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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has announced the resumption of the implementation and enforcement of the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025 (DEON Regulations), following the Federal High Court judgment affirming its authority to regulate Nigeria’s digital lending industry.
Justice A.L. Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, yesterday dismissed a suit filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria Ltd/Gte (WASPAN), which challenged the Commission’s powers to issue and enforce the regulations.
In the judgment delivered in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026, the court dismissed the plaintiff’s originating summons in its entirety, refused all the reliefs sought and upheld the validity of the DEON Regulations.
The court ruled that the regulations were made pursuant to the FCCPC’s statutory and constitutional powers and therefore fall within the Commission’s legal authority.
It also upheld the specific provisions challenged in the suit and discharged the interim ex parte order issued in April 2026, which had restrained the Commission from implementing and enforcing the regulations.
With the restraining order vacated, the FCCPC said the legal obstacle that prompted the temporary suspension of the regulations had been removed, making the DEON Regulations fully operational and enforceable.
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The Commission recalled that it suspended implementation immediately after being served with the interim order in April, describing the move as a demonstration of its respect for the rule of law and judicial authority.
Reacting to the judgment, the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, described the ruling as a reaffirmation of the Commission’s statutory mandate.
“The Commission has always maintained that the rule of law is fundamental to effective regulation and good governance. When the court issued its interim order, we immediately suspended implementation of the Regulations in full compliance with the court’s directive.
“Now that the court has affirmed the validity of the DEON Regulations and delivered judgment in favour of the Commission, we will continue to discharge our statutory responsibilities faithfully, professionally and in accordance with the law,” he said.
Ijagwu explained that the regulations are aimed at promoting responsible lending, strengthening regulatory accountability, curbing unfair and exploitative lending practices and enhancing consumer protection in Nigeria’s digital lending market.
He added that the Commission remains committed to ensuring that innovation and financial inclusion thrive within a transparent, fair and accountable regulatory framework that inspires confidence among consumers, investors and responsible operators.
