In a decisive move to curb predatory lending, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has officially blacklisted 45 illegal digital loan applications operating in Nigeria as of January 2026. The crackdown comes in response to widespread reports of harassment, data theft, and exploitative practices targeting millions of vulnerable Nigerians driven to borrowing by a severe economic crisis.
Background: A Perfect Storm of Economic Hardship and Exploitation
Nigeria’s deepening cost-of-living crisis, marked by soaring inflation, stagnant wages, and high unemployment, has forced countless citizens to seek immediate financial relief. With traditional bank loans often inaccessible due to stringent requirements or lack of collateral, desperate Nigerians have turned to digital lending platforms for quick, short-term loans—sometimes as little as a few thousand naira.
This desperation has been exploited by a flood of unregulated operators. Borrowers report being subjected to severe harassment, including public shaming by having their contact lists messaged, incessant threatening calls, and defamatory messages sent to family, friends, and employers over minor delays in repayment. Many apps have also been accused of illegally accessing user data, imposing hidden, exorbitant interest rates, and using abusive debt collection practices.
The Regulatory Response
“These apps are considered illegal because they failed to comply… exposing users to risks such as harassment, data misuse, and predatory lending practices,” the Commission stated. It strongly advises the public to use only FCCPC-approved lenders, a list of over 400 compliant companies published separately.
An additional 103 unregistered apps are on a regulatory watchlist and face potential enforcement actions, including delisting from app stores and prosecution.
Full List of the 45 Blacklisted Loan Apps (2026):
1. WeCredit
2. Hen Credit Loan App
3. Cash Door App
4. Joy Cash Loan up to 1000000 App
5. EagleCash App
6. LuckyLoan Personal Loan App
7. GetLoan App
8. EaseLoan Apps
9. Naira Naija
10. Cashlawn App
11. EasyNaira App
12. Crediting App
13. Yoyi App
14. Nut Loan App
15. CashPal App
16. NairaEasy
17. Gist Loan App
18. CamelLoan App
19. MoneyTreeFinance Made Easy App
20. CashMe App
21. CreditBox App
22. CashMama App
23. Crimson Credit App
24. Galaxy Credit App
25. XCredit
26. iMoney Elsner Technology PVT Limited
27. Naira Naija iMoneyPlus
28. Instant NairaNaija
29. Instant
30. NowNowMoney Naija
31. Cash Eagle Cash
32. FirstNell App
33. FlyPay
34. Spark Credit
35. SoftNaira App
36. CashDey App
37. NairaLoans Loans App
38. SwiftCash App
39. NaiaraLand App
40. Mama Credit Loan App
41. Nigeria Loan App
42. Loan 300000 Naira in CranCash
43. LinkLoan
44. FairKash Loan
45. Apex Lending
The FCCPC's action highlights the difficult choice many Nigerians face: endure financial desperation or risk entering a digital loan trap. While the ban protects consumers from the worst offenders, it also underscores the urgent need for broader economic solutions and access to fair, regulated credit for the nation's struggling population..
Under the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations of 2025, all digital lenders are required to register with the FCCPC and comply with consumer protection standards. The commission has placed an additional 103 unregistered loan apps on a regulatory watchlist, warning that they may face similar sanctions, including delisting, fines, and possible prosecution.
To date, over 521 digital lending companies have come under FCCPC oversight, with more than 400 having received full approval to operate legally. The regulatory body continues to monitor the sector to safeguard Nigerians from financial exploitation and data privacy violations.
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