The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has officially resumed the implementation and enforcement of its Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025 (DEON Regulations), following a favourable judgment by the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The decision came after Justice A.L. Allagoa dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN). The court ruled that the FCCPC acted within its legal powers when it introduced the DEON Regulations. It also rejected all the requests made by WASPAN and confirmed that the regulations are valid under the law.
The court further removed the interim order that had stopped the FCCPC from enforcing the regulations. This means there are no longer any legal restrictions preventing the Commission from carrying out the rules across Nigeria.
The legal dispute began when WASPAN challenged the authority of the FCCPC to create and enforce the digital lending regulations. In April 2026, after receiving a temporary court order, the Commission suspended the implementation of the rules to comply with the court’s directive. The FCCPC said it took that step out of respect for the rule of law and the judicial process.
With the latest judgment now in its favour, the Commission has confirmed that the DEON Regulations are once again fully active and enforceable.
Reacting to the court’s decision, FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the Commission remains committed to carrying out its responsibilities in line with the law. He explained that the agency respected the court’s earlier order by suspending the regulations and is now pleased that the court has confirmed its authority to enforce them.
According to him, the Commission will continue to regulate Nigeria’s digital lending industry professionally and fairly while ensuring that consumers receive the protection they deserve.
The FCCPC also stated that the DEON Regulations were introduced to improve standards in the digital lending sector. The rules are aimed at encouraging responsible lending, preventing unfair and exploitative practices, increasing accountability among lenders, and protecting the rights of borrowers.
The Commission believes that stronger regulations will help create a more transparent and trustworthy digital lending industry. It added that the framework is designed to support financial innovation while ensuring that lending companies operate responsibly and fairly.
The FCCPC also noted that the regulations will boost confidence among consumers, investors, and legitimate operators in Nigeria’s growing digital finance sector. By enforcing these rules, the Commission hopes to promote a balanced environment where businesses can grow while consumers remain protected from unethical lending practices.
With the court’s ruling now clearing every legal obstacle, the FCCPC is expected to continue monitoring and regulating digital lending platforms across the country to ensure full compliance with the DEON Regulations. The judgment is seen as a significant victory for consumer protection and regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s fast-growing online lending industry.
