Court Warns FCCPC Boss of Contempt Over Airtime Lending Dispute

A significant legal battle is unfolding in Nigeria over the regulation of airtime lending services, with the Federal High Court in Lagos issuing a stern warning to the FCCPC leadership. The court's action signals a potential escalation in the dispute between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN).

The core of the conflict lies in the FCCPC's attempt to enforce its Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON Regulations) against WASPAN members. WASPAN argues that these regulations exceed the FCCPC's statutory mandate and infringe upon the jurisdiction of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The association is seeking to prevent the enforcement of these regulations, which they claim are being imposed without proper legal basis.

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Take notice that unless you obey the directions contained in the order of this Honourable Court… you will be guilty of contempt of court and liable to be committed to prison.

The court's recent order, a Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Order of Court, warns the FCCPC's Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Tunji Bello, of possible imprisonment if the commission fails to comply with an earlier directive. This directive, issued on April 15, 2026, had restrained the FCCPC from enforcing the DEON Regulations against WASPAN members pending the determination of the suit. The court's decision to reaffirm the interim injunction and schedule a hearing for the substantive suit underscores the seriousness of the matter and its potential implications for millions of Nigerians who rely on airtime lending services.

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WASPAN is contesting the FCCPC’s authority to regulate telecom-based lending services, arguing that key provisions of the DEON Regulations exceed the commission’s statutory mandate and encroach on the regulatory jurisdiction of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).