FCCPC says airtime and data advance services were not banned

Nigeria's competition and consumer-protection regulator said it had not banned airtime borrowing or data-advance services, rejecting reports that its digital-lending rules had shut down the products.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said consumers may continue to use lawful telecom value-added services. Its intervention followed complaints about unclear charges, unexplained deductions, weak disclosure and aggressive recovery practices.

What the rules actually cover

The Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations issued in July 2025 were designed to impose accountability on lenders and intermediaries. The distinction matters because an advance of airtime or data can be a credit product without being prohibited.

For operators, the compliance test is clear disclosure of price and repayment terms, lawful recovery and accessible complaint handling. For customers, the regulator's statement means availability alone should not be read as proof that every offer is fair or properly explained.

Sources

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, “Misinformation by Desperate Cartel Against FCCPC DEON Regulations” (17 April 2026) and DEON Consumer Lending Regulations 2025.