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Tag: FCCPC

  • Digital lending rule: FCCPC goes after violators

    Digital lending rule: FCCPC goes after violators

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commenced a phased implementation of enforcement measures in respect of Digital Money Lending (DML) operators that did not regularize their status in accordance with the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025 (DEON Regulations).

    Speaking on the commencement of enforcement measures, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, stated that the actions were necessary to give effect to the Regulations and to maintain regulatory certainty in Nigeria’s digital lending market, in line with the Commission’s statutory mandate.

    “The compliance window provided under the Regulations has now closed. At this stage, the Commission is proceeding with appropriate enforcement steps in a manner that is fair, orderly, and consistent with due process,” Mr. Bello said. “The objective is to promote discipline, transparency, and consumer confidence within the digital lending space, not to disrupt legitimate business activity.”

    As part of the approved enforcement framework, the Commission has withdrawn the conditionally approved status previously granted to certain DML operators that did not complete the required regularization process within the transitional period.

    Consequently, such operators have been removed from the FCCPC’s published register of approved digital lenders, pending compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

    Mr. Bello noted that the Commission’s published register serves as an important consumer information tool.

    “The FCCPC’s register is intended to guide the public on operators that have met the applicable regulatory requirements as at the time of publication. Consumers are advised to exercise caution when dealing with digital lenders that do not appear on the Commission’s current list of approved operators,” he said.

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    The Commission has also commenced structured engagement with relevant application hosting platforms and payment service providers, consistent with its statutory functions, as part of ongoing enforcement and compliance monitoring activities. Further regulatory steps will be undertaken in accordance with law and established procedures.

    For those provisionally designated as eligible under transitional arrangements, the Commission has issued a deadline of April 2026 to regularize their registration under the DEON Regulations.

    “This window is provided to enable affected operators to take steps towards compliance. Operators that choose not to regularize their status within this period may be subject to further regulatory measures, as provided under the law,” Mr. Bello stated.

    The FCCPC emphasized that the ongoing enforcement process is intended to support market discipline, protect compliant operators from unfair competitive practices, and safeguard consumers from abusive, deceptive, or unlawful conduct.

    “Effective regulation depends on consistent application. Compliant businesses deserve a predictable regulatory environment, and consumers are entitled to protection under the law,” Mr. Bello added.

    The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparent regulation, fair competition, and effective consumer protection across Nigeria’s digital economy.

  • FCCPC goes after violators of digital lending rules

    FCCPC goes after violators of digital lending rules

    IT will no longer be business as usual for Digital Money Lending (DML) operators – the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has clamped down on those violating the rules guiding digital lenders.

    The operators had earlier been given a January 5 deadline to regularise in accordance with the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025 (DEON Regulations).

    They have till April to perfect their operations.

    FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) Tunji Bello said the actions were necessary to give effect to the regulations and to maintain regulatory certainty in Nigeria’s digital lending market which is in line with the Commission’s statutory mandate.

    A statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the commission quoted Bello as saying: “The compliance window provided under the Regulations has now closed. At this stage, the commission is proceeding with appropriate enforcement steps in a manner that is fair, orderly, and consistent with due process, the objective is to promote discipline, transparency, and consumer confidence within the digital lending space, not to disrupt legitimate business activity.

    “As part of the approved enforcement framework, the Commission has withdrawn the conditionally approved status previously granted to certain DML operators that did not complete the required regularisation process within the transitional period.

    Read Also: Yuletide: FCCPC warns transport operators against arbitrary fare hikes

    “Consequently, such operators have been removed from the FCCPC’s published register of approved digital lenders, pending compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.”

    Mr. Bello noted that the Commission’s published register serves as an important consumer information tool. This register is intended to guide the public on operators that have met the applicable regulatory requirements as at the time of publication.

    “Consumers are advised to exercise caution when dealing with digital lenders that do not appear on the Commission’s current list of approved operators,” the EVC/CEO said.

    According to him, the commission has also commenced structured engagement with relevant application hosting platforms and payment service providers, consistent with its statutory functions, as part of ongoing enforcement and compliance monitoring activities.

    The statement further reads: “Further regulatory steps will be undertaken in accordance with law and established procedures.

