By Kingsley Adegboye
The Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) has urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to respect a recent interim court order and engage in constructive dialogue regarding the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 (DEON Regulations).
In a detailed statement signed by Osa Umweni, Chairman, Regulatory & Partnership, Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN), the body clarified its position following a press release issued by the FCCPC concerning the ongoing regulatory dispute.
WASPAN, an industry body representing licensed Nigerian companies that provide mobile value-added services (MVAS) such as digital content subscriptions, mobile gaming, information services, airtime lending, and data advance products, emphasised its role in promoting digital inclusion for millions of underserved Nigerians.
“Our members operate under authorisations issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and contribute to job creation, tax revenues and digital inclusion across Nigeria,” the association stated.
WASPAN disclosed that on 14 April 2026, it filed an Originating Summons and Motion ex parte at the Federal High Court, Lagos (Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026). On 15 April 2026, the court granted interim reliefs restraining the FCCPC from enforcing certain provisions of the DEON Regulations pending further hearing.
The association expressed concern that the FCCPC issued a public statement on 17 April 2026 while the interim court orders were still in effect.
“Public institutions should respect and comply with court directions; the integrity of Nigeria’s legal processes and the rule of law are fundamental to regulatory credibility and investor confidence,” WASPAN said.
Explaining why it approached the court, the association noted that seeking judicial clarification was a last resort.
“We are concerned that key provisions of the DEON Regulations exceed the FCCPC’s statutory mandate, conflict with the sector-specific remit of the NCC, and impose licensing or approval requirements that the FCCPC does not lawfully possess,” the statement read.
WASPAN stressed that it is not against consumer protection, but insists that regulatory actions must remain within constitutional and statutory limits.
“WASPAN accepts that consumer protection is an important public policy priority. We share the goal of eliminating opaque charges, unfair debt recovery practices and inadequate disclosures. However, good policy must be pursued within constitutional and statutory limits,” it added.
The association described blunt characterisations of its members as “unhelpful and unjustified” and called for better coordination between the FCCPC and the NCC.
WASPAN urged the FCCPC to: respect and comply with the interim orders of the Federal High Court pending final determination, refrain from public statements that may prejudge the court process, accept an immediate, good-faith meeting with WASPAN, the NCC, and other relevant stakeholders to develop workable regulatory approaches.
“We believe a cooperative, evidence-based dialogue among regulators, industry and consumer representatives will better protect Nigerian consumers and preserve a healthy, competitive digital ecosystem,” the association stated.
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