A Federal High Court in Lagos has struck out the originating summons filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), bringing to an end, for now, the legal challenge against the Commission’s Digital, Electronic Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 (DEON Regulations).
The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/760/2026, was instituted by WASPAN to challenge the legality of the DEON Regulations issued by the FCCPC. Following the filing of the case, the association had secured an ex parte order restraining the Commission from implementing and enforcing the regulations pending the determination of the matter.
In compliance with the court order, the FCCPC had suspended the implementation of the DEON Regulations and announced that it would challenge both the interim order and the competence of the suit. The Commission maintained that it acted in obedience to the rule of law while taking legal steps to defend its regulatory powers.
At the resumed proceedings, however, the court struck out the originating summons. The decision clears the legal hurdle that had stalled the implementation of the regulations, which were introduced to strengthen oversight of Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital lending industry, promote responsible lending practices, and enhance consumer protection.
