By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has clarified that it has not banned airtime borrowing or data advance services in Nigeria, amid widespread confusion triggered by viral social media reports.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Friday, the Commission said consumers can still access lawful telecom value-added services, stressing that no directive has been issued prohibiting such offerings.
The FCCPC explained that the misunderstanding stems from regulatory measures introduced in July 2025 under the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending (DEON) framework, which was designed to improve transparency and consumer protection in the sector.
According to the Commission, the framework was introduced in response to complaints over hidden charges, poor disclosure, aggressive debt recovery practices, and weak accountability within digital lending and airtime advance services.
Rather than imposing a ban, the FCCPC said the regulations require operators to register appropriately, disclose fees clearly, adopt responsible lending practices, and strengthen consumer complaint mechanisms.
It also alleged that some operators had engaged in anti-competitive arrangements with third parties, necessitating reforms to open up the market and ensure fair competition in line with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
The regulator noted that operators were given an initial 90-day compliance window, later extended to January 5, 2026, to align with the new rules.
Despite the extension, the Commission said some providers failed to fully comply, and stressed that any temporary suspension of airtime or data advance services should be seen as a business decision by operators—not a regulatory ban.
It warned against misinformation and urged the public to disregard false claims, while reaffirming its commitment to building a fair, transparent, and competitive digital lending environment.
