President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate some of the world’s biggest technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the unauthorised use of content belonging to Nigerian media organisations.
The directive followed a petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), an umbrella body representing 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 President’s directive was conveyed to the FCCPC through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the investigation will cover major technology companies, including Meta, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as selected 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.
“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,” the statement said.
The Commission noted that the investigation follows growing concerns raised by media stakeholders over the impact of global digital platforms on the sustainability of Nigeria’s news industry.
According to the FCCPC, the petitioners accused the companies of engaging in practices that could weaken competition, reduce the commercial viability of local media organisations and undermine the rights of journalists, publishers and other content creators.
“The investigation promises to open a new vista in Nigeria’s media history. 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 statement added.
Speaking on the planned investigation, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, said the Commission would carry out a transparent and evidence-driven inquiry into 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,” Bello said.
He stressed that the investigation should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against any of the companies involved.
“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 added.
The Commission said the investigation will determine whether the actions complained of violate the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, or any other applicable law.
Among the issues to be examined are allegations of market dominance, anti-competitive behaviour, and the unauthorised scraping, extraction and commercial use of copyrighted news articles, broadcast materials and other original journalistic content to develop and train Generative AI models.
The FCCPC will also review complaints that Nigerian publishers have been denied the opportunity to negotiate fair compensation and commercial agreements for the use of their content by global technology platforms.
The investigation comes at a time when regulators across several countries are increasingly scrutinising the relationship between technology companies and news publishers over content usage, copyright and revenue sharing.