Symposium convener Liberty supports Tinubu probe into global media and technology companies over Nigerian content

The convener of the Freedom Symposium, Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major foreign technology companies, global media platforms, digital content aggregators and generative artificial intelligence providers over allegations of anti-competitive practices and unregulated exploitation of Nigerian media content.

Ramalan described the presidential directive as a landmark intervention that demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s media ecosystem, promoting fair competition, safeguarding national digital sovereignty and ensuring the long-term sustainability of indigenous media organisations.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the convener of the Liberty Symposium said the President’s decision validates key resolutions adopted at the 2nd Liberty Symposium, where stakeholders across the media sector warned of the growing threat posed by dominant foreign digital platforms to Nigeria’s broadcasting and journalism sectors.

According to him, the symposium identified the unchecked commercial exploitation of Nigerian news and broadcast content by powerful global technology companies, digital platforms and artificial intelligence systems as an existential challenge that requires urgent regulatory attention.

“We congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking this bold and timely step. The directive to the FCCPC represents an important milestone in addressing the anti-competitive conduct, lack of transparency and unfair business practices of dominant global digital platforms that continue to profit from Nigerian media content without corresponding value returning to local content creators and media organisations,” he said.

Ramalan said Nigerian television stations, publishers and other media organizations invest enormous resources in producing credible public interest journalism, only for foreign digital platforms to monetise and distribute such content on a large scale without adequate regulatory oversight, fair trade deals or sufficient protection for local media businesses.

He noted that the Liberty Symposium communiqué warned that the growing dominance of global digital platforms has significantly weakened the commercial viability of indigenous media organizations by diverting advertising revenue, audience engagement and digital value away from Nigerian content producers.

“The sustainability of Nigeria’s media industry is directly linked to the country’s democracy, national security and informed public discourse. Protecting local journalism is therefore a matter of national interest,” he added.

Ramalan further noted that several countries have already introduced regulatory and competition measures to address similar concerns involving major global technology companies, stressing that Nigeria must not be left behind in ensuring fairness within its digital economy.

He called on the FCCPC, under the leadership of the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, to conduct an independent, transparent, evidence-based and internationally credible investigation, in line with the presidential directive communicated through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

According to him, the investigation is expected to thoroughly examine allegations relating to abuse of dominant market position, unfair competition, digital advertising practices, exploitation of Nigerian media content, algorithmic preference systems, artificial intelligence training on locally generated content and compliance with Nigeria’s regulatory framework governing broadcasting, competition and digital services.

The Liberty Symposium pledged its full cooperation with the Commission, promising to provide documentary evidence, research findings, expert input and industry perspectives that would aid the investigation.

“Our goal is not to discourage innovation or investment,” Ramalan said.

“Rather, it is about promoting a fair, transparent and balanced digital media economy that protects Nigeria’s sovereignty, strengthens indigenous media institutions, encourages responsible technological innovation and ensures equitable opportunities for all participants within Nigeria’s information ecosystem.”

He expressed confidence that a thorough investigation would help establish an adequate regulatory framework that can ensure accountability of global digital companies, while protecting Nigerian consumers, content creators, broadcasters and media investors.

Ramalan concluded by urging all stakeholders, including media organisations, regulators, civil society groups, technology companies and policy experts, to support the process in the collective interest of preserving the independence of Nigeria’s media and strengthening the country’s digital future.