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 on Monday that the decision followed the ruling of Justice A.L. Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos, who dismissed a suit filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria Ltd/Gte, WASPAN, challenging the legality of the regulations.
In a statement signed by the FCCPC Director of Corporate
Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission said the court dismissed the plaintiff’s originating summons in its entirety, refused all the reliefs sought and upheld the validity of the DEON Regulations, ruling that they were made within the Commission’s statutory and constitutional powers.
The court also upheld the specific provisions of the regulations challenged in the suit and vacated the interim ex parte order that had temporarily restrained the Commission from implementing and enforcing the rules.
With the restraining order now discharged, the FCCPC said the legal obstacle that prompted the temporary suspension of the regulations has been removed, making the framework fully operational and enforceable once again.
The Commission recalled that upon being served with the interim order in April 2026, it immediately suspended implementation of the regulations in compliance with the court’s directive, describing the move as a demonstration of its commitment to the rule of law and respect for judicial authority.
Reacting to the judgment, FCCPC welcomed the court’s decision, stating that the Commission remained committed to carrying out its statutory mandate in line with the law.
It said the DEON Regulations were introduced to promote responsible digital lending, strengthen regulatory accountability, curb exploitative lending practices and enhance consumer protection in Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital lending sector.
According to the Commission, it will continue to ensure that innovation and financial inclusion thrive within a transparent, fair and accountable regulatory environment that inspires confidence among consumers, investors and responsible operators.
