No ban on airtime borrowing, data services — FCCPC

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says the Commission did not ban airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria.

The FCCPC made this known in a statement issued by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Ijagwu noted that no directive was issued preventing consumers from accessing lawful telecom value-added services.

Ijagwu, who was reacting to reports alleging that the commission had banned airtime borrowing and data advance services, described the claims as incorrect.

He stated: “Following a deluge of consumer complaints bordering on opaque charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery practices, poor disclosure standards, and inadequate accountability in segments of the digital lending and advance-services market, FCCPC issued the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations in July 2025.

“The regulations were introduced, among other reasons, to curb the excesses of abusive service providers whose practices had generated persistent consumer harm and undermined confidence in the market.

“The primary aim is to promote a fairer and more transparent system by mandating proper registration, responsible lending conduct, clear disclosure of fees and terms.

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“Others are accessible consumer complaint channels, data protection safeguards, stronger accountability for third-party partners, and effective regulatory oversight.”

The FCCPC spokesman said in the telecommunications sector, their findings indicated that some operators engaged in exclusionary third-party technical arrangements in disobedience to the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.

Ijagwu said the regulations sought to unlock the market to allow local participants alongside foreign partners, in line with free market principles.

“These measures benefit Nigerians by reducing abusive practices, improving transparency, strengthening consumer choice, and encouraging responsible innovation by legitimate operators,” Ijagwu stated.

He, therefore, urged consumers and members of the public to disregard false and misleading narratives on the issue.

Ijagwu said the FCCPC was committed to protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, encouraging responsible innovation, ensuring transparent digital financial practices.