    “For those provisionally designated as eligible under transitional arrangements, the Commission has issued a deadline of April 2026 to regularise their registration under the DEON Regulations.

    “This window is provided to enable affected operators to take steps towards compliance. Operators that choose not to regularise their status within this period may be subject to further regulatory measures, as provided under the law.”

    The commission emphasised that the ongoing enforcement process is intended to support market discipline, protect compliant operators from unfair competitive practices, and safeguard consumers from abusive, deceptive, or unlawful conduct. Effective regulation depends on consistent application. Compliant businesses deserve a predictable regulatory environment, and consumers are entitled to protection under the law.

    The commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparent regulation, fair competition, and effective consumer protection across Nigeria’s digital economy.

  • Yuletide: FCCPC cautions transport operators against arbitrary fare increase

    Yuletide: FCCPC cautions transport operators against arbitrary fare increase

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has cautioned inter-city road transport operators against arbitrary and unexplained fare increases during the Yuletide.

    The agent’s warning followed a surge in consumer complaints across the country.

    In a statement in Abuja by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC said: “The commission recognises that seasonal demand, operational pressures and other legitimate cost factors may affect transport pricing, noting that consumers are entitled to clear, accurate, and timely information on fares before travel. Any fare adjustment must therefore be transparently communicated and applied fairly.

    “The FCCPC also notes that these complaints are arising at a time when there are reports of reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit across parts of the country. While fuel cost is only one of several inputs that may influence transport fares, increases that are not properly explained or disclosed raise valid consumer protection concerns.”

    The FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the commission was closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive season.

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    The agency boss added that the FCCPC had intensified engagements with transport unions, park managers and operators nationwide.

    He explained that the engagements were preventive and that they were aimed at encouraging responsible pricing practices, voluntary compliance and orderly market behaviour.

    Bello said price increases are not unlawful, but any conduct that exploits consumers or takes unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand may attract regulatory attention under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

    He said practices, such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive conduct, or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers, will be subject to strict regulatory scrutiny. Where cases of violation are established, he warned, culprits face stiff penalties.

    Bello urged passengers to confirm fares before travel, retain evidence of payment, and report any suspected unfair practices to the Commission through its complaint portal at complaints.fccpc.gov.ng or via the hotlines 0805 600 3030 and 0805 600 2020.

  • Yuletide: FCCPC warns transport operators against arbitrary fare hikes

    Yuletide: FCCPC warns transport operators against arbitrary fare hikes

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has cautioned inter-city road transport operators against imposing arbitrary and unjustified fare increases during the ongoing yuletide travel season, following a surge in consumer complaints nationwide.

    In a statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission acknowledged that seasonal demand, operational pressures, and other legitimate cost factors may influence transport pricing.

    However, it stressed that consumers are entitled to clear, accurate, and timely information on fares before travel, adding that any fare adjustment must be transparently communicated and fairly applied.

    The FCCPC noted that the complaints come amid reports of reductions in the pump price of premium motor spirit in some parts of the country. While fuel cost is only one of several factors affecting transport fares, the Commission said unexplained or undisclosed increases raise serious consumer protection concerns.

    Speaking on the development, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, said the Commission is closely monitoring market conduct throughout the festive period and has intensified engagements with transport unions, park managers, and operators across the country.

    According to Bello, the engagements are preventive, aimed at promoting responsible pricing, voluntary compliance, and orderly market behaviour.

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    He clarified that fare increases are not unlawful in themselves, but warned that practices which exploit consumers or take unfair advantage of heightened seasonal demand could attract regulatory action under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

    Bello further stated that conduct such as inadequate fare disclosure, coercive practices, or coordinated pricing arrangements among operators to the detriment of consumers would be subjected to strict scrutiny, noting that established violations would attract stiff penalties.

    The Commission advised travellers to confirm fares before embarking on trips, retain proof of payment, and report suspected unfair practices through its complaints portal at complaints.fccpc.gov.ng or via the hotlines 0805 600 3030 and 0805 600 2020.

  • FCCPC expands probe into alleged airfare manipulation on domestic routes

    FCCPC expands probe into alleged airfare manipulation on domestic routes

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has expanded the scope of its ongoing investigation into the pricing templates used by some airlines on selected domestic routes, amid growing concerns over alleged coordinated airfare manipulation as the festive season approaches.

