The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed reports claiming that airtime borrowing and data advance services have been banned in Nigeria, describing such claims as false and misleading
In a statement reacting to what it called widespread misinformation, the Commission said it noticed several media reports and a viral anonymous social media post suggesting that it had shut down or prohibited the services.
It clarified that the claims are entirely inaccurate, stressing that it has not issued any directive banning airtime borrowing or data advance, nor has it restricted consumers from accessing legitimate telecom value-added services.
The Commission explained that the clarification became necessary following rising public concern over alleged disruptions and complaints within the telecom sector.
According to the FCCPC, its recent actions in the space were prompted by multiple consumer complaints, including issues of unclear charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive debt recovery methods, poor transparency, and lack of accountability among some service providers.
To tackle these concerns, the agency said it introduced the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations in July 2025, aimed at addressing the excesses of exploitative operators whose practices have continued to harm consumers and weaken trust in the system.
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