President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major global technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the unlawful exploitation of content from Nigerian media organisations.
This directive follows a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation, which includes the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers.
A statement issued on Monday by the Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu, confirmed that the investigation would target major tech firms, including Meta, Alphabet (the parent company of Google), X (formerly Twitter), and various Generative AI platforms.
The statement partly read, “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.
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 organisations allege that these firms undermine fair competition, threaten the commercial viability of local news outlets, and violate the rights of content creators.
The 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. Specifically, the NPO is increasingly uncomfortable with major technology companies including Meta, Alphabet, X (formerly Twitter), and certain Generative AI platforms, citing practices capable of undermining fair competition, the commercial viability of Nigerian media organisations, and the legitimate rights of content creators and publishers.”
The Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, promised an independent and evidence-based investigation. “We recognise the strategic importance of the media to Nigeria’s democracy and the equally significant role of technology in driving innovation and economic growth. Our responsibility is to objectively determine the facts and ensure that competition within the digital ecosystem remains fair, transparent, and consistent with Nigerian law,” said Bello.
Bello further clarified that the inquiry does not presume wrongdoing by any entity. “This inquiry is not directed at any entity by presumption of wrongdoing. Rather, it is an opportunity to carefully examine the facts, hear from all affected parties, and determine whether any conduct has resulted in anti-competitive outcomes or unfair business practices. Every party will be accorded a fair opportunity to present relevant information before any conclusions are reached,” he noted.
Key focus areas for the FCCPC investigation include:
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Whether current practices breach the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
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Allegations of market dominance and potential anti-competitive conduct.
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The unauthorised extraction, scraping, and commercial utilisation of copyrighted news and broadcast materials for training Generative AI models.
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Complaints regarding the denial of fair compensation opportunities for Nigerian publishers.
This probe follows similar international actions, such as in South Africa, where Google agreed to pay news media R688m (approximately $40m) annually.
This investigation also follows the FCCPC’s previous $220m penalty imposed on Meta, which the company is currently appealing.
The federal government aims to ensure that global firms comply with local laws and that Nigerian publishers receive fair value for their content.
