The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has denied claims that it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services, stating that the recent suspension by telecom operators is a result of their own compliance decisions.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission said it did not order the discontinuation of the services, but expects operators to align with existing regulatory requirements.
The clarification follows announcements by MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria that they had temporarily halted their airtime and data credit offerings, citing the implementation of the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
According to the FCCPC, operators were given a 90-day compliance window when the framework took effect in July 2025 to regularise their services, structures, and operational models.
The Commission said some providers failed to utilise the grace period, continuing to operate under models that had attracted consumer complaints around transparency, charges, and accountability.
It maintained that any disruption should not be attributed to regulation, noting that adequate notice and opportunity for compliance had been provided.
“Any temporary suspension, restriction, or operational change introduced by service providers should therefore be understood as a business or compliance decision by those operators, not a ban imposed by the FCCPC,” the statement said.
The Commission also alleged that certain vested interests are spreading misinformation to undermine regulatory efforts aimed at promoting fair competition and consumer protection.
Under the current framework, all digital lenders—including telecom operators offering airtime or data advances—are required to register with the FCCPC. Operators have until April 2026 to complete the process or face potential sanctions.
