President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major global technology companies, including Meta, Alphabet (Google), X (formerly Twitter), and several generative artificial intelligence platforms, over alleged anti-competitive practices and unlawful use of news content from Nigerian media organisations.
This is coming about seven months after Google agreed to pay more than $40m to support South African news media after an inquiry from the country’s Competition Commission (CompCom) found that the tech giant reduced search engine monetisation opportunities that sustained news outlets in the country.
The $40m was expected to fund national, community, and vernacular media through content licensing, innovation grants, and capacity-building initiatives.
President Tinubu ordered the FCCPC to review a joint petition submitted by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO).
The NPO comprises 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).
The Federal Government’s position was conveyed to the FCCPC in a letter signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris.
According to the government, the investigation is expected to examine allegations of unfair market conduct and the impact of digital platforms on the sustainability of Nigeria’s news ecosystem.
“Big technology companies have come under the radar of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) following allegations of anti-competitive practices, unlawful exploitation of news content, and other potentially unfair market conduct.”
Also included in the probe are generative artificial intelligence systems operating in Nigeria, which are alleged to have used journalistic content without proper authorisation.
The NPO has raised concerns over the activities of Meta, Alphabet, X, and certain AI platforms, citing practices it says may undermine fair competition, weaken the commercial viability of Nigerian media organisations, and affect the rights of content creators and publishers.
Reacting to the directive, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the Commission will carry out an independent and evidence-based review of the allegations.
“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.
He added, “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.”
The FCCPC said it will determine whether the alleged practices breach the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 or any other applicable law.
The Commission had previously investigated Meta and, in 2025, secured a landmark ruling over violations of the FCCPA, including data breach allegations, leading to a $220 million fine. Meta has since appealed the decision.
The investigation will focus on alleged market dominance and anti-competitive conduct by global tech firms; unauthorised scraping, ingestion, or commercial use of copyrighted news content for training generative AI models; and concerns over lack of fair commercial agreements between tech platforms and Nigerian publishers.
The FCCPC said the outcome of the probe will depend on evidence gathered from all parties involved in the digital media value chain.
(The Whistler)
