The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has denied banning airtime borrowing and data loan services, while accusing some operators of engaging in abusive practices in the delivery of such services.
In a statement on Friday, the commission said it had not issued any directive stopping telecom operators from offering airtime or data advances, noting that consumers can still access lawful value-added services.
The FCCPC explained that its 2025 Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations were introduced to address growing complaints from consumers about unfair practices in the digital lending space.
According to the commission, these complaints include unclear charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery methods, and poor disclosure of terms by some service providers. It said the regulations are aimed at promoting transparency, ensuring proper registration of operators, and enforcing responsible lending practices across the sector.
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The commission also accused some operators of maintaining arrangements that limit competition and fall short of standards set under existing consumer protection laws. It added that the framework is designed to open up the market, improve accountability, and protect consumers from exploitative practices.
FCCPC said operators were given an initial 90-day window to comply when the regulations were introduced in July 2025, with a further extension granted until January 2026. Despite this, the commission noted that some companies failed to meet the requirements and continued operating under existing structures.
It stressed that any disruption or suspension of airtime and data lending services should be seen as a decision taken by the operators, not a ban imposed by the regulator. The commission warned against attempts to misrepresent the situation, saying such claims could mislead the public.It urged Nigerians to rely on verified information regarding telecom services and disregard false narratives.
