the Federal High Court in Lagos in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026, filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN).
According to him, the Commission, as a law-abiding public institution, is bound to comply with the court order halting enforcement of the regulations until the substantive matter is resolved.
He added that the case has been fixed for hearing on July 20.
The FCCPC said it was responding to media reports alleging that it submitted names of local fintech companies seeking participation in the digital lending space to the Presidency in a bid to curb capital flight.
Ijagwu dismissed the reports, insisting that the Commission remains focused on lawful regulatory processes and will continue to comply fully with all court directives.
He reiterated that the DEON Regulations were introduced to address challenges in the digital lending sector, including predatory loan practices, data privacy violations, and unethical debt recovery methods.
The Commission stressed that its regulatory approach remains guided by consumer protection objectives while respecting judicial processes currently underway.