Court Clears FCCPC To Resume Digital Lending Regulations

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has resumed implementation of the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025 (DEON Regulations).

This follows the judgment delivered Monday by Justice A.L. Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026 instituted by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria Ltd/Gte (WASPAN).

In the ruling, the Court dismissed the Plaintiff’s Originating Summons in its entirety, declined all the reliefs sought, and upheld the validity of the DEON Regulations, holding that they were made pursuant to the FCCPC’s statutory and constitutional powers and are therefore intra vires the Commission.

The Court also upheld the validity of the specific provisions of the Regulations challenged in the suit and consequently discharged the interim ex parte order that had restrained implementation and enforcement of the Regulations.

Accordingly, the legal impediment that had necessitated the Commission’s temporary suspension of implementation and enforcement of the DEON Regulations has been removed, and the Regulations are once again fully operational and enforceable.

WASPAN had challenged the Commission’s authority to issue and implement the DEON Regulations. Upon being served with the Court’s interim order in April 2026, the FCCPC immediately suspended implementation and enforcement of the Regulations in full compliance with the Court’s directive, consistent with its commitment to the rule of law and respect for judicial authority.

Meanwhile, the FCCPC has welcomed the judgement.

Reacting, the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, said, “The Commission has always maintained that the rule of law is fundamental to effective regulation and good governance.

“When the Court issued its interim order, we immediately suspended implementation of the Regulations in full compliance with the Court’s directive.

“Now that the Court has affirmed the validity of the DEON Regulations and delivered judgment in favour of the Commission, we will continue to discharge our statutory responsibilities faithfully, professionally and in accordance with the law.

“The DEON Regulations are designed to promote responsible lending, improve regulatory accountability, curb unfair and exploitative practices, and strengthen consumer protection in Nigeria’s digital lending market.

“Our objective has always been to ensure that innovation and financial inclusion flourish within a transparent, fair and accountable regulatory framework that inspires confidence among consumers, investors and responsible operators alike.”

ENDS