The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has denied claims that it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services in the country.
In a statement on Friday, Ondaje Ijagwu, director of corporate affairs at the commission, dismissed reports that airtime borrowing and data advance services had been shut down. He described the claims as false and misleading.
Ijagwu said the commission did not issue any directive restricting consumers from accessing lawful telecom value-added services.
“The claims are incorrect. The commission has not prohibited airtime borrowing or data advance services,” he said.
He said the commission acted after a surge in consumer complaints. The complaints focused on opaque charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery practices, and poor disclosure standards in the digital lending and advance services market.
MOVE AIMED AT TRANSPARENCY
Ijagwu said the FCCPC introduced the Digital Economy and Online Lending (DEON) consumer lending regulations in July 2025. He said the rules aim to curb abuse and improve transparency and accountability.
He said the regulations require service providers to register. They must clearly disclose terms. They must also provide accessible complaint channels and comply with data protection and consumer protection standards.
He added that the commission found that some telecom operators used exclusionary arrangements. He said these practices violate the FCCPC Act 2018.
The FCCPC said it gave operators 90 days to comply with the new framework. It later extended the deadline to January 5, 2026.
However, the commission said some operators failed to regularise their services within the timeline. It said they continued to operate under models that triggered consumer complaints.
Ijagwu said any temporary suspension or restriction of airtime borrowing or data advance services is a business or compliance decision by operators. He said it is not a regulatory ban.
He accused some vested interests of spreading disinformation to undermine reforms aimed at strengthening consumer protection and fair competition.
The commission urged Nigerians to disregard misleading claims. It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers and promoting transparency in the digital financial services space.
