By Jennifer Inah
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has announced Monday, January 5, 2026, as the final deadline for full compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online, and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
In a statement signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission said that the Regulations took effect on July 21, 2025, pursuant to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
According to the statement, the new framework is designed to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability within Nigeria’s expanding digital lending ecosystem.
To facilitate compliance, the Commission has also released an accompanying instrument, the Guidelines on the Digital, Electronic, Online, and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, issued 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,” the statement noted.
The FCCPC added that applicants with pending submissions may supplement their filings with any additional information required under the new Guidelines without waiting for formal requests.
It assured them that applications would continue to be processed promptly and transparently.
Speaking on the compliance timeline, the Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, underscored the importance of adhering to the January 5 deadline.
“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,” Bello said. “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 emphasised that all affected operators, including digital lending platforms, service partners, and intermediaries, must complete their compliance obligations before the stated date.
It warned that enforcement actions will commence immediately after the deadline, including restricting non-compliant entities from operating, directing partners or platforms to cease dealings with them, and imposing other sanctions permitted under the law.
Copies of the Guidelines, Forms, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available on the FCCPC websit: www.fccpc.gov.ng, as well as at the Commission’s offices nationwide.