From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
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 court judgment that upheld the validity of the regulations.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC said the development followed the judgment delivered on Monday, July 20, 2026, by Justice A.L. Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026 filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria Ltd/Gte (WASPAN).
The court dismissed the plaintiff’s originating summons in its entirety, rejected all reliefs sought, and affirmed that the DEON Regulations were issued within the statutory and constitutional powers of the FCCPC.
The court also upheld the validity of the specific provisions of the regulations challenged in the suit and consequently discharged the interim ex parte order that had earlier restrained the Commission from implementing and enforcing the regulations.
According to the FCCPC, the legal barrier that led to the temporary suspension of the DEON Regulations has now been removed, making the regulations fully operational and enforceable.
WASPAN had challenged the Commission’s authority to issue and implement the regulations. Following the interim court order served in April 2026, the FCCPC suspended the implementation and enforcement of the regulations in compliance with the court directive.
Reacting to the judgment, FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, said the Commission remained committed to the rule of law and effective regulation.
“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 added that the regulations were designed to promote responsible lending, enhance regulatory accountability, curb unfair and exploitative practices, and strengthen consumer protection within Nigeria’s digital lending sector.
He noted that the Commission’s objective was to ensure that innovation and financial inclusion thrive under a transparent, fair and accountable regulatory framework that builds confidence among consumers, investors and responsible operators.
