A Federal High Court has rejected a fresh attempt by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to stop airtime lending services run through major telecom networks. The ruling preserves an earlier interim injunction that protects airtime and data credit providers while a substantive suit on new lending rules is being heard.
The case centres on the FCCPC’s 2025 Digital, Electronic, Online or Non Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, which the commission wants to fully enforce across digital lenders, including Airtime Credit Service providers. Industry group Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria argues that the rules place heavy and conflicting burdens on telecom based lending services already regulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
In its latest application, the FCCPC asked the court to lift or vary the injunction so it could proceed with implementation of the new regime. Justice Lewis Allagoa declined the request, instead ordering that the commission’s preliminary objection and the main suit be heard together for a comprehensive decision.
The judge fixed May 15, 2026, for the next hearing and confirmed that the interim order stopping FCCPC’s enforcement remains in force until the case is resolved. This means telecom operators and their partners can continue to offer airtime lending, data borrowing and similar services for now.
The dispute has already led to temporary disruptions and confusion among subscribers after some networks suspended popular “borrow airtime” and data loan services in response to regulatory directives. Many users complained that the move hurt small businesses and low income customers who depend on emergency credit to stay connected.
While the FCCPC insists it has not banned airtime or data borrowing and is only trying to protect consumers from abuse, the ongoing legal battle highlights tensions between the commission and the telecoms regulator over who controls the fast growing digital credit space. Stakeholders are now watching the court process closely, as the final judgment will shape how airtime lending and other telecom based loans are regulated in Nigeria.
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