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  • FCCPC Denies Approving 48 New Loan Apps, Warns Against False Reports

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed reports claiming it approved 48 additional digital loan applications, describing the information as false and misleading.

    The commission said it has not expanded the list of approved digital lenders to 505, contrary to reports that circulated over the weekend. It added that no new approvals have been granted because it remains bound by a Federal High Court order suspending the implementation of its 2025 Digital Lending Regulations.

    Court order blocks fresh approvals

    According to the FCCPC, it cannot issue new approvals under the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, because the framework is currently under judicial review.

    The commission said it will continue to comply with the court order until the case is determined and will not take any action under the suspended regulations.

    Why the clarification matters

    The FCCPC noted that its approval has become a key benchmark for Nigerians seeking to identify legitimate digital loan platforms.

    Since the agency began its crackdown on abusive loan apps in 2022, it has repeatedly warned consumers against borrowing from unregistered operators accused of illegal debt recovery practices, privacy breaches and harassment. It said false reports about new approvals could expose borrowers to unlicensed platforms and create confusion within the industry.

    Background to the legal dispute

    The FCCPC introduced an interim registration framework for digital lenders in 2022 following widespread complaints about unethical practices in the sector.

    In July 2025, the agency replaced the interim framework with the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, giving operators until January 5, 2026, to comply.

    However, on April 15, 2026, the Federal High Court granted an interim order restraining the implementation of the regulations after a suit filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN). The substantive hearing has been fixed for July 20, 2026.

    The commission also recalled that earlier in June it debunked similar reports linking it to fresh approvals involving fintech firms in Nigeria’s airtime credit market. It advised the public to rely only on its official communications for updates on digital lender approvals while the court case is pending.

     

  • NAFDAC Clears BON Bread After Viral ‘Two-Month Freshness’ Controversy

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has declared BON Bread safe for consumption after completing investigations into viral claims that the bread stayed fresh for nearly two months without going mouldy.

    The agency said laboratory findings confirmed that the preservative used in the bread production was within approved safety limits and did not violate food safety regulations.

    Viral video triggers online controversy

    The controversy started on April 13, 2026, after a blogger identified as Love Dooshima shared a video expressing concern over a loaf of bread that allegedly remained fresh for almost two months.

    Although the blogger did not mention any brand, BON Bread’s manufacturer reportedly identified the product as theirs and denied the allegation.

    The incident quickly gained attention online and later led to a ₦50 million lawsuit against the blogger.

    Dooshima was also detained by the Nigeria Police Force on April 20 after honouring an invitation at the Zone 7 Police Headquarters in Abuja over allegations bordering on cyberstalking, fraud and mischief.

    She was later released after the intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission also announced a probe into the matter.

    NAFDAC reveals findings

    NAFDAC Director-General Christianah Adeyeye disclosed the agency’s findings in a statement released on Sunday.

    “Though the complainant did not mention the brand or producer of the said bread, Food & Food Integrated Company Limited claimed that the said bread is produced by the company, and that the allegation was not true,” Adeyeye said.

    According to her, the agency launched investigations because of the public concerns generated online and the need to provide scientific clarification.

    She explained that NAFDAC officials inspected the company’s bakery in Abuja on April 20 and collected bread samples from both the production facility and the open market for laboratory analysis.

    “Investigation by the agency revealed that the company in question commenced bread production in the year 2006 and has successfully gone through several product license renewals without any penalties or recalls,” she stated.

    Bread met approved standards

    Adeyeye disclosed that laboratory analysis confirmed the use of calcium propionate as preservative and noted that the quantity used complied with international standards.

    “Laboratory findings revealed that calcium propionate was used as preservative, and that the amount of the preservative used was within the limits specified in Codex Alimentarius,” she said.

    She further explained that the analysed bread samples did not contain harmful substances, including bromate and non-nutritive sweeteners.

    “The bread samples analysed did not contain objectionable substances, including bromate and non-nutritive sweeteners,” she added.

    According to the NAFDAC boss, food manufacturers are allowed to use approved preservation methods provided they comply with globally accepted standards.

    “As a result of the foregoing, the public is hereby informed that the company is not in violation of any of the agency’s regulations,” she stated.

    NAFDAC advises Nigerians

    The agency also urged Nigerians to report concerns directly to NAFDAC instead of rushing to social media.

