Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate major global technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms over allegations involving the use of Nigerian media content and possible anti-competitive practices.
The directive followed a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation, which comprises the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers.
In a statement issued on Monday by the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the commission said the investigation would cover companies including Meta, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, X, formerly Twitter, and certain AI platforms operating in Nigeria.
The statement said, “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.”
According to the commission, the media organisations raised concerns that some digital platforms may be undermining fair competition, threatening the sustainability of Nigerian media businesses and infringing on the rights of content creators and publishers.
The FCCPC said its inquiry would examine allegations of market dominance, anti-competitive conduct and the alleged unauthorised scraping, ingestion and commercial use of copyrighted news reports, broadcast materials and other journalistic content for the development and training of AI models.
The commission will also investigate complaints that Nigerian publishers have been denied adequate opportunities to negotiate compensation and commercial agreements for the use of their content.
FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, said the investigation would be conducted transparently and based on evidence.
“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,” Bello said.
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 the investigation would determine whether any of the practices complained of violate the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018 or other applicable laws.
The development comes amid growing global scrutiny of how technology companies use and monetise news content, with several countries introducing frameworks requiring digital platforms to negotiate compensation agreements with media organisations. The outcome of the Nigerian probe is expected to shape future discussions on digital regulation, content rights and the relationship between technology firms and the media industry.