    In a statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission said recent public outcry suggests possible exploitation in ticket pricing on routes within the South-East and South-South regions.

    Ijagwu noted that the expanded investigation focuses on operators on the affected routes. He recalled that earlier in the year, Air Peace instituted legal action seeking to prevent the Commission from probing its pricing model after widespread complaints triggered an initial inquiry.

    “The ongoing inquiry is without prejudice to the case instituted against the Commission by Air Peace,” the statement said.

    Clarifying the Commission’s mandate, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Tunji Bello, stressed that while the FCCPC is not a price control board, it is statutorily empowered to protect consumers against exploitation.

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    “For the avoidance of doubt, we are not a price control board, but the FCCPA 2018 empowers us to check the exploitation of consumers. When we receive petitions or see cogent evidence, we will not stand by and watch Nigerian consumers being exploited under any guise,” he stated.

    Bello emphasised that the Commission will act where evidence suggests that consumer welfare or market competitiveness is threatened.

    He referenced Section 17(b) of the FCCPA, which mandates the Commission to monitor economic activities to identify anti-competitive, anti-consumer protection, and restrictive practices capable of harming consumers. He also cited Section 17(e), empowering the Commission to conduct investigations deemed necessary.

    “Although the Commission is not a price control body, fair pricing is a core objective of the FCCPA,” he added. “The Act provides a comprehensive framework that protects consumers from excessive, opaque, misleading, or collusive pricing practices while promoting competitive markets where prices are determined through fair market dynamics.”

    According to the FCCPC, given the unusual spike in airfares, the Commission is deepening its review of pricing patterns, the basis for the increases reported by passengers, and any conduct that may undermine fair competition.

    The Commission affirmed that where evidence of a breach is established, it will apply the appropriate enforcement actions.

  • Digital lending: FCCPC sets January 5 deadline for compliance

    Digital lending: FCCPC sets January 5 deadline for compliance

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has set Monday, 5 January 2026, as the deadline for full compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

    According to a press statement by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, “The Regulations came into effect on 21 July 2025 under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. It aims to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability across Nigeria’s growing digital lending market.”

    To support operators in meeting the required standards, the Commission has issued an additional instrument, the Guidelines on the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, made under Sections 17 and 163 of the FCCPA.

     This document provides practical direction for lenders and intermediaries, explains the documentation required, and introduces updated Forms 1 and 3 based on feedback received from stakeholders.

    Applicants with pending submissions may provide any additional information required under the new guidelines without waiting for a formal request. The Commission will continue to process applications promptly and maintain a transparent review process.

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    The Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, stressed the importance of meeting this timeline. He explained that “full compliance is not only a legal requirement but an important step in protecting consumers and ensuring that the sector continues to grow in a fair and responsible manner. Operators have had ample time to adjust to the Regulations and the additional guidance now provided. We expect all obligations to be met before the deadline.”

    All affected operators, including lending platforms, service partners, and intermediaries, are expected to complete their compliance obligations by 5 January 2026. Enforcement will begin immediately after the deadline. Measures may include restricting non-compliant entities from operating, directing partners or platforms to cease dealing with them, and applying other sanctions permitted under the law.

    Copies of the Guidelines, Forms, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available on the Commission’s website at www.fccpc.gov.ng, including through enquiries at FCCPC offices nationwide, or via other official channels provided on the website.

    The FCCPC is committed to promoting responsible digital lending practices that protect consumers and support confidence in the financial technology sector.

  • Digital Lending: FCCPC sets January 5 deadline for compliance

    Digital Lending: FCCPC sets January 5 deadline for compliance

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has announced January 5, 2026, as the deadline for full compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online, and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

    The Regulations, which took effect on July 21, 2025, under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, are designed to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital lending market.

    In a statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission said it had issued an additional instrument — the Guidelines on the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025 — to help operators meet the required standards.

    According to the FCCPC, the Guidelines, issued under Sections 17 and 163 of the FCCPA, provide practical direction for lenders and intermediaries, specify documentation requirements, and introduce updated Forms 1 and 3 based on stakeholder feedback.

    “Applicants with pending submissions may provide any additional information required under the new Guidelines without waiting for a formal request,” the statement added. “The Commission will continue to process applications promptly and maintain a transparent review process.”

