Nigeria's FCCPC Resumes Digital Lending Regulations After Court Upholds Authority

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has resumed full implementation of the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non‑Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON Regulations, 2025) following a Federal High Court judgment in Lagos on 20 July 2026. The court dismissed the suit filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) and affirmed the FCCPC’s statutory and constitutional power to regulate the country’s digital lending sector. The interim order that had halted the regulations since April 2026 was lifted, making the rules again fully operational.

The DEON Regulations are aimed at promoting responsible lending, improving regulatory accountability, curbing unfair and exploitative practices, and strengthening consumer protection in Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital‑lending market, which the court estimated at about N400 billion in airtime credit services. While the FCCPC’s remit covers competition and consumer protection, the judgment clarified that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) retains sole authority over telecommunications licences, meaning some digital‑lending firms may still need NCC approval.

FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs Ondaje Ijagwu said the commission will continue to enforce the regulations, stressing that “the rule of law is fundamental to effective regulation and good governance.”