No ban on airtime loans, data advance – FCCPC clarifies

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed widespread reports suggesting it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria, describing the claims as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Friday, April 17, 2026, on its official X platform and signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission said it had not issued any directive prohibiting consumers from accessing lawful telecom value-added services.

According to the FCCPC, the misinformation circulating in sections of the media and on social platforms, was orchestrated to misrepresent its recently introduced consumer lending regulations.

“The Commission has not cancelled, shut down, or banned airtime borrowing or data advance services in Nigeria,” the statement clarified.

It however urged the public to disregard contrary claims.

The Commission explained that its Digital Economy and Online Lending (DEON) Consumer Lending Regulations, introduced in July 2025, were designed to address growing consumer complaints in the sector.

These complaints, it said, included opaque charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive debt recovery practices, and poor disclosure standards among some service providers.

It noted that the regulations aim to promote transparency, accountability, and fair competition by mandating proper registration of operators, clear disclosure of terms and fees, and improved consumer protection mechanisms.

The FCCPC further revealed that its investigations uncovered exclusionary practices by some telecom operators, particularly in their dealings with third-party service providers, in violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.

“These regulations are intended to open up the market to more participants, encourage responsible innovation, and eliminate monopolistic tendencies that have long disadvantaged consumers,” the Commission stated.

Addressing recent service disruptions experienced by some users, the FCCPC attributed such developments to the failure of certain operators to comply with regulatory requirements within stipulated timelines.

The Commission disclosed that operators were initially given a 90-day window from July 2025 to regularise their operations, which was later extended to January 5, 2026. However, some operators reportedly failed to meet these requirements.

It stated, “Any temporary suspension or restriction of services should be understood as a business or compliance decision by those operators, not a ban imposed by the FCCPC.”

The Commission accused “vested interests and their foreign collaborators” of sponsoring a campaign of disinformation to undermine regulatory efforts aimed at creating a fair and transparent market environment.

“It is inaccurate to attribute avoidable disruption to regulation where regulated entities had sufficient time to comply,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its mandate, the FCCPC said it remains committed to protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and ensuring transparency in Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem.

It urged Nigerians to rely on verified information and ignore sensational or misleading narratives surrounding the issue.