FCCPC Confirms No Ban on Airtime Loans in Nigeria

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) issued a statement on Friday, clarifying that there is no ban on airtime loans and data advances in Nigeria, countering misleading reports circulating on social media. The confusion arose from regulatory measures introduced in July 2025 concerning consumer lending in the telecommunications sector.

The FCCPC explained that these new regulations are not intended to eliminate services but to ensure fair and transparent practices, requiring operators to be properly registered and disclose fees and terms clearly. The commission also noted that telecom operators engaged in exclusionary practices that violate the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018, which limits competition and restricts market access.

The FCCPC has given telecom operators a 90-day window to comply with the new regulations, which can be extended to January 5, 2026. The commission stressed that any disruptions in airtime borrowing and data advance services are due to operators' failure to comply with the regulations, urging Nigerians to disregard false narratives regarding telecom services.