The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has refuted claims that it prohibited airtime borrowing and data advance services, describing such reports as misleading and inaccurate.
The clarification comes amid public concerns following announcements by telecom operators, including Airtel and MTN Nigeria, on the temporary suspension of their credit services.
In a statement issued on Friday, the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said no directive was issued to ban the services, stressing that consumers can still access lawful telecom value-added offerings.
“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 statement read.
The FCCPC attributed the disruptions to non-compliance by some operators with its Consumer Lending Regulations introduced in July 2025.
According to the agency, the regulatory framework was developed following widespread complaints from consumers over unfair practices in the digital lending space.
“Following a deluge of consumer complaints bordering on opaque charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery practices and poor disclosure standards, the Commission introduced the regulations to address these concerns,” it said.
The commission explained that the rules were designed to promote transparency, accountability and fair competition by requiring proper registration, clear disclosure of terms, and stronger consumer protection mechanisms.
It further disclosed that some telecom operators were found to have engaged in anti-competitive practices, including restrictive arrangements with third-party service providers.
“In the telecom sector, our findings indicated that some operators engaged in exclusionary third-party technical arrangements in violation of existing laws,” it added.
The FCCPC noted that operators were initially given 90 days to comply with the new regulations, a deadline which was later extended to January 5, 2026, but compliance remained inadequate.
It stressed that any decision to suspend services was taken by the operators themselves.
“Any temporary suspension or restriction should be seen as a business or compliance decision by the operators, not a ban imposed by the Commission,” the agency stated.
The regulator also accused certain groups of spreading false information to undermine ongoing reforms in the sector.
Describing such claims as “mischievous,” it urged Nigerians to rely on verified information.
“The FCCPC is committed to protecting consumers, promoting fair competition and ensuring transparency in digital financial services,” the statement added.
Airtime borrowing and data advance services have become widely used by telecom subscribers, though the segment has faced criticism over hidden charges and unclear repayment terms.
The commission said its intervention is aimed at sanitising the sector, strengthening consumer confidence and ensuring responsible innovation.