    “The public is implored to always visit any of the NAFDAC offices nationwide or use our different electronic handles, including the recently launched call centre to lay complaints before going to the social media,” Adeyeye said.

  • Airtime Credit May Return as Court Orders Shake FCCPC Rules, Pressure Mounts on MTN, Airtel

     

    Millions of Nigerian telecom subscribers may soon regain access to airtime and data credit services after two Federal High Court rulings challenged the regulatory basis behind their suspension earlier in April. The development follows weeks of disruption that left prepaid users without access to emergency borrowing options widely relied on across the country.

    Subscribers Stranded as MTN, Airtel Suspend Credit Services

    The services, including MTN Nigeria’s XtraTime and Airtel’s data credit options, were suspended following compliance concerns linked to new digital lending regulations issued by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The sudden halt affected millions of users, especially low-income earners, traders, and small business operators who depend on the services for daily connectivity.

    The disruption triggered widespread frustration as users were cut off from short-term credit facilities often used to manage urgent communication and business needs. Telecom operators had attributed the suspension to regulatory uncertainty surrounding the new framework.

    Lagos Court Restrains FCCPC From Enforcing Regulations

    On April 15, the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, granted an interim injunction restraining the FCCPC from enforcing key provisions of its 2025 Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations against members of the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN).

    The court also barred the commission from imposing sanctions or issuing further directives that could disrupt operations within the existing telecom structure. The ruling is seen as a major setback to the regulatory reach of the FCCPC in the ongoing dispute.

    Abuja Court Blocks Suspension of Telecom Infrastructure Access

    In a separate ruling in Abuja, the Federal High Court restrained MTN Nigeria and Airtel Networks Limited from suspending or limiting access to telecom infrastructure for Nairtime Holdings Limited and Nairtime Nigeria Limited. The order specifically covered USSD channels, short codes, SMS platforms, and billing systems tied to airtime credit services.

    The court further stated that telecom operators must respect contractual notice periods and dispute resolution mechanisms before acting on regulatory changes. This effectively questioned the legality of the abrupt suspension carried out by operators in April.

    Regulatory Clash Between FCCPC and NCC Deepens

    At the centre of the dispute is a jurisdictional conflict between regulatory bodies over who controls digital lending services delivered through telecom platforms. The FCCPC had expanded its oversight in July 2025 to cover airtime and data credit services under its digital lending framework.

    However, industry stakeholders insist the services fall under the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), citing the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003. They argue that telecom-based credit products should remain within NCC’s regulatory domain rather than consumer protection oversight.

    Industry Pushback and Economic Concerns

    Following the regulatory uncertainty, MTN and Airtel suspended the services pending clarification, a move that triggered backlash from stakeholders and consumers. WASPAN has accused the FCCPC of regulatory overreach, while urging full compliance with court orders and renewed collaboration with the NCC.

    Analysts estimate that airtime lending transactions in Nigeria are valued between ₦500 billion and ₦1.2 trillion annually, highlighting their importance as an informal credit lifeline for millions of Nigerians. The suspension, they note, temporarily disrupted a key financial support system within the telecom ecosystem.

    Restoration Expectations Build as Legal Battle Continues

    Although both cases have been adjourned for further hearings, attention has now shifted to telecom operators and how quickly services may be restored. The court rulings have significantly weakened the justification previously used for the suspension, raising expectations of an imminent return of airtime and data credit services.

    As the legal and regulatory battle continues, stakeholders warn that prolonged uncertainty could further affect consumer access and digital financial inclusion in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

     

  • FCCPC Denies Banning Airtime Borrowing, Blames Telecom Operators For Disruptions

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed claims that it banned airtime borrowing and data advance services in Nigeria, describing the reports as false and misleading.

    FCCPC clears the air

    In a statement, the Commission said it never issued any directive stopping Nigerians from accessing airtime or data advance services.

    “The Commission has not prohibited airtime borrowing or data advance services, and no directive was issued preventing consumers from accessing lawful telecom value-added services,” it stated.

    The clarification comes amid widespread concerns following reports of service disruptions across telecom networks.

    Why FCCPC stepped in

    The Commission explained that its intervention was driven by growing complaints from consumers.

