The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has announced a firm deadline of Monday, 5 January 2026, for all operators in Nigeria’s digital lending market to fully comply with the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025. The announcement was released on Thursday, November 13, 2025, and marks the next phase of the Commission’s move to strengthen transparency, protect consumers, and improve accountability in the rapidly expanding digital lending space. The Regulations, which took effect on 21 July 2025 under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, set clear compliance standards for lending platforms, intermediaries, and service partners across the country.
To help operators meet the new requirements, the FCCPC has issued an additional instrument titled the Guidelines on the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025. The Guidelines were made under Sections 17 and 163 of the Act and provide detailed direction on documentation, operational expectations, and the revised Forms 1 and 3. These updates follow feedback from stakeholders and are intended to simplify the compliance process. The Commission confirmed that applicants with pending submissions may submit any additional information required without waiting for an official request, adding that reviews will continue transparently and without delay to support sector stability.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, emphasised the importance of adhering to the timeline, stating that “full compliance is not only a legal requirement but an important step in protecting consumers and ensuring that the sector continues to grow in a fair and responsible manner. Operators have had ample time to adjust to the Regulations and the additional guidance now provided. We expect all obligations to be met before the deadline.” According to the Commission, enforcement activities will begin immediately after 5 January 2026. These actions may include restricting non-compliant lenders from operating, directing digital platforms or partners to stop engaging with them, and applying other sanctions permitted by law.
The FCCPC also confirmed that copies of the Guidelines, revised Forms, and Frequently Asked Questions are available on its official website and at its offices nationwide. The Commission says it remains committed to promoting responsible digital lending practices that improve consumer protection and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s financial technology sector.
