By Kingsley Adegboye

The Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) has issued a statement clarifying its position on the ongoing legal proceedings concerning the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 and the role of parties involved in the case before the Federal High Court.

In the statement signed by Osa Umweni, Chairman, Regulatory and Partnership Committee of WASPAN, the association said it was responding to media reports published on June 6, 2026, which it believes did not accurately reflect the details of the litigation.

According to WASPAN, the association instituted Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026 before the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenging aspects of the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations 2025. The association noted that it represents Nigerian value-added service providers operating under licences issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

WASPAN stated that on April 15, 2026, the Federal High Court granted interim orders relating to the implementation of certain provisions of the regulations pending further proceedings. It added that an application by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to set aside the interim orders was subsequently considered by the court, which allowed the orders to remain in place.

The association also clarified that the case was filed on behalf of its members and concerns issues affecting licensed service providers within its membership.

WASPAN further referenced reports indicating that additional operators had been approved under the DEON framework, despite the FCCPC’s earlier announcement that enforcement activities under the framework had been suspended pending the court’s determination of the matter.

The association called for continued respect for judicial processes by all parties and emphasized the importance of allowing the courts to determine the issues in dispute.

“WASPAN remains committed to constructive engagement with regulatory institutions on matters relating to consumer protection, innovation and market development,” the statement said.

The association added that it supports dialogue within the framework of existing laws and expressed confidence in the judicial process to provide clarity on the issues before the court.

The FCCPC has previously stated that it respects court orders and remains committed to carrying out its regulatory responsibilities in accordance with the law. The matter remains before the Federal High Court for determination.