- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has set Monday, 5 January 2026, as the deadline for all digital loan apps and lending platform’s full compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.
This was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu.
According to the statement, all the affected lending platforms are expected to complete their compliance obligations by 5 January 2026.
The Regulations reportedly came into effect on 21 July 2025 under the FCCPC Act (FCCPA) 2018 with the aim of promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability across Nigeria’s growing digital lending market.
In an effort to support operators in meeting the required standards, the Commission 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, according to the statement, 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 assured the operators of prompt processing of their applications while maintaining a transparent review process.
As quoted in the statement, the Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, stressed the importance of meeting this timeline.
He held that the operators have been ample time to adjust to the regulations.
“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.” Bello said.
All affected operators, including lending platforms, service partners, and intermediaries, are expected to complete the compliance as the FCCPC disclosed that enforcement will begin immediately after the deadline.
Measures of enforcement, according to the commission, 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.