Banking
Court Restrains FCCPC From Enforcing Key Loan Provisions
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted an interim injunction restraining the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from enforcing key provisions of its Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, pending the determination of a substantive suit before the court.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa granted the order following an ex-parte application filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPA Nigeria), which is challenging the legality and applicability of the regulations.
The association had approached the court on April 14, 2026, seeking urgent judicial intervention to halt the implementation of what it described as ultra vires provisions of the regulatory framework, also referred to as the “DEON Consumer Lending Regulations.”
In the ruling, the court held that the applicant had demonstrated sufficient urgency and legal grounds to warrant temporary protection pending the hearing of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.
WASPA Nigeria, represented by Mrs Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that several provisions of the regulations impose obligations on its members operating in the telecommunications and digital services ecosystem.
The group further contended that the FCCPC lacked statutory authority to regulate technical and operational aspects of telecommunications services, which it said fall under the mandate of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In its motion, WASPA urged the court to restrain the FCCPC from enforcing specific provisions of the regulations, including paragraphs 3, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24, 27, 29 and 32, as well as from imposing sanctions, penalties, or compliance directives on its members.
The court, after reviewing the supporting affidavit deposed to by Ayo Stuffman, granted interim relief preserving the status quo.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa, in his ruling, restrained the FCCPC from implementing or giving effect to the contested provisions of the regulations, taking enforcement steps against WASPA members, or issuing further directives under the disputed framework.
The judge also barred the commission from imposing sanctions or penalties on affected entities pending the determination of the substantive application.
The matter was adjourned to April 27, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.
The ruling represents a temporary setback for the FCCPC, which recently introduced the regulations as part of efforts to strengthen oversight of Nigeria’s fast-growing digital lending and fintech ecosystem.
The regulations were designed to address consumer protection concerns, data privacy issues, and unregulated lending practices within the sector.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Foremost Nigerian real estate lending institution, Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc, has rebranded to Abbey Bank Plc.
This is to reflect its new status as a full-fledged financial institution as against its previous status as a bank for only the real estate sector.
The company, which trades its securities on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, informed the investing community of its transformation.
This was in line with the approval granted by shareholders to the board of the organisation to change the name at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in January 2025.
The NGX Regulation Limited last week confirmed the name change via a circular signed by Bonaventure Onwuji on behalf of its Head of Issuer Regulation Department.
“Trading license holders and the investing public are hereby notified that the change of name of Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc to Abbey Bank Plc has been implemented by Nigerian Exchange Limited.
“This is in line with the approval obtained from the shareholders of the bank at its Extraordinary General Meeting held on January 24, 2025, and the receipt of a new certificate of incorporation from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
“Please note that the company’s trading symbol has also been changed from ABBEYBDS to ABBEYBANK,” the notice read.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
In recognition of its outstanding performance, operational excellence, and commitment to delivering superior Institutional Cash and Trade Finance services, Ecobank Nigeria has clinched the Client Excellence Award.
The accolade was given to the subsidiary of the leading pan-African financial services group, Ecobank Group, by Deutsche Bank.
It recognises Ecobank Nigeria’s consistent achievement of high standards in transaction processing, service delivery, operational efficiency, and collaboration within the global trade finance ecosystem.
It further reinforces the lender’s position as a leading financial institution providing innovative financial solutions that support corporates, financial institutions, and businesses engaged in domestic and international trade.
“The Client Excellence Award recognises institutions that consistently demonstrate outstanding quality, efficiency, and reliability in transaction banking operations.
“Ecobank Nigeria distinguished itself through its commitment to excellence, strong operational controls, and customer-focused service delivery that has created measurable value for clients and counterparties alike,” the Managing Director for Global Head of TFFI and Regional Head of Trade & Lending for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) at Deutsche Bank, Mr Anand Jha, said.
“We are pleased to recognise Ecobank Nigeria’s achievements and appreciate the strong partnership we have built over the years. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in supporting trade, payments, and financial flows that drive economic development across Africa and beyond,” Mr Jha added.
In his remarks, the Coverage Head of Corporate and Investment Bank at Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Segun Anjorin, thanked Deutsche Bank for the recognition, noting that the award reflects the bank’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer-centric service delivery.
“We are honoured to receive the Deutsche Bank Client Excellence Award. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to delivering seamless and innovative solutions that enable our clients to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.
“At Ecobank Nigeria, we remain focused on leveraging our extensive pan-African network, digital capabilities, and strategic partnerships to facilitate trade, improve transaction efficiency, and support economic growth across Nigeria and the African continent. We value our longstanding relationship with Deutsche Bank and look forward to further strengthening our collaboration in the years ahead,” Mr Anjorin said.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced the process of paying insured deposits to customers of the 46 microfinance banks whose operating licences were revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of Communication and Public Affairs Department, Mrs Hawwau Gambo, the corporation said it had been appointed the official liquidator of the failed banks following the CBN’s revocation of their licences, which took effect on July 1, 2026.
The NDIC said its appointment was in line with the provisions of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and the NDIC Act 2023.
The organisation said the affected banks have ceased to operate as licensed financial institutions and are no longer authorised to carry out banking business in Nigeria.
“The NDIC has commenced the process of the orderly closure of the failed banks with their immediate takeover, verification and payment of insured sums to eligible depositors,” the statement said.
It added that depositors and the general public would be informed of subsequent steps in the liquidation process, warning members of the public against conducting transactions with any of the affected banks following the revocation of their licences.
It also cautioned individuals against removing, concealing or tampering with the assets, records or properties of the failed institutions, noting that such actions could amount to a breach of the law and attract sanctions.
Business Post earlier reported that the CBN revoked the operating licences of the 46 microfinance banks after determining that they no longer met the regulatory conditions required to continue operations.
According to the apex bank, the affected institutions were sanctioned for various regulatory breaches, including insufficient assets to meet liabilities, operating without approval, prolonged inactivity, failure to commence business within the stipulated period and failure to maintain the minimum capital required by law.
The apex bank said the action forms part of its efforts to strengthen financial sector stability, protect depositors and ensure compliance with banking regulations.
The affected institutions are spread across several states, including Lagos, Kano, Abia, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ogun, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, Delta, Benue, Cross River, Ondo, Osun, Anambra, Oyo, Bayelsa, Abuja and Akwa Ibom.
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