FCCPC refutes claims of airtime and data borrowing ban

Business

ABUJA, Nigeria — 18 April 2026 (NPA) — The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed claims by telecommunications companies that government policy was responsible for the suspension of airtime and data credit advances to customers. The Commission described such assertions as misinformation spread by a desperate cartel opposed to regulatory oversight.

In a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs, FCCPC clarified that it has not banned airtime borrowing or data advance services. The Commission emphasised that no directive has been issued to prevent consumers from accessing lawful telecom value-added services.

The FCCPC explained that its intervention stemmed from widespread consumer complaints about opaque charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery practices, poor disclosure standards, and inadequate accountability in the digital lending and advance-services market. To address these concerns, the Commission introduced the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations in July 2025.

These regulations were designed to curb abusive practices, restore consumer confidence, and promote transparency. Key provisions include mandatory registration of service providers, responsible lending conduct, clear disclosure of fees and terms, accessible complaint channels, data protection safeguards, accountability for third-party partners, and effective regulatory oversight.

Investigations revealed that some telecom operators engaged in exclusionary third-party technical arrangements, contravening the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018. The regulations sought to open the market to local participants alongside foreign partners, in line with free market principles.

The FCCPC noted that affected operators were granted a 90-day compliance period in July 2025, later extended until 5 January 2026. Despite these opportunities, several operators failed to regularise their services, continuing monopolistic practices that generated persistent consumer complaints.

The Commission stressed that any temporary suspension or operational changes introduced by service providers should be regarded as business or compliance decisions, not regulatory bans. It warned against attempts to misrepresent lawful consumer regulation as the cause of service disruptions.

Consumers are advised to disregard false narratives and remain assured of the FCCPC’s commitment to protecting consumer rights, promoting fair competition, encouraging responsible innovation, and ensuring transparent digital financial practices in collaboration with sector regulators and service providers.