The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, has fixed April 2026 as the final deadline for digital money lending operators to regularise their operations in line with Nigeria’s Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025 (DEON Regulations).
The commission said the directive affects digital lenders operating under provisional approval following the expiration of the initial compliance window on January 5, 2026.
In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, the FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, disclosed that enforcement actions have already begun against operators that failed to meet the earlier deadline.
“The compliance window provided under the Regulations has now closed. At this stage, the Commission is proceeding with appropriate enforcement steps in a manner that is fair, orderly, and consistent with due process,” Bello said.
He explained that lenders who fail to regularise their status before the April 2026 deadline could face further regulatory sanctions.
“This additional window is to allow affected operators to take the necessary steps toward compliance. Those who choose not to regularise within this period may be subject to further regulatory measures as stipulated by law,” he added.
According to the commission, the ongoing enforcement drive is designed to strengthen market discipline, protect compliant lenders from unfair competition, and shield consumers from abusive, deceptive, or illegal lending practices.
The FCCPC reaffirmed its commitment to transparent regulation, fair competition, and effective consumer protection within Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