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    The Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, emphasized the importance of meeting the compliance timeline, noting that adherence to the Regulations is both a legal requirement and a crucial step toward ensuring consumer protection and sustainable sectoral growth.

    “Full compliance is not only a legal requirement but an important step in protecting consumers and ensuring that the sector continues to grow fairly and responsibly,” Bello stated. “Operators have had ample time to adjust to the Regulations and the additional guidance now provided. We expect all obligations to be met before the deadline.”

    The Commission warned that enforcement actions would begin immediately after the January 5, 2026, deadline. Sanctions may include restricting non-compliant entities from operating, directing partners or platforms to cease dealings with them, and applying other penalties allowed by law.

    Copies of the Guidelines, updated forms, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available on the FCCPC website at [www.fccpc.gov.ng](http://www.fccpc.gov.ng) and at FCCPC offices nationwide.

    The FCCPC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible digital lending practices that safeguard consumers while strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s financial technology ecosystem.

  • FCCPC shuts five textile warehouses in Kano

    FCCPC shuts five textile warehouses in Kano

    In a major operation in Kano, operatives of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have shut down the warehouses of five textile distributors engaged in unethical business practices.

    They were engaged in deceptive sale of underweight and shortened fabric materials to unsuspecting consumers in breach of the provisions of the FCCPA (2018).

    In a press statement by its director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the enforcement exercise by the Commission was led by its Director of Surveillance & Investigation, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka.

    In a press statement by FCCPC “the action is a culmination of weeks-long surveillance around Kano markets by FCCPC and the establishment of the prevalence of the sale of fabric materials significantly below the standard length or measurement indicated by retailers, while charging consumers the full price.”

    According to him, “Section 123(1) of the FCCPA states that no retailer, trader or supplier shall, in the course of trade or for the purpose of promoting or marketing any goods, make any representation to a consumer in a manner that is false, misleading, erroneous, or deceptive in any way, including in respect of the quantity or price at which goods are supplied.

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    “Similarly, Section 125(1) prohibits any undertaking from engaging in conduct that directly or indirectly implies a false or misleading representation concerning a material fact to a consumer or prospective consumer.”

    The textile products involved in the sharp practices include LGR Product, U&Me Product, Nana Tex Product, V Levintus Product and Mama Africa Product, Hightex Product, UE Product, S-U Velt Product and Jisiki Product.

    Investigations revealed that the products were imported, marketed, distributed, advertised and warehoused at Nos 238, 249, 313, 315, 413 and 428 Gandun Abada Layout; Nos 38 & 40 Ibrahim Taiwo Road; No 87 Bua Rice Mills Street; Links I, II & III Ajasa Inuwa Wada Road and No 287 Gandun Albasa New Layout in Kano city.

    Speaking on the development, the EVC/CEO of FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, reiterated the Commission’s zero tolerance for any practice that exploits Nigerian consumers or distorts the market or threatens fair competition.

    “By undermining honest traders and businesses that comply with lawful standards, this nefarious practice of selling underweight products can drive legitimate retailers out of the market, thereby reducing consumer choice and entrenching anti-competitive behaviour,” said the FCCPC boss.

    He reassured the public that the Commission will continue to deploy lawful means to deter such exploitative conduct in all markets across Nigeria. Retailers, distributors, and suppliers across the country were reminded of their obligation under the law to provide goods that conform to declared descriptions, measurements, and standards.

  • FCCPC seals five warehouses in Kano

    FCCPC seals five warehouses in Kano

    • Agency accuses facility owners of keeping undermeasured fabrics

    Officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) yesterday sealed five warehouses in Kano for alleged measurement violations.

    The agency said the warehouses were used for keeping undermeasured fabrics before they were sold to unsuspecting consumers.

    The agency’s Director of Surveillance and Investigations, Boladale Adeyinka, explained that the operation was part of the commission’s broader effort to enforce compliance with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, safeguard consumer rights, and ensure fair competition in Nigeria’s marketplace.

    The affected warehouses are located at Gandu Albasa Layout (numbers 238, 249, 313, 315, 413, and 428); 38 and 40 Ibrahim Taiwo Road; 87 Boar Rice Mill Street, Ajasa Inwua Wada Road; and 287 Gandu Albasa New Layout, all in Kano.

