A temporary relief has emerged for airtime lenders following a directive involving the Federal Competition and Consumers Protection Commission (FCCPC) and an interim court order halting the enforcement of the 2025 digital lending regulations.
The order was issued by the Lagos Federal High Court presided over by Justice A. L. Allagoa, directing the FCCPC to suspend the implementation of the Digital, Electronic Online or Non-traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 (DEON Regulations).
The case was filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers’ Association of Nigeria (WASPAN), which is challenging the legality and enforcement of the new regulatory framework for digital lending services.
An ex parte order, which typically lasts for 14 days, formed the basis of the temporary suspension.
In compliance with the court directive, the FCCPC confirmed that it has paused the enforcement of the regulations while also preparing to legally challenge the validity of the order.
According to the Commission’s statement signed by its Director of Corporate Services, Ondaje Ijagwu, its legal team has been instructed to contest both the order and the competence of the suit.
The FCCPC maintained that it remains committed to the rule of law while also defending its regulatory mandate over digital lending operations in Nigeria.
