The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has rolled out regulations to curb harassment, data breaches, and other unethical practices by digital lenders in Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, which quoted the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, as unveiling the new framework in Abuja on Wednesday.
“For too long, Nigerians have endured harassment, data breaches, and unethical practices by unregulated digital lenders.
“These regulations draw a clear line that innovation is welcome, but not at the expense of the rights and dignity of consumers or the rule of law,” the CEO noted.
Bello added, “The regulations provide the legal tools to hold violators accountable and promote responsible digital finance. No consumer should be harassed, defamed, or lured into unsustainable debt under the guise of digital lending.”
The statement noted that the Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON Consumer Lending Regulation), 2025, took effect on 21 July.
Made pursuant to Sections 17, 18 and 163 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (2018), the rules introduce a comprehensive framework to safeguard consumers in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital credit market.