By our Reporter
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has resumed the implementation and enforcement of the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025 (DEON Regulations), following a Federal High Court judgment affirming its regulatory powers.
The Commission announced the development after Justice A.L. Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, dismissed a suit filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria Ltd/Gte (WASPAN).
The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/760/2026, had challenged the FCCPC’s authority to issue and implement the DEON Regulations.
In his judgment, Justice Allagoa dismissed the plaintiff’s originating summons in its entirety and refused all the reliefs sought, holding that the DEON Regulations were validly made pursuant to the FCCPC’s constitutional and statutory powers.
The court also upheld the specific provisions of the regulations challenged by the plaintiff and vacated the interim ex parte order that had restrained the Commission from implementing and enforcing the regulations.
With the restraining order lifted, the FCCPC said the legal obstacle that necessitated the temporary suspension of the regulations had been removed, making the DEON Regulations fully operational and enforceable.
The Commission recalled that it had suspended implementation of the regulations in April 2026 after being served with the court’s interim order, describing the decision as a demonstration of its commitment to the rule of law and respect for judicial authority.
Reacting to the judgment, the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a reaffirmation of the Commission’s regulatory 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 noted that the regulations were introduced to promote responsible digital lending, improve regulatory accountability, curb unfair and exploitative lending practices, and strengthen consumer protection in Nigeria’s growing digital lending ecosystem.
He added that the Commission remains committed to ensuring that innovation and financial inclusion thrive within a transparent, fair and accountable regulatory framework that protects consumers while fostering confidence among investors and responsible operators.
The DEON Regulations are expected to enhance oversight of digital lending platforms and reinforce consumer rights in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding online lending sector.
