The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has increased the number of companies authorized to provide airtime and data credit services in Nigeria from five to nine, despite an ongoing court order that restrains enforcement of the regulatory framework governing the scheme.
Four New Operators Added
The newly approved operators include Technotrends Platforms Nigeria Limited, Fonyou Technologies Nigeria Limited, MRS Innovation Nigeria Limited, and ERL Telecoms Service Limited. They join the initial five companies licensed on April 22, 2026: Total Tim Nigeria Limited, Rane Interactive Medien CLS Limited, Mode NG Applications Limited, Cloud Interactive Associate Limited, and Coverage Broadband Limited.
These approvals are part of the FCCPC's effort to expand Nigeria's growing airtime and data credit market, particularly among indigenous fintech and telecom technology firms.
Court Order Still in Effect
The expansion has sparked controversy because the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 remain under judicial scrutiny. On April 15, 2026, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos granted an interim injunction restraining the FCCPC from enforcing the DEON regulations against members of the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPA).
The case, filed under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026, effectively halted implementation of the framework pending further legal proceedings. The FCCPC sought to overturn the injunction on April 28, but the court declined, leaving the restraining order in place.
FCCPC Suspended Enforcement in May
The legal dispute intensified on May 18 when committal proceedings were reportedly filed against the FCCPC's Executive Vice Chairman over alleged disobedience of the court order. On May 22, the Commission publicly announced the suspension of DEON enforcement, stating the move was necessary to comply with the Federal High Court directive.
Following the suspension, major telecom operators including Airtel Nigeria and Globacom restored airtime credit services that had been affected by the regulatory standoff.
Questions Over Fresh Approvals
Despite the suspension, reports published on June 6 confirmed that four additional operators were approved under the same regulatory framework. Industry stakeholders question how new commercial rights and licenses can be issued under a framework that is both administratively suspended and subject to an active court injunction.
Analysts say the situation may create uncertainty for operators, telecom subscribers, and fintech investors seeking clarity on the future of airtime and data lending services in Nigeria.
Industry Calls for Better Coordination
Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), had earlier welcomed the FCCPC's decision to suspend enforcement of the DEON rules. He urged stronger collaboration between regulatory agencies to avoid disruptions in telecom services, especially for the estimated 40 million Nigerians who rely on airtime credit facilities for daily communication and internet access.
As the legal battle continues, attention is focused on whether the FCCPC will proceed with additional approvals or await final judicial clarification on the controversial framework.
