A Federal High Court in Lagos has turned down a request by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to lift an earlier order stopping it from enforcing certain new rules on digital lending.

The commission wanted to apply the disputed parts of the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 to members of the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN).

The interim injunction remains in place, preventing the FCCPC from taking action against the group for now.

WASPAN represents companies involved in providing wireless application services, including those linked to airtime lending services popular among many Nigerians. This court decision gives the association more time to challenge the regulations they believe could harm their operations.

Airtime lending allows mobile users to borrow airtime or data and repay later, a service that has grown quickly in Nigeria due to its convenience. Many people rely on it when they run out of credit, especially for important calls or internet access. However, concerns have been raised about how such services are regulated to protect consumers without putting too much burden on the providers.

The FCCPC had introduced the new regulations to bring more order to the fast-growing digital and online lending sector. The commission aims to ensure fair practices, protect borrowers from unfair terms, and promote healthy competition. Yet, some industry players feel certain provisions in the rules are unclear or too strict, leading to the ongoing legal battle.

This latest ruling means the status quo continues while the main case proceeds in court. Both sides will now prepare for further hearings as the dispute over how best to regulate airtime and digital lending services moves forward. The outcome could shape the future of these everyday services for millions of Nigerians.