President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major global technology companies—including Meta, Google, X (formerly Twitter) and certain generative AI platforms—over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the unlawful exploitation of content produced by Nigerian media organisations. The directive followed a petition submitted by leading media industry bodies.
The Federal Government has launched what could become one of Nigeria’s most significant regulatory inquiries into global technology companies after President Bola Tinubu ordered an investigation into allegations that major digital platforms are exploiting the content of Nigerian media organisations without fair compensation.
The directive was conveyed to the FCCPC through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, following concerns raised by stakeholders in the country’s media industry.
According to the FCCPC, the investigation will examine allegations that companies including Meta, Alphabet (Google), X, and certain generative AI platforms may have engaged in anti-competitive practices, unfair market conduct and the unauthorised commercial exploitation of news content created by Nigerian publishers.
The complaints originated from a joint petition by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), which 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 media bodies argue that digital platforms increasingly benefit commercially from Nigerian journalism while contributing little to the sustainability of local news organisations.
The investigation follows growing global debates over the relationship between technology platforms and news publishers.
Countries including Australia, Canada and members of the European Union have introduced or considered measures requiring major technology companies to negotiate compensation arrangements with media organisations whose content appears on their platforms.
In Nigeria, concerns have also been raised over algorithmic practices, digital advertising revenues and the commercial use of locally produced journalistic content.
FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello said the inquiry would be independent, transparent and evidence-based.
He stressed that the investigation should not be interpreted as a presumption of wrongdoing, noting that every affected company would be given an opportunity to present evidence and respond to the allegations before any conclusions are reached.
The investigation could significantly shape the future relationship between global technology companies and Nigeria’s media industry. Its outcome may influence future policies on digital competition, content licensing and the rights of Nigerian publishers as governments worldwide continue to examine the market power of major technology platforms.