₦airaland Forum

For millions of Nigerians living on the edge of the poverty line, the "emergency" button on their mobile phones has suddenly gone dark. Following a sweeping regulatory directive by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), major telecommunications operators, including market leaders MTN Nigeria and Airtel, have suspended their popular airtime and data lending services.

The move, part of the new Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (2025), aims to bring "loan sharks" to heel. However, on the streets of Obalende and the sprawling markets of Kano, this supposed "protection" feels more like a pincer movement.

For the average Nigerian, this isn't just a technical glitch; it is a breakdown of a critical financial safety net. The service allows customers to "borrow" small increments of airtime or data to be repaid on their next recharge. In an economy characterized by unpredictable cash flows, these micro-loans are often the only thing standing between a petty trader and a lost sale.

"It’s been heartbreaking to watch young Nigerians complain so bitterly," an industry observer told Gemini News. "The network providers didn't just stop the service on a whim. There is a deeper, silent regulatory friction that has been brewing for months."

Evidence of the disruption’s origin surfaced in a circular circulating online. The FCCPC, under the leadership of Tunji Bello, reportedly instructed telcos to shut off the service.

The letter, titled “Re: Failure of Compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON Lending Regulations 2025) and Ensuing Enforcement,” referenced an earlier directive from November 13, 2025. It mandated that telcos deal only with FCCPC-approved Airtime Credit Services (ACS) providers.

The move has sparked accusations of regulatory overreach. Critics argue the FCCPC is "throwing its weight around" in territory traditionally overseen by the NCC or the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, headed by Mr. Bosun Tijani.

"Consumers were not consulted, nor were they considered," a source familiar with the matter stated. "The telcos were given no choice. They don't want to be in the government's bad books, so they are complying, but the pain is being felt by the masses."

The industry has moved to challenge the commission's authority. On Tuesday, April 16, 2026, the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) secured a significant victory at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

In Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026, Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa granted an interim injunction restraining the FCCPC from enforcing or implementing the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations 2025.

The court’s order prevents the commission, its officers, or agents from giving effect to the regulations pending the hearing and final determination of the case. This legal reprieve offers a glimmer of hope for the millions currently cut off from emergency credit.

As Nigerians vehemently demand the restoration of the *303# service, the situation has prompted calls for a thorough review of the FCCPC’s operational methods.

While the commission’s mandate is to protect consumers from predatory lending, the current blackout suggests a disconnect between regulatory goals and the survival needs of the "underbanked." For a nation striving for digital inclusion, cutting off the most basic form of mobile credit may be a cure far more damaging than the alleged disease.

In a shocking turn of events, the already tumultuous saga surrounding the late Herbert Wigwe's estate has taken another dramatic twist.

Inside sources close to the family reveal that tensions have reached a boiling point, with relatives publicly distancing themselves from Uchechukwu Wigwe, Herbert’s younger brother. They express deep distrust in his ability to manage the family assets and estates, objecting to his portrayal as the next of kin or representative of the late Herbert Wigwe.

The Wigwe family, known for their high-profile status and considerable wealth, has been embroiled in a fierce battle since Herbert's untimely passing. Reports indicate that a court injunction has warned Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, who claims to be Herbert’s cousin, to cease actions that prevent the rightful execution of Herbert Wigwe’s will. This injunction was filed at the instruction of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, Herbert’s father, and the affidavit has been made public.

Christian Chukwuka has been asked to defend his interests in the property, and the court may proceed with issuing a grant of probate, allowing the appointed executor, Uchechukwu Wigwe, to take full control of the estate while acting as the estate’s personal representative. Following his brother's death, Uche has enlisted the legal expertise of Mr. Munirudeen Liadi to expedite the process.

This latest document marks a crucial point in the dispute, indicating that Christian’s challenge may be nearing a breaking point as the entire family now rallies against Uche, arguing that he is not reliable enough to manage such substantial assets. “Uche has always been the black sheep, and after Herbert’s death, many felt he should have stepped up. Instead, his questionable decisions have left everyone worried,” insiders shared.

