A Federal High Court in Lagos has reserved judgment till July 20, 2026, in a suit filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) challenging the legality of the Digital, Electronic, Online, and Non-traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON Regulations) issued by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Justice A. L. Allagoa fixed the date after counsel to both parties adopted their final written addresses on Tuesday.
WASPAN is seeking to invalidate portions of the regulations, arguing that the FCCPC exceeded its statutory powers by venturing into areas already regulated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The association contends that the regulations conflict with existing Acts of the National Assembly.FCCPC’s counsel, Olufunke Aboyade (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the suit, maintaining that the regulations are valid consumer protection measures.
She also raised a preliminary objection, citing delay in filing the action and alleged non-compliance with pre-action notice requirements.
Senior Advocate Kemi Pinheiro, representing WASPAN, countered that the FCCPC’s powers are limited to consumer protection and cannot override sector-specific laws governing telecommunications and financial services.
The parties also informed the court that an earlier contempt proceeding had been amicably resolved, leading to the withdrawal of the contempt application.
The case, marked FHC/L/CS/760/2026, highlights the ongoing tension over regulatory authority in Nigeria’s digital economy.
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