FCCPC Suspends Airtime Lending; Legal Battle Looms

In early April 2026, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) suspended airtime lending services in Nigeria, affecting approximately 40 million mobile subscribers. This action was taken in response to concerns over consumer protection in the digital economy.

The Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) filed a lawsuit against the FCCPC, leading to a significant court date set for July 20, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Ambrose Lewis Allagoa. The court's decision will address complex jurisdictional questions regarding the regulation of telecom-enabled airtime advances and financial consumer credit products.

The FCCPC's regulatory push aims to combat predatory lending practices and manage credit default risks, highlighting ongoing debates about the allocation of regulatory authority between the FCCPC and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).