WASPAN Rejects FCCPC’s Foreign Entity Claim, Says Members Are Licensed Nigerian Firms

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The Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) has rejected claims by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) that the legal challenge against the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 is being driven by a foreign entity seeking to frustrate regulatory reforms.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Regulatory and Partnership, Osa Umweni, the association described the characterization of the court action as inaccurate and maintained that the suit was instituted on behalf of its members, which it said are duly registered Nigerian companies operating within the law.

The dispute is currently before the court in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026, which WASPAN said was filed to protect the interests of its members and consumers who rely on value-added airtime lending and mobile credit advance services.

Seeking to clarify its position, the association stated: “The characterisation of this litigation as an attempt by any single foreign entity to obstruct market reform is false. WASPAN’s membership comprises Nigerian-registered companies holding valid NCC licences.

The suit was filed to protect the rights of those members and the tens of millions of Nigerian consumers who depend on their services. Any suggestion to the contrary is a deliberate misrepresentation of the court record.”

According to the association, the disagreement arose following regulatory developments that affected digital credit services across parts of the telecommunications ecosystem, leading some service providers to suspend certain operations while compliance issues were being addressed.

WASPAN noted that an interim injunction was obtained on April 15, which it said restrained the enforcement of aspects of the disputed regulations pending further judicial consideration.

The association also expressed concerns over public statements made in relation to the litigation, arguing that parties involved in the matter should be allowed to pursue legal remedies without being subjected to public criticism or negative characterisations.

“The right of any Nigerian entity to approach the courts is not an act of obstruction; it is a fundamental safeguard guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution, and no regulatory agency is entitled to punish or stigmatise those who exercise it,” the statement added.

WASPAN further stated that it remains committed to constructive engagement on consumer protection and regulatory issues but stressed that such engagement should take place within the framework of the law and with respect for ongoing judicial proceedings.

The association said future discussions should be based on accurate information and conducted in a manner that respects the rights of all parties involved in the dispute.

FCCPC had previously maintained that the litigation was linked to a foreign entity and had defended its regulatory actions as part of efforts aimed at strengthening consumer protection and market oversight. Efforts to obtain further comments from the commission on WASPAN’s latest position were not immediately successful at the time of this report.