Airtime lending: Why we suspended DEON Rules – FCCPC

June 3, 2026

By Innocent Anaba

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has explained why it suspended the implementation and enforcement of its controversial Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 (DEON Regulations), a move that industry stakeholders say has paved the way for the restoration of airtime and data credit services across Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

In a statement by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs, the Commission said it took the decision in obedience to a Federal High Court order restraining the enforcement of the regulations.

“The Commission has since been served with an ex-parte order of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, restraining/suspending the implementation of the regulations,” the FCCPC stated, adding “As a law-abiding institution, the Commission, in deference and in obedience to the rule of law, hereby suspends the implementation and the enforcement of the DEON Regulations 2025.”