40 Million Nigerians Face Airtime Borrowing Disruption

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) may enforce its Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending (DEON) Regulations 2025, potentially affecting over 40 million Nigerians who rely on airtime borrowing services. This warning comes from Ayo Stuffman, Chairman of the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN), in an affidavit supporting an injunction pending appeal.

The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, ruled on July 20, 2023, affirming the FCCPC's authority to enforce these regulations. WASPAN filed a Notice of Appeal on July 21, 2023, seeking to prevent the FCCPC from implementing the regulations until the appeal is resolved.

Stuffman expressed concerns that enforcement could lead to regulatory sanctions and disrupt services. He argued that the FCCPC's actions would create uncertainty and interfere with lawful business operations while the appeal is pending.

The case, designated FHC/L/CS/760/2026, questions whether the FCCPC has the authority to regulate telecommunications-based airtime lending services.