Regulator says Nigerians can still access data and airtime credit services, warns against misinformation…..
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has dismissed widespread reports claiming it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services, describing the narrative as false and misleading.
In a statement released Friday, the commission clarified that it had not issued any directive prohibiting telecom operators from offering such services. It emphasized that subscribers across Nigeria remain free to access lawful value-added telecom offerings.
The clarification comes after viral social media posts and media reports sparked concern among millions of users who rely on airtime and data credit services for daily communication.
According to the commission, recent disruptions experienced by some users are not the result of a regulatory ban but stem from non-compliance by certain telecom operators with its Consumer Lending Regulations introduced in July 2025.
“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 stated.
The FCCPC explained that the regulatory framework was introduced in response to a surge in consumer complaints within the digital lending space. These included issues such as hidden charges, unexplained deductions, poor disclosure of terms, and aggressive debt recovery tactics.
To address these concerns, the commission said the regulations were designed to bring greater transparency and accountability to the sector. Key provisions require service providers to clearly disclose fees and terms, establish accessible complaint channels, and implement safeguards to protect user data.
The agency also flagged anti-competitive practices among some operators, including exclusionary arrangements with third-party providers, which it said violate existing laws.
Despite granting a 90-day compliance window and later extending the deadline to January 5, 2026, the FCCPC noted that several companies failed to meet the requirements.
As a result, any temporary suspension or limitation of airtime borrowing and data advance services should be viewed as a business or compliance decision by those operators, rather than a directive from regulators.
“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 added.
The commission further accused certain vested interests of deliberately spreading misinformation to undermine ongoing reforms aimed at protecting consumers and promoting fair competition.
Describing such claims as “mischievous,” the FCCPC urged Nigerians to rely on verified information from official sources.
Airtime borrowing and data advance services have become essential for many telecom users, offering short-term credit for calls and internet access, with repayment deducted upon recharge. However, the segment has faced longstanding criticism over hidden fees and unclear repayment structures.
The FCCPC reiterated that its intervention aligns with broader government efforts to regulate digital lending and strengthen consumer protection in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving telecom and fintech landscape.
It reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing transparency, accountability, and responsible innovation, stressing that compliance with regulatory standards remains mandatory for all operators.
