The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has reportedly suspended the digital lending rules that led mobile network operators to suspend voice and data lending servi
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has reportedly suspended the digital lending rules that led mobile network operators to suspend voice and data lending services.
In an official statement, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) applauded the FCCPC for suspending the rule on telecom operators and allowing the restoration of a critical service enjoyed by over 40 million Nigerians.
In the statement, ALTON Chairman, Mr Gbenga Adebayo, noted that the commission’s decision is a mature attempt to recognise the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as the primary regulator of the telecoms industry.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON Mr Adebayo’s comment comes amid concerns raised by industry stakeholders and experts over the clash of regulatory provisions, thereby demanding clear rules. The FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-traditional Consumer Lending (DEON) rule was then flagged as a framework that shouldn’t bind airtime and data lending services offered by telecom operators.
The ALTON President noted that the recognition matters enormously for industry stability and investor confidence.
“Suspending the DEON regulations as they apply to telecom services recognises that the established regulatory architecture, with the NCC as the sector’s primary regulator, is the appropriate framework for governing these products,” he added.
While acknowledging the restoration of service by Airtel and Globacom, ALTON stated that MTN and T2mobile (formerly 9mobile) are expected to resume the XtraTime service soon. The reversal comes about five weeks after telcos announced the suspension, on the grounds of creating time for DEON compliance.
Xtratime Also Read: Why MTN, Airtel, Glo, others are resuming voice and data lending services after a 5-week suspension.
Complying with FCCPC’s framework for airtime and data lendingWhile the DEON framework seeks to introduce new lending requirements focused on transparency, accountability, fairness, and consumer protection in the XtraTime services, the telecoms industry saw this as a burden.
For instance, the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) challenged its legality and FCCPC’s regulatory powers within Nigeria’s digital telecoms industry. The case, at the Federal High Court in Lagos, was on the notion of regulatory clash and the need for clarity on what works.
WASPAN is of the notion that certain provisions of the digital lending regulations would negatively affect telcos, which thereby impacts airtime and data lending services valued at N400 billion.
During its initial hearing, which was before telcos announced the XtraTime suspension, the court temporarily blocked the FCCPC from enforcing parts of its 2025 digital lending regulations, freeing operators from the yoke of the DEON.
While the court judgment to decide the legality of DEON in the telecoms industry and digital economy is scheduled for July 20, 2026, the FCCPC’s suspension of the service signifies a new turning point.
Although FCCPC is yet to make an official statement regarding the suspension, the restoration of airtime and data lending services is a welcome development for subscribers. The service has always been a lifeline for subscribers during financial pressures.
