FCCPC Debunks Airtime Borrowing Ban, Blames Operators for Disruptions

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed widespread claims that it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria, describing such reports as false and misleading.

In a statement shared via its official X page, the Commission said its attention was drawn to “a series of newspaper publication and a viral anonymous post in the social media seeking to create the impression that the Commission cancelled, shut down, or banned airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria.”

“Those claims are incorrect. 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 clarification follows growing concerns among telecom users over disruptions and confusion surrounding borrowing services offered by network providers.

The Commission explained that its intervention stems from rising consumer complaints, including opaque charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery practices, and poor disclosure standards within the digital lending and advance-services space.

It noted that the introduction of the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations in July 2025 was aimed at sanitising the sector and protecting consumers from exploitative practices.

“The Regulations were introduced, among other reasons, to curb the excesses of abusive service providers whose practices had generated persistent consumer harm and undermined confidence in the market.”

According to the FCCPC, the framework mandates proper registration, transparent fee disclosure, responsible lending conduct, and stronger accountability across the sector.

The Commission also revealed that some telecom operators failed to comply with the regulations despite being granted a 90-day window, later extended to January 5, 2026.

“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.”

It added that attempts to blame regulation for service disruptions are misleading.

“Attempts to misrepresent temporary service inconvenience as the result of lawful consumer regulation are mischievous. Nigerians deserve accurate information, not sensational claims.”

The Commission urged the public to disregard false narratives and rely on verified information regarding telecom services and consumer protection policies.