No Ban On Airtime Loans, Data Advance, Says FCCPC Amid Public Confusion

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed reports claiming that airtime borrowing and data advance services have been banned in Nigeria, describing such claims as false and misleading.

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Naija News reports that the Commission made this clarification in a statement issued on Friday via its official 𝕏 handle, following widespread confusion triggered by viral social media posts.

It stated clearly that no directive had been issued to prohibit consumers from accessing lawful telecom value-added services.

“The Commission has not prohibited airtime borrowing or data advance services, and no directive was issued preventing consumers from accessing lawful telecom value-added services,” the statement read in part.

The FCCPC explained that the misunderstanding stemmed from regulatory measures introduced in July 2025 under the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations.

According to the Commission, the framework was introduced after a rise in consumer complaints about the operations of digital lending and telecom advance services.

It noted that issues such as opaque charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery practices, poor disclosure standards, and weak accountability had become widespread in the sector.

Clarifying its position, the Commission said the new regulations were not designed to eliminate services but to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability.

It explained that operators are now required to properly register, clearly disclose fees and terms, adopt responsible lending practices, and provide accessible channels for consumer complaints.

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

The Commission added that the reforms are expected to strengthen consumer protection, improve service delivery, and boost confidence in the telecom market.

The Commission further revealed that some telecom operators had engaged in exclusionary third-party arrangements, which violate provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.

It said such practices limit competition and restrict market access for other players.

According to the FCCPC, the new regulatory framework is aimed at opening up the market to both local and international participants, in line with free market principles.

The FCCPC disclosed that telecom operators were initially given a 90-day window to comply with the new regulations.

This deadline was later extended to January 5, 2026, to allow more time for alignment.

However, the Commission noted that some operators failed to regularise their services within the stipulated period and continued operating models that had previously attracted consumer complaints.

Addressing reports of temporary disruptions in airtime borrowing and data advance services, the Commission clarified that such actions were not imposed by the regulator.

It explained that any suspension or restriction should be seen as a business or compliance decision taken by the operators themselves.

The FCCPC stressed that attributing such disruptions to regulatory action is misleading, especially given that operators were given ample time to comply.

The Commission also raised concerns over what it described as deliberate attempts by certain vested interests to spread disinformation and undermine regulatory efforts.

It urged Nigerians to disregard false narratives and rely on verified information regarding telecom services in the country.
The FCCPC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring a fair, transparent, and competitive market for all stakeholders.