Telecommunication subscribers across Nigeria can once again access emergency airtime lending services following the suspension of the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending (DEON) Regulations 2025 by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
The restoration of the services comes after a Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the FCCPC to halt enforcement of the regulations pending the hearing of a suit challenging the Commission’s authority over telecom-based airtime lending services.
Major network providers, including Airtel and Globacom, have reportedly resumed the services.
Chairman of the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN), Ayo Stuffman, confirmed the development on Monday, stating that airtime lending platforms were already active on both networks.
The return of the service is expected to bring relief to millions of subscribers who rely on emergency airtime credit for communication and small business activities.
The FCCPC had earlier sought to regulate airtime lending platforms under the DEON Regulations 2025, arguing that such services fall under digital consumer credit and require oversight to prevent data privacy breaches and unfair lending practices.
The Commission also claimed it had received over 11,000 complaints related to digital lending operations.
However, telecom stakeholders, including WASPAN and other operators, opposed the move, insisting that airtime advances are value-added telecom services rather than conventional loans.
The legal battle intensified after Justice A. Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, restrained the FCCPC from enforcing the regulations, while contempt proceedings were reportedly initiated against the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello.
In response to the court ruling, FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, announced that the Commission had suspended implementation of the regulations in compliance with the order.
Despite the suspension, the FCCPC indicated plans to challenge the court decision and continue pursuing legal clarification on its regulatory powers.
Industry stakeholders say the development has temporarily eased tensions in the telecom sector, although concerns remain over regulatory uncertainty and its potential impact on investor confidence.
Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, had earlier called for clearer regulatory guidelines and greater predictability within the industry.
Observers say the outcome of the court case will ultimately determine the future regulation of Nigeria’s growing digital credit and airtime lending sector.
