The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has resumed implementation of the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025. The decision follows a Federal High Court ruling in Lagos on Monday, July 20, 2026, which dismissed a suit challenging the Regulations.

Justice A.L. Allagoa, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026 filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria, WASPAN, declined all reliefs sought and upheld the validity of the DEON Regulations. The Court held that the Regulations were made pursuant to the FCCPC’s statutory and constitutional powers and are therefore intra vires the Commission.

The Court also upheld the specific provisions of the Regulations challenged in the suit. It consequently discharged the interim ex parte order that had restrained the FCCPC from implementing and enforcing the Regulations since April 2026.

WASPAN had challenged the Commission’s authority to issue and implement the DEON Regulations. Upon being served with the Court’s interim order in April, the FCCPC said it immediately suspended implementation in full compliance with the directive, in line with its commitment to the rule of law.

The Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, welcomed the judgement. He said the Commission has always maintained that the rule of law is fundamental to effective regulation. He added that with the Court’s affirmation, the FCCPC will continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities faithfully and professionally.

According to Ijagwu, the DEON Regulations are designed to promote responsible lending, improve regulatory accountability, curb unfair and exploitative practices, and strengthen consumer protection in Nigeria’s digital lending market. He said the objective is to ensure innovation and financial inclusion thrive within a transparent and accountable framework.

The FCCPC stated that with the legal impediment now removed, the DEON Regulations are once again fully operational and enforceable. The Commission pledged to work with responsible operators to ensure consumers, investors and the digital lending industry operate with confidence and fairness.