The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has refuted claims that it has banned airtime borrowing and data advance services across Nigeria, insisting that such reports are misleading.
The Commission said it observed a surge of media publications and a viral anonymous post on social media suggesting that it had cancelled or shut down the services.
According to the agency, the information is false, noting that it has not issued any directive stopping consumers from accessing airtime loans or data advance services offered by telecom providers.
It explained that the clarification was necessary due to growing concerns among Nigerians over supposed disruptions in the telecom sector.
The FCCPC added that its involvement in the industry was triggered by a wave of consumer complaints, including hidden charges, unexplained deductions, forceful recovery tactics, poor transparency, and lack of accountability by some operators.
To address these challenges, the Commission said it introduced the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations in July 2025, aimed at tackling exploitative practices and protecting consumers from further harm.
