WASPAN rejects FCCPC’s foreign entity claim

The Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) says it strongly rejects claims by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) that the legal challenge against the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 is being driven by a foreign entity seeking to undermine reforms in Nigeria’s digital lending market.

In a statement signed by Osa Umweni, chairman of regulatory and partnership at WASPAN, the association described the FCCPC’s position as a deliberate misrepresentation of the facts before the court, insisting that its members are Nigerian-registered companies operating under valid licences issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The dispute stems from Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026, which WASPAN filed to challenge aspects of the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations.

According to the association, the action was initiated to protect the interests of local technology companies and millions of Nigerian consumers who rely on airtime lending and mobile credit advance services.

WASPAN dismissed suggestions that the lawsuit was orchestrated by a foreign organisation, stating that its membership consists entirely of indigenous corporate entities.

“The characterisation of this litigation as an attempt by any single foreign entity to obstruct market reform is false. WASPAN’s membership comprises Nigerian-registered companies holding valid NCC licences.

The suit was filed to protect the rights of those members and the tens of millions of Nigerian consumers who depend on their services,” the association said.

The legal dispute follows disruptions across Nigeria’s digital services ecosystem after major telecommunications infrastructure providers temporarily suspended digital credit services in response to compliance directives issued by the FCCPC.

Read also: FCCPC expands airtime credit operator list despite ongoing court injunction, DEON suspension

Although an interim injunction was granted by the Federal High Court on April 15, 2026, restraining enforcement actions pending the determination of the case, WASPAN alleged that the FCCPC has continued to undermine the industry’s position through public statements and media engagements.

The association accused the commission of attempting to delegitimise industry stakeholders seeking judicial clarification on what it described as overlapping regulatory responsibilities.

According to WASPAN, seeking judicial interpretation of regulatory issues is a constitutional right and should not be portrayed as an attempt to frustrate policy reforms.

“The right of any Nigerian entity to approach the courts is not an act of obstruction; it is a fundamental safeguard guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution, and no regulatory agency is entitled to punish or stigmatise those who exercise it,” the statement added.

While reaffirming its commitment to consumer protection and regulatory engagement, WASPAN said it remains open to dialogue with relevant authorities.

However, it stressed that such engagement must be conducted within the framework of the law and with respect for ongoing judicial proceedings.

The association urged all parties to rely on accurate facts and allow the courts to determine the issues in dispute, warning against narratives that could prejudice public opinion while the matter remains before the judiciary.