By Paul Joseph
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has refuted widespread claims that it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria, insisting that the reports are false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission clarified that no directive was given to shut down telecom-based credit services, stressing that Nigerians can still access lawful value-added services provided by operators.
The clarification comes after telecom giants, including Airtel and MTN Nigeria, announced the temporary suspension of their airtime and data lending services, sparking public concern and speculation of a regulatory crackdown.
According to the FCCPC, the disruptions are not the result of any ban but stem from the failure of some telecom operators to comply with its Consumer Lending Regulations introduced in July 2025.
The Commission explained that the regulations were designed to address rising complaints from consumers over exploitative practices in the digital lending space, including hidden charges, poor disclosure, and aggressive recovery tactics.
It noted that operators were initially given a 90-day window to align with the new framework, which was later extended to January 5, 2026, but several companies failed to meet the requirements.
As a result, any suspension or restriction of services should be viewed as a compliance decision by the operators, not a government-imposed action.
The FCCPC also accused certain vested interests of spreading misinformation to undermine regulatory reforms, urging Nigerians to disregard sensational claims and rely on verified information.
Reaffirming its commitment to consumer protection, the Commission said the new framework aims to promote transparency, accountability, and fair competition, while encouraging responsible innovation in Nigeria’s telecom and digital lending sectors.
Airtime borrowing and data advance services remain vital tools for millions of Nigerians, but have long faced criticism over unclear terms and excessive charges.
The FCCPC maintained that compliance with the regulations is mandatory for all service providers, as part of broader efforts to sanitise the market and strengthen consumer confidence.
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