WASPAN and FCCPC dispute DEON rules for airtime lending may go to court
The Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) is locked in a legal dispute with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over whether the Digital Electronic Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON) apply to airtime lending services. The disagreement may ultimately be resolved in court, though the article notes that the broader implications reach beyond a simple regulatory interpretation. While the excerpt does not detail the specific arguments or potential outcomes, such a case could shape how fintech lenders and mobile operators offer credit through airtime top‑up services across Nigeria. A ruling either way might affect pricing, availability, and consumer protection for millions who rely on small, short‑term loans via mobile phones. Readers should monitor updates from FCCPC announcements and court filings to understand how any decision could influence access to digital credit, especially for those without formal banking relationships. The full analysis is available behind the paywall at Nairametrics.