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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has clarified that it has not banned airtime borrowing or data advance services in Nigeria, following what it described as a wave of misleading reports circulating across social and traditional media.
In a statement released on Friday, the Commission said claims suggesting it had shut down or prohibited such telecom services are false and should be disregarded by the public.
According to the FCCPC, no directive was issued to prevent consumers from accessing lawful value-added services, including airtime loans and data advances commonly offered by telecommunications operators.
Regulatory focus driven by consumer complaints
The Commission explained that its intervention in the sector stems from increasing consumer complaints tied to digital lending and advance-service products. These complaints include opaque charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive debt recovery tactics, and poor disclosure of terms.
To address these concerns, the FCCPC introduced the Digital Economy and Online Lending (DEON) Consumer Lending Regulations in July 2025. The framework was designed to improve transparency, accountability, and fairness in the market.
Under the regulations, service providers are required to register properly, disclose fees and lending terms clearly, provide accessible complaint channels, and implement safeguards for consumer data. The rules also place stronger accountability requirements on third-party partners involved in service delivery.
Telecom sector flagged for non-compliance issues
The FCCPC noted that its findings within the telecom sector revealed instances of exclusionary arrangements involving third-party technical partners. According to the Commission, some of these practices contravened provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
The new regulations were also intended to open up the market by allowing more local participation alongside foreign collaborators, thereby encouraging fair competition and innovation.
The Commission emphasised that the regulatory framework ultimately benefits Nigerians by reducing exploitative practices, improving transparency, and giving consumers more choices in the digital services ecosystem.
Compliance window and missed deadlines
At the rollout of the DEON regulations in July 2025, affected operators were granted an initial 90-day window to align their services with the new requirements.
However, the FCCPC stated that compliance was not achieved within that period, particularly among some telecom operators. As a result, the deadline was extended until January 5, 2026, to allow additional time for necessary adjustments.
Despite the extension, the Commission said certain operators still failed to complete the required registration and regularisation processes.
Service disruptions linked to operator decisions
Addressing recent service interruptions, the FCCPC clarified that any temporary suspension or restriction of airtime borrowing or data advance services should not be attributed to regulatory action.
Instead, such disruptions are the result of business or compliance decisions taken by the operators themselves.
“It is inaccurate to attribute avoidable disruption to regulation where regulated entities had adequate notice and sufficient opportunity to comply,” the Commission stated.
The FCCPC further described attempts to link service interruptions to its regulations as “mischievous” and part of a broader disinformation campaign by vested interests opposed to increased oversight and competition.
Public urged to ignore false narratives
The Commission advised Nigerians to disregard sensational claims suggesting that airtime borrowing and data advance services have been banned.
It reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and ensuring transparency in digital financial services.
The FCCPC also stated that it will continue to work with relevant sector regulators and service providers to create a safer and more accountable marketplace for consumers.
For telecom users across the country, the message is clear: airtime borrowing and data advance services remain legal and available, subject to operators complying with existing consumer protection regulations.
