The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has firmly denied widespread claims that it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria, describing such reports as false, misleading, and driven by misinformation.
In a statement issued through its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission clarified that it never issued any directive prohibiting telecom operators from offering these services. According to the agency, consumers remain free to access lawful telecom value-added services, including airtime and data credit facilities.
The clarification comes amid public confusion triggered by viral social media posts and reports suggesting that the regulator had shut down services widely used by millions of Nigerians. The speculation intensified after major telecom operators, including MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, announced the suspension of their airtime and data lending services.
However, the FCCPC attributed these disruptions not to any regulatory ban but to non-compliance by some operators with its Consumer Lending Regulations introduced in July 2025. The Commission explained that the framework was developed following a surge in consumer complaints, including opaque charges, unexplained deductions, poor disclosure standards, and aggressive debt recovery practices in the digital lending space.
According to the regulator, the regulations were designed to sanitise the market by enforcing transparency, accountability, and responsible lending practices. They also mandate proper registration, clear disclosure of fees and terms, accessible complaint channels, and data protection safeguards for consumers.
The Commission further revealed that some telecom operators engaged in anti-competitive practices, including exclusionary arrangements with third-party service providers, in violation of existing laws. It noted that the new regulatory framework seeks to open up the market to broader participation, including local players, while promoting fair competition.
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Despite granting operators an initial 90-day compliance window—later extended to January 5, 2026—the FCCPC said several companies failed to align with the requirements. As a result, any suspension or restriction of airtime and data borrowing services should be seen as a business or compliance decision by those operators, not a government-imposed ban.
The Commission also accused certain vested interests of orchestrating a campaign of disinformation to undermine ongoing reforms aimed at protecting consumers and strengthening the digital financial ecosystem. It urged Nigerians to disregard sensational claims and rely on verified information.
Reaffirming its position, the FCCPC stressed its commitment to consumer protection, fair competition, and responsible innovation, noting that compliance with regulatory standards remains mandatory for all service providers operating in Nigeria.
