The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has refuted claims that it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria, describing the reports as false and misleading.
In a statement, the Commission said it never issued any directive prohibiting subscribers from accessing these telecom services. It clarified that recent disruptions experienced by users are not the result of any regulatory ban.
According to the FCCPC, its attention was drawn to viral social media posts and some media reports suggesting that airtime and data advance services had been shut down. The agency insisted that such claims are inaccurate.
The Commission explained that its intervention in the sector stems from numerous consumer complaints, including hidden charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive debt recovery tactics, and poor transparency by service providers. To address these issues, it introduced the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations in July 2025.
The regulations are designed to ensure fair practices by requiring service providers to register properly, disclose charges clearly, adopt responsible lending standards, and provide accessible channels for customer complaints. They also aim to strengthen data protection and accountability across the industry.
FCCPC noted that some telecom operators failed to comply with these requirements despite being given an initial 90-day deadline, later extended to January 5, 2026. The agency said certain operators continued to run non-compliant systems, leading to ongoing consumer concerns.
It stressed that any suspension or limitation of airtime borrowing services should be seen as a decision by operators adjusting to regulatory requirements, not a ban imposed by the Commission.
The FCCPC also accused some stakeholders of spreading misinformation to resist reforms aimed at promoting fairness and competition in the market.
The agency urged Nigerians to ignore false narratives and rely on verified information, reiterating its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring transparency in the telecom sector.
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