Emmanuel Obi
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed reports claiming it outlawed airtime borrowing and data advance services across Nigeria, insisting no such directive was issued.
The clarification follows a recent move by MTN Nigeria to halt its popular “Xtratime” service. The telecom operator said the decision was tied to compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional (DEON) consumer lending regulations introduced in 2025.
In a statement released on Friday, the commission described circulating claims about a shutdown of such services as false, stressing that consumers remain free to access legitimate telecom value-added offerings.
“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 its intervention was driven by widespread consumer complaints, including hidden charges, unexplained deductions, and aggressive recovery tactics by some service providers.
These concerns led to the rollout of the DEON regulations in July 2025 under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
According to the regulator, the framework was designed to improve transparency, enforce responsible lending practices, and strengthen consumer protection through clearer disclosure of terms, accessible complaint channels, and stricter oversight.
The commission also noted that some telecom operators engaged in anti-competitive practices, adding that the new rules are intended to promote a more open and competitive market.
Although operators were initially given 90 days to comply, the deadline was later extended to January 5, 2026. However, the FCCPC said certain providers failed to meet the requirements and continued operating under systems that had already attracted consumer backlash.
It clarified that any suspension or modification of services by telecom firms should be seen as independent business decisions rather than regulatory enforcement.
“Any temporary suspension, restriction, or operational change introduced by service providers should therefore be understood as a business or compliance decision… not a ban imposed by the FCCPC.”
The agency further accused some interests of spreading misleading narratives to discredit its actions, warning that Nigerians should rely on verified information instead of sensational claims.
