President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major global technology and Generative AI companies over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the unlawful use of Nigerian media content.
The directive was conveyed through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following a joint petition by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO). The NPO represents the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
Confirming the probe on Monday, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the investigation would target firms including Meta, Alphabet (Google), X (formerly Twitter), and several Generative AI platforms operating in Nigeria.
“Big technology companies have come under the radar of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission following allegations of anti-competitive practices, unlawful exploitation of news content, and other potentially unfair market conduct,” the statement read.
“Also to be investigated are Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms operating in Nigeria. This is in sequel to a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to FCCPC to look into a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation.”
Media stakeholders allege that the practices of these platforms are eroding fair competition, threatening the commercial sustainability of Nigerian media houses, and infringing on the rights of content creators and publishers.
“The investigation promises to open a new vista in Nigeria’s media history,” the FCCPC statement added. “In recent years, concerns have been raised by the Nigerian media industry over the growing impact of certain digital platforms on the sustainability of the country’s news ecosystem.”
The NPO said it is particularly concerned about the conduct of Meta, Alphabet, X, and certain Generative AI platforms, which it claims could undermine fair competition, the viability of Nigerian media organisations, and the legitimate rights of publishers and creators.
The probe is expected to redefine the relationship between global digital platforms and Nigeria’s media industry, amid long-standing complaints about declining revenues and unauthorised use of journalistic content.
