FCCPC airtime credit enforcement tests Tinubu’s vision for strong institutions

President Bola Tinubu, in his Democracy Day address on June 12, 2026, highlighted the role of Nigeria’s institutions, particularly the judiciary, as guardrails of the republic.

Tinubu noted that for 27 years, Nigerians have resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers, and he urged accountability while assuring investors of growing confidence in the economy.

One agency reporting to the presidency now faces questions over its approach to regulating airtime and data credit services. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) moved to enforce its Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 (DEON Regulations) on these services in April 2026.

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This led major telecom operators to suspend airtime and data credit offerings, disrupting access for millions of Nigerians who use the service for daily connectivity.

Telco perspective

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) welcomed the later suspension of enforcement.

ALTON chairman Gbenga Adebayo stated that the move “recognises that the established regulatory architecture, with the NCC as the sector’s primary regulator, is the appropriate framework for governing these products.” He described it as a step that restores confidence in the regulatory environment.

The Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN), an association of Nigerian companies with valid NCC licences, challenged the enforcement in court. Its chairman of regulatory and partnership, Osa Umweni, clarified: “WASPAN is an association of Nigerian value-added service providers.”

He stressed that the suit aims to protect consumers and local operators, adding that continued approvals under the restrained framework raise serious questions about the Commission’s commitment to the undertakings it has made to the court and the Nigerian public.

WASPAN was represented by Kemi Pinheiro, OFR, SAN. On April 15, 2026, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos granted interim injunctions restraining the FCCPC from enforcing the DEON framework against WASPAN members.

Despite this, the Commission approved additional firms under the same rules. Contempt proceedings were initiated against Tunji Bello, FCCPC executive vice chairman, though they were later withdrawn.

FCCPC position

The FCCPC maintained that its regulations seek to protect consumers from issues like hidden charges and aggressive practices in digital lending. Following the court order, the Commission announced suspension of enforcement.

Ondaje Ijagwu, director of Corporate Affairs stated: “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.”

The FCCPC also denied involvement in media reports claiming presidential backing for its position or portraying the case as a fight against a foreign monopoly.

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Judiciary and broader context

The court has scheduled judgment in the substantive suit for July 20, 2026. Legal observers note that the case tests boundaries between regulators and respect for judicial orders. The FCCPC has indicated it will contest aspects of the interim orders through its legal team.

This episode highlights ongoing debates about regulatory impact on services many Nigerians depend on. While the FCCPC aims to promote transparency in lending, critics argue that enforcement without full prior assessment of effects on users created unnecessary hardship.

As Tinubu emphasised, democracy is felt in the quality of people’s daily lives. How institutions balance consumer protection, due process, and economic realities will continue to shape public trust. The upcoming court judgment will provide further legal clarity.