FCCPC Clarifies No Ban on Airtime, Data Loans in Nigeria

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) issued a statement on Friday, debunking widespread reports that it would ban airtime and data loan services in Nigeria. The commission described these claims as false and misleading, emphasizing that it has not prohibited these services nor issued directives to prevent consumer access.

The FCCPC noted that it has received numerous consumer complaints regarding opaque charges and aggressive recovery practices in the digital lending market. To address these issues, the commission introduced regulations aimed at curbing abusive practices, which will take effect in July 2025.

The FCCPC warned that operators failing to comply with these regulations by the deadline of January 5, 2026, may face temporary suspension of their services. The commission urged Nigerians to disregard false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates regarding regulatory actions.