The estate, which includes multiple properties and business ventures, is now at the center of heated family debates, with some relatives advocating for a more experienced professional to take charge. “They don’t want Uche to take full control of the assets,” another source disclosed. “They’re discussing hiring a trustee to ensure everything is managed properly.”

Sources also claim that Uche is orchestrating the media buzz to gain public sympathy. His actions have raised eyebrows, as many believe he is positioning himself as both an actor and a victim in this unfolding drama.

The family also accused the late bank chief’s business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede of undue interference in the family issues as regards the children left behind by the late banker and some decisions in the area of business without consulting his family.

Meanwhile, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings and a close friend of Herbert, has chosen to remain uninvolved in the family affairs. This decision highlights the complexities of the situation, as Uche continues to navigate the media landscape, seemingly seeking to sway public opinion in his favour.

Before Herbert’s death, he positioned Uche with several high-profile roles, even at the top managerial level of Access Bank’s private banking division. Uche Wigwe currently sits as the Non-Executive Director of Coronation, a leading African financial services provider. He is also the principal partner at Wigwe & Prtners. With an LL.M. in Petroleum Law and Policy from the University of Dundee, Scotland, an LL.B. from the University of Ibadan, and a B.Sc. in Banking and Finance from the University of Port Harcourt, Uche wields strong expertise in advising on various practice areas, including corporate insolvency and debt recovery.

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Foremost institute iRep Institutes (Africa) is gearing up to address the knowledge gap in the field of project management within the realm of business development.

The institute, known for its commitment to lifelong learning and unlocking project management potential, is set to host a master class aimed at equipping participants with the skills needed to lead projects to success.

For a beginner looking to delve into the world of project management or a seasoned professional seeking to enhance skills, the master class offers a comprehensive guide through the essentials of planning, executing, and closing projects efficiently, participants can expect to engage with experienced professionals who have navigated real-world scenarios, providing valuable insights and practical tools to elevate their careers.

The Must-To-Attend program is scheduled to commence on March 30th, 2024 even as the master class will take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM GMT via online Zoom calls.

According to a statement by the project director; David Solomon said the program will encapsulate "a total of 8 sessions, participants will delve into key topics such as Overview of Project Management, Key Concepts in Project Management, Project Life Cycle, Project Management Methodologies, Tools and Techniques, Case Studies, Knowledge Checks, as well as a Resume and Interview Workshop.

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By the end of the program, participants can expect to gain a solid understanding of project management principles and practices, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their professional endeavors", it stated.

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An interesting letter by a Civil Society Organisation, Zero Tolerance for Social Immoralities Initiative, ZETSI, addressed to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has gone viral.

Signed by ZETSI Chairperson, Ibrahim Rasq Imam, while President Bola Tinubu and four others were copied, in the letter entitled, Re: Unjust Suspension of Seven Staff of Rural Electrification Agency over N1.2bn fraud, And Another N300m Training Fraud In The Agency, the CSO accused Adelabu of scoring own goal against Nigeria, alleging the former banker of condoning fraud and alleged fraudulent practices of the agency’s MD.

The letter reads:

This is to serve as a reminder, asking you to look seflessly into several petitions before you, regarding allegations of financial malfeasances levelled against the Managing Director of Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, and his suspension of seven staff members of the agency after he and some others at the upper echelon of REA used them to commit N1.2bn fraud.

We are aware that you are in receipt of many petitions from several quarters against Ahmad bordering on fraudulent practices since about eight months ago.

Sir, your lingering inaction
on this matter despite the compelling evidence is not golden, but tantamount to condonation of fraud and the Managing Director of the agency.

Your disposition towards those petitions at your disposal if consider at face value, goes against the oath of protecting and defending the constitution and interest of the nation you swore to.

Sir, based on fair deductions, we would be right to say that you are not on the side of Nigeria on those issues. In fact you're just scoring own goal against the country.

It remains to be seen how many of such own goals Nigerians should expect from you throughout your time in office.

As a 53-year-old man, we are in hopes that you are redeemable, and can only encourage you to start scoring for Nigeria for posterity sake.

To that end, we took pain to locate acknowledgement
copies of some of the said petitions to you, and herein attached them.

Accept our assurances of highest regards.

Ollyz001:
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