The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has resumed the implementation and enforcement of its Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025 (DEON Regulations), following a Federal High Court judgment that upheld the legality of the regulatory framework.
The Commission announced the development on Monday after Justice A.L. Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos dismissed a suit filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria Ltd/Gte (WASPAN), which had challenged the FCCPC’s authority 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 held that the DEON Regulations were made pursuant to the FCCPC’s statutory and constitutional powers, affirming that the Commission acted within its legal authority.
The court also upheld the validity of the specific provisions of the regulations challenged in the suit and discharged the interim ex parte order that had restrained the FCCPC from implementing and enforcing the regulations.
With the restraining order vacated, the Commission said the legal obstacle that necessitated the temporary suspension of the regulations has been removed, making the DEON Regulations fully operational and enforceable once again.
The FCCPC recalled that after being served with the court’s interim order in April 2026, it immediately suspended implementation and enforcement of the regulations in compliance with the court’s directive, describing the action as part 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, saying the Commission remained committed to carrying out its statutory responsibilities in accordance with the law.
He stated that the Commission had complied fully with the court’s interim order when it was issued and would now continue implementing the regulations following the court’s affirmation of their validity.
Ijagwu explained that the DEON Regulations were introduced to promote responsible lending, strengthen regulatory accountability, curb unfair and exploitative practices, and enhance consumer protection in Nigeria’s digital lending market.
He added that the Commission’s objective is to ensure that innovation and financial inclusion thrive within a transparent, fair and accountable regulatory framework that builds confidence among consumers, investors and responsible operators.