    These include issues such as hidden charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery tactics, poor transparency, and weak accountability among service providers.

    To address this, FCCPC introduced the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations in July 2025.

    The framework is aimed at improving transparency, ensuring proper registration, and protecting consumers from exploitative practices.

    Operators blamed for disruptions

    FCCPC noted that telecom operators were given a 90-day window to comply with the new regulations, which was later extended to January 5, 2026.

    However, it said some operators failed to meet the requirements and continued operating outside the regulatory framework.

    According to the Commission, any temporary suspension or disruption of services should be seen as a compliance decision by the companies, not a government ban.

    “Any temporary suspension, restriction, or operational change introduced by service providers should therefore be understood as a business or compliance decision by those operators,” it said.

    Allegations of misinformation

    The Commission also alleged that misinformation around the issue may be driven by vested interests opposed to stricter regulation and fair competition.

    It described attempts to blame the regulator as misleading, insisting that operators had enough time to comply with the rules.

    FCCPC urged Nigerians to ignore false narratives and rely on verified information regarding telecom services.

  • Airtel Nigeria Suspends Airtime and Data Credit Services, Cites Regulatory Compliance as MTN Follows Similar Move

    Airtel Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit service, a facility that previously allowed eligible prepaid customers to borrow airtime and data and repay on their next recharge, as regulatory pressure tightens across the telecom sector.

    Airtel halts credit service

    The company said the decision is part of ongoing operational adjustments aimed at aligning with evolving regulatory requirements in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

    In a statement on Friday, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran, explained that the move was necessary to ensure full compliance with current industry expectations.

    He added that the suspension reflects broader efforts to meet operational and regulatory standards guiding telecom services in the country.

    Core services remain unaffected

    Despite the suspension, Airtel assured customers that its main services remain fully operational.

    Subscribers, according to the company, will continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to airtime and data purchases through existing recharge channels.

    The firm also stressed that the temporary pause will not affect network performance or overall service delivery nationwide.

    “Responsible step” — Airtel explains decision

    Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, described the suspension as a necessary and responsible move in line with compliance obligations.

    “This is a necessary and responsible step as we align our operations with evolving requirements. Airtel Nigeria remains committed to the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and consumer protection, while continuing to innovate responsibly within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” he said.

    The company added that further updates on the suspended service will be communicated in due course.

    MTN takes similar action

    The development comes just hours after rival telecom operator MTN Nigeria also suspended its Xtratime service, which allows subscribers to borrow airtime and data.

    The back-to-back decisions point to increasing regulatory scrutiny of credit-based telecom services in Nigeria’s digital space.

  • MTN Suspends Xtratime Service Over New FCCPC Lending Rules

    MTN Nigeria has suspended its airtime and data advance service, Xtratime, following new regulatory requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) targeting digital lending operations.

    Why MTN took action

    The telecom giant disclosed the decision in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange on Thursday, stating that the move is to comply with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

    According to the company, the Xtratime service falls within the scope of the new rules, which now require providers of such services to obtain fresh licensing and meet stricter compliance standards.

    “MTN Nigeria Communications PLC hereby notifies… that the company has temporarily suspended its airtime and data credit advance service (‘Xtratime’),” the statement read.

    What the service does

    Xtratime allows prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge, making it a widely used option for customers facing short-term credit needs.

    However, the FCCPC’s updated framework now classifies such offerings as digital credit services subject to tighter oversight.

    Impact on customers and revenue

    MTN said customers can still purchase airtime and data through other available channels despite the suspension.

    The company also downplayed the financial impact of the move, noting that the service does not significantly affect its overall revenue.

    “Given the scale within the revenue mix, we do not expect the temporary suspension to have a material impact,” MTN stated.

    It added that customer usage patterns are being monitored, with further updates expected in its Q1 2026 results.

    Regulatory push on digital lending

    The FCCPC’s 2025 regulations expand oversight of digital lending to include telecom operators and other providers of short-term credit.

    Under the framework, companies offering airtime and data advances must register and obtain approval to continue operations.

    The commission had earlier introduced a similar framework in 2022 but expanded it with stricter rules in 2025.

    What it means

    The development signals increased scrutiny of Nigeria’s fast-growing digital credit sector, as regulators move to address concerns around consumer debt, data privacy, and lending practices.