The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has set Monday, January 5, 2026, as the deadline for all operators to achieve full compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

The regulations, which became effective on July 21, 2025, under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, are designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital lending sector. This was contained in a Thursday statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu.

To assist operators in their compliance efforts, the FCCPC released a supplementary instrument called the Guidelines on the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

These guidelines, issued pursuant to Sections 17 and 163 of the FCCPA, offer detailed directions for lenders and intermediaries, specify the necessary documentation, and introduce updated Forms 1 and 3, which were developed based on feedback from stakeholders.

The commission noted that applicants with already pending submissions can now submit any additional information requested under the new guidelines without waiting for a formal request, assuring that the application processing will continue to be transparent and timely.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, stressed the importance of strictly adhering to the established compliance deadline. He stated, “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.”

Bello further added, “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.”

The commission stipulated that all affected operators, including lending platforms, service partners, and intermediaries, must have completed their compliance obligations by January 5, 2026.

The FCCPC issued a warning that enforcement actions would begin immediately after the deadline, including preventing non-compliant entities from operating, directing partners or platforms to cease doing business with them, and applying other legal sanctions.

Copies of the guidelines, the relevant forms, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are accessible on the FCCPC website, www.fccpc.gov.ng, and can also be obtained at its offices across the nation or through other official communication channels.

The FCCPC concluded by reaffirming its dedication to fostering responsible digital lending practices that safeguard consumers and boost trust in Nigeria’s financial technology ecosystem.