    LGR products, UME products, NANATEX products, VLEVENTIS products, MAMA AFRICA products, ITEX products, UE products, SUVELT products, and JISIKI products are among the warehouses and brands under investigation.

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    At the Sharada Industrial Layout, a commodious warehouse occupying the size of a stadium was filled to the brim with millions of fabric bundles, including fashion Kampala.

    The officials said the business scale was enormous, with billions of naira reportedly circulating monthly through deceptive transactions.

    The FCCPC has summoned the man in charge of the facility, Alhaji Habibu Ismail, to appear tomorrow at its headquarters in Abuja.

    The warehouses and retail outlets were shut down following verified intelligence reports of deceptive trade practices involving the sale of undermeasured fabric materials to consumers, the commission said.

    Adeyinka described the practice as “obnoxious and exploitative,” noting that millions of Nigerian consumers have unknowingly been shortchanged.

    “Many of the complaints received by the commission stemmed from tailors and consumers arguing over fabric shortages after purchase — disputes often wrongly attributed to the tailors themselves.

    “But it is not the tailors’ fault. When a consumer buys what is labeled as six yards and discovers it’s actually five, that’s outright deception. This must stop,” the director said.

    She reiterated that violators would face prosecution under the FCCPA.

    Under Section 155, individuals found guilty of contravening consumer rights risk imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of ₦10 million, or both.

    Corporate bodies face penalties of not less than ₦100 million or 10 per cent of their annual turnover, whichever is higher.

    Directors of such companies may also be personally liable, the commission said.

    “This operation reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to consumer protection and market fairness,” Adeyinka stated.

    “We will not relent in ensuring that Nigerian consumers get value for their money and are protected from deceptive and fraudulent business practices.”

  • FCCPC shuts five textile warehouses in Kano

    FCCPC shuts five textile warehouses in Kano

    Operatives of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have shut the warehouses of five textile distributors engaged in unethical business practices.

    The agency alleged they were engaged in the deceptive sale of underweight and shortened fabric materials to unsuspecting consumers in breach of the provisions of the FCCPA (2018).

    The enforcement exercise by the Commission was led by its Director of Surveillance & Investigation, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka.

    A statement by FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs Ondaje Ijagwu explained: ”Today’s action is a culmination of weeks-long surveillance around Kano markets by FCCPC and the establishment of the prevalence of the sale of fabric materials significantly below the standard length or measurement indicated by retailers, while charging consumers the full price.

    ”Section 123(1) of the FCCPA states that no retailer, trader or supplier shall, in the course of trade or for the purpose of promoting or marketing any goods, make any representation to a consumer in a manner that is false, misleading, erroneous, or deceptive in any way, including in respect of the quantity or price at which goods are supplied.

    ”Similarly, Section 125(1) prohibits any undertaking from engaging in conduct that directly or indirectly implies a false or misleading representation concerning a material fact to a consumer or prospective consumer.”

    He informed the textile products involved in the sharp practices include LGR Product, U&Me Product, Nana Tex Product, V Levintus Product and Mama Africa Product, Hightex Product, UE Product, S-U Velt Product and Jisiki Product.

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    The agency said the products were imported, marketed, distributed, advertised and warehoused at Nos 238, 249, 313, 315, 413 and 428 Gandun Abada Layout; Nos 38 & 40 Ibrahim Taiwo Road; No 87 Bua Rice Mills Street; Links I, II & III Ajasa Inuwa Wada Road and No 287 Gandun Albasa New Layout in Kano city.

    EVC/CEO of FCCPC, Tunji Bello, reiterated the Commission’s zero tolerance for any practice that exploits Nigerian consumers or distorts market or threatens fair competition.

    “By undermining honest traders and businesses that comply with lawful standards, this nefarious practice of selling underweight products can drive legitimate retailers out of the market, thereby reducing consumer choice and entrenching anti-competitive behaviour,” the FCCPC boss said. 

    He reassured the Commission will continue to deploy lawful means to deter such exploitative conduct in all markets across Nigeria. 

    Bello commended the diligence of the FCCPC team involved in the operation and thanked the security agencies for their cooperation in the exercise.