Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has received judicial backing to enforce its digital lending rules after a Federal High Court dismissed a challenge by industry operators.
Justice A.L. Allagoa ruled in favour of the FCCPC in a suit filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria, upholding the 2025 Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations.
The decision vacates an earlier interim order that had suspended enforcement, allowing the commission to resume approvals, monitoring and sanctions against digital lenders.
“The Commission has always maintained that the rule of law is fundamental to effective regulation and good governance,” FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs Ondaje Ijagwu said.
Ijagwu emphasised the regulations’ purpose. “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,” he added.
The ruling is expected to intensify oversight of loan apps accused of harassment, data violations and opaque terms.
The FCCPC said it would now discharge its responsibilities “faithfully, professionally and in accordance with the law.”
