FCCPC digital lending regulations are back in force after a Federal High Court ruling upheld their validity and removed legal restrictions

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has resumed enforcement of its Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, following a Federal High Court judgment in Lagos that upheld the validity of the framework.

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The decision, delivered on Monday, July 20, 2026, by Justice A.L. Allagoa in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026, cleared the way for the commission to continue implementing the regulations after a temporary suspension caused by earlier court proceedings.

The suit was filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria Ltd/Gte (WASPAN), which challenged the FCCPC’s authority to issue and enforce the regulations.

In the ruling, the court dismissed WASPAN’s claims, rejected the reliefs sought by the association and affirmed that the regulations were issued within the legal powers of the FCCPC.

The court also upheld the validity of the specific provisions challenged in the case and discharged the interim order that had prevented the commission from enforcing the regulations.

Following the judgment, the FCCPC said the removal of the legal restriction means the regulations are now fully operational and enforceable.

The commission had suspended implementation in April 2026 after being served with the court’s interim order, stating at the time that it acted in compliance with judicial authority.

Reacting to the judgment, FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the commission remained committed to the rule of law throughout the legal process.

“The Commission has always maintained that the rule of law is fundamental to effective regulation and good governance,” Ijagwu said.

He added that the FCCPC would continue carrying out its responsibilities professionally while ensuring that digital lending operators operate within a transparent and accountable system.

According to the commission, the regulations are designed to encourage responsible lending practices, improve oversight and protect consumers from unfair or exploitative activities within Nigeria’s growing digital lending sector.

The FCCPC said the framework would also support innovation and financial inclusion by creating clearer standards for operators while strengthening public confidence in digital financial services.

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The renewed enforcement comes amid increasing growth in Nigeria’s digital lending market, where regulators have continued efforts to balance access to credit with stronger consumer safeguards.