The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a strict compliance deadline of Monday, January 5, 2026, for all digital lending operators in Nigeria to fully align with the newly introduced Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

The regulation, which became effective on July 21, 2025, under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, aims to strengthen fairness, transparency, and accountability within the country’s rapidly expanding digital lending sector.

A Move to Clean Up the Digital Lending Ecosystem

The directive is part of the FCCPC’s broader initiative to reform the digital lending landscape following recurring complaints of unethical practices. These include:

• Data privacy breaches,
• Unauthorized bank account deductions, and
• Harassment or intimidation of borrowers by loan recovery agents.

To support operators in meeting the new standards, the Commission also released an additional document titled Guidelines on the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

What the New Guidelines Provide

Developed under Sections 17 and 163 of the FCCPA, the guidelines offer detailed instructions for digital lenders. Key updates include:

• Documentation requirements for digital lending operations,
• Updated versions of Forms 1 and 3,
• Improved processes designed in response to industry feedback.

The FCCPC clarified that operators with pending applications may now submit additional information required under the new guidelines without waiting for direct requests from the Commission.

FCCPC Urges Timely Compliance

FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Tunji Bello, stressed that adherence to the regulation is both a legal obligation and a significant step toward protecting consumers.

According to him, operators have had sufficient time to adjust to the new regulatory framework:

“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.”

He also assured that the Commission will process all pending submissions transparently and without undue delays to support operators in meeting the compliance deadline.

Enforcement Begins Immediately After Deadline

The FCCPC warned that enforcement actions will commence right after the January 5, 2026 deadline. Non-compliant digital lending platforms may face:

• Operational restrictions,
• Orders directing their partners or hosting platforms to cease collaboration, and
• Other sanctions permissible under the law.

All affected parties, including lending platforms, intermediaries, and service providers, must finalize their compliance processes before the deadline.

Access to Guidelines and Support

The Commission confirmed that the full Guidelines, Forms, and FAQs are available on its official website: fccpc.gov.ng.
Operators may also seek clarification at FCCPC offices nationwide or through the official communication channels listed on the website.