ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu approved new airtime credit operators in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, clarifying that it was not aware of, nor involved in, any such approval process.
In a statement addressing the circulating claims, the commission described the reports as misleading and urged the public to disregard them, noting that no official policy or presidential directive had been issued authorising the introduction of new airtime service providers.
The FCCPC stressed that any structural changes in Nigeria’s telecommunications or consumer credit systems must follow due regulatory processes involving relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other statutory bodies responsible for overseeing the sector.
According to the commission, it has not participated in or received any communication regarding the establishment of new airtime credit operators, adding that decisions of such magnitude would typically require broad inter-agency consultation and formal regulatory approval.
The clarification comes amid growing public discussion on social media and online platforms suggesting that the federal government had introduced reforms aimed at expanding access to airtime credit services through additional licensed operators.
The FCCPC warned against the spread of unverified information, noting that misinformation in sensitive sectors such as telecommunications could mislead consumers and create unnecessary confusion in the market.
It further advised Nigerians to rely only on official statements from relevant government institutions when seeking accurate information about policy changes or regulatory developments.
The commission reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers from unfair practices and ensuring transparency in the telecommunications industry, while also maintaining a stable and competitive market environment.
Industry analysts say the clarification is important in preventing speculation that could affect public trust in ongoing reforms within Nigeria’s digital and telecom space, which has seen increased regulatory attention in recent years.
The FCCPC also assured stakeholders that it continues to work closely with other regulatory bodies to monitor developments in the sector and ensure that any approved innovations or market changes comply with established laws and consumer protection standards.
As of the time of filing this report, no official confirmation has been made by the presidency or telecommunications regulators regarding the introduction of new airtime credit operators.
