The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed claims that it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria, describing such reports as false and misleading.
In a statement shared on its official X handle and signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission clarified that it did not issue any directive stopping Nigerians from accessing these services.
According to the FCCPC:
“The Commission has not prohibited airtime borrowing or data advance services, and no directive was issued preventing consumers from accessing lawful telecom value-added services.”
The agency explained that the confusion came from its DEON Consumer Lending Regulations introduced in July 2025, which were created to address growing complaints from users.
These complaints included hidden charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery methods and poor disclosure by some service providers.
The FCCPC said the regulations were meant to improve transparency, accountability and fair competition in both the digital lending and telecom sectors, not to stop services.
“Those claims are incorrect. The Commission has not prohibited airtime borrowing or data advance services,” the statement added.
The Commission also revealed that some telecom operators were running restrictive third-party arrangements that go against regulations.
It explained that the new rules were designed to open the market so both local and foreign companies can compete fairly.
According to the FCCPC, operators were given enough time to comply, starting with a 90-day window from July 2025, which was later extended to January 5, 2026.
However, some providers reportedly failed to meet the requirements within the deadline.
“Any temporary suspension, restriction, or operational change introduced by service providers should therefore be understood as a business or compliance decision by those operators, not a ban imposed by the FCCPC,” the statement said.
The Commission accused some vested interests and foreign collaborators of spreading misinformation to weaken its efforts to protect consumers and regulate the market properly.
It urged Nigerians to ignore false claims and rely on verified information, while reaffirming its commitment to consumer protection and fair practices.
This clarification comes after telecom operators like MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria recently suspended airtime and data borrowing services.
