“Respect Court Orders,” WASPAN tells FCCPC amid lending rules dispute

The Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) has urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to respect a subsisting court order and engage industry stakeholders in dialogue over the disputed Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 (DEON Regulations). In a statement signed by Osa Umweni, Chairman, Regulatory & […]

The Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) has urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to respect a subsisting court order and engage industry stakeholders in dialogue over the disputed Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 (DEON Regulations).
In a statement signed by Osa Umweni, Chairman, Regulatory & Partnership, WASPAN said it secured an interim order from the Federal High Court in Lagos on April 15, 2026, restraining the FCCPC from enforcing parts of the regulations pending the determination of its suit.
“We are concerned that the FCCPC issued a public statement… while those interim court orders were in place,” Umweni said, adding that “public institutions should respect and comply with court directions,” noting that adherence to the rule of law is critical for “regulatory credibility and investor confidence.”
WASPAN explained that it approached the court as a last resort, stressing that its members support consumer protection but have legal concerns about the scope of the regulations.
“Key provisions of the DEON Regulations exceed the FCCPC’s statutory mandate… and conflict with the sector-specific remit of the Nigerian Communications Commission,” Umweni stated. He added that some provisions “effectively impose licensing or approval requirements that the FCCPC does not lawfully possess.”
The association, which represents licensed providers of mobile value-added services including digital subscriptions, gaming, airtime lending and data advances, warned that aspects of the regulations could disrupt lawful service delivery and commercial arrangements.

 

While acknowledging the importance of consumer protection, WASPAN emphasised that regulatory actions must remain within legal and constitutional limits.

 

“Good policy must be pursued within constitutional and statutory limits,” Umweni said, urging regulators to coordinate where their mandates overlap.

 

He also criticised what he described as “unhelpful and unjustified” characterisations of WASPAN members, including references to a “cartel,” noting that the association reserves its legal rights over any defamatory statements.

 

WASPAN called on the FCCPC to comply with the court order, avoid statements that could prejudice ongoing proceedings, and participate in a joint meeting with the NCC and other stakeholders.

 

“We believe a cooperative, evidence-based dialogue… will better protect Nigerian consumers and preserve a healthy, competitive digital ecosystem than a confrontational public exchange,” Umweni said.

 

The association reiterated its commitment to engaging constructively with regulators while pursuing its case through the courts.