Court Upholds Airtime Lending Restrictions Against FCCPC

The Federal High Court in Lagos has rejected the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission's (FCCPC) request to lift an interim injunction that stops the enforcement of new regulations concerning airtime lending. Justice Lewis Allagoa ruled that the restrictions would remain in place until a full hearing on the matter, which is set for April 28, 2026.

The case, filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN), originally received an interim injunction on April 15, 2026, following an urgent application. The FCCPC had sought to have the injunction removed, arguing that it was not justified, while WASPAN opposed this request, warning that lifting the order would grant the FCCPC excessive regulatory power.

The court's decision means that telecom service providers can continue to operate airtime lending and related services without interference from the disputed regulations until the case is fully heard.