The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has registered and approved a total of 211 loan apps by the end of October 2023.
Out of these 211 companies, 172 have received full approval from the commission, while 39 have been granted conditional approval.
The FCCPC, in partnership with the Joint Task Force (JTF), has developed the Limited Interim Regulatory/Registration Framework and Guidelines for Digital Lending, 2022. This initiative aims to establish a fair, transparent, and beneficial alternative lending system for Nigerians.
The registration of loan apps became necessary due to the unsettling operations of various loan apps in the country. Many of these apps have been accused of unfair practices, rights abuses, and unethical interest rates. Some have also been involved in practices such as naming and shaming, which violate individuals’ privacy in the loan recovery process.
In addition, the number of loan apps under the watchlist has increased from 55 in September to 84 as of October. Notable apps on the watchlist include Cashlawn App, Easynaira App, Crediting App, Yoyi App, Nut Loan App, Cashpal App, Nairaeasy Gist Loan App, Camelloan App, Nairaloan App, Moneytreefinance Made Easy App, Cashme App, Secucash App, Creditbox App, and Cashmama App. Others include Crimson Credit App, Galaxy Credit App, Ease Cash App, Xcredit, Imoney, Naira Naija, Imoneyplus-Instant, Nairanaija-Instant, Nownowmoney, Naija Cash, and Getloan.
Furthermore, in collaboration with Google, the FCCPC has taken action against the illegal operation of loan apps by delisting a total of 45 of them from the Google Play Store.
This concerted effort by the federal government and the FCCPC aims to regulate the digital lending landscape in Nigeria and protect consumers from predatory and unethical lending practices.
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