Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has denied claims that it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services, describing the reports as false and misleading.
The clarification follows widespread public concern triggered by viral social media posts and media reports suggesting that the commission had shut down the popular telecom credit services used by millions of Nigerians.
In a statement issued by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the commission said it did not issue any directive stopping telecom operators from offering the services.
“The attention of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has been drawn to a series of newspaper publications and a viral anonymous post on 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,” Ijagwu said.
He added, “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 FCCPC explained that recent disruptions experienced by some subscribers were due to non-compliance by certain telecom operators with its Consumer Lending Regulations introduced in July 2025.
According to the commission, the regulations were introduced after complaints about “opaque charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery practices, poor disclosure standards, and inadequate accountability” in the digital lending space.
It stressed that any suspension of airtime borrowing or data advance services should be seen as a decision by service providers.
“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 urged Nigerians to disregard misinformation and rely on verified sources, reaffirming its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring fair competition in the telecom sector.
