Tinubu acted on local media complaints, ordering investigations into Google, Facebook and others

President Bola Tinubu has acted on complaints from local media platforms in Nigeria, and ordered an investigation into the activities of major global technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms in the country including Google, Meta, and X (formerly Twitter).

The President directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate the platform for alleged anti-competitive practices and unlawful exploitation of the content of Nigerian media organizations.

Tinubu several months ago promised that his government would support Nigeria’s evidence-based media campaign against the dominance of big tech companies, anti-competitive activities and severe economic challenges affecting local media.

This follows a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation, an umbrella body comprising the Newspaper Owners Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Broadcasters Organization and the Corporate Online Publishers Association.

This direction was conveyed to the FCCPC through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

Nigeria’s media industry has for years complained of falling revenues and increasing use of content by technology companies without compensation.

A statement issued on Monday by the Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the investigation would focus on allegations against major technology companies, including Meta, Alphabet, which owns Google, and X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as certain Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms operating in Nigeria.

The statement read, “Major technology companies are 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 behavior. Also subject to investigation are Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms operating in Nigeria. This is in continuation of a directive from President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to the FCCPC to review the joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organization.”

The media organizations alleged that the company’s activities could harm fair competition, threaten the commercial viability of Nigerian media organizations, and violate the legitimate rights of content creators and publishers.

“This investigation promises to open new insights into Nigerian media history. In recent years, the Nigerian media industry has raised concerns about the growing impact that certain digital platforms are having on the sustainability of the country’s news ecosystem.

“In particular, NPOs are increasingly uncomfortable with large technology companies, including Meta, Alphabet,

FCCPC Deputy Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, said the commission would conduct an independent, transparent and evidence-based investigation into the allegations.

“We recognize the importance of media to Nigeria’s democracy and the equally important role of technology in driving innovation and economic growth. Our responsibility is to determine the facts objectively and ensure that competition in the digital ecosystem remains fair, transparent and consistent with Nigerian law,” Bello said.

Clarifying the issue, Bello added, “This investigation is not directed at any entity based on any presumption of wrongdoing. Rather, it is an opportunity to carefully examine the facts, hear the opinions of all affected parties, and determine whether any actions have resulted in anti-competitive outcomes or unfair business practices. Each party will be given a fair opportunity to present relevant information before any conclusions are drawn.”

Specifically, the FCCPC will determine whether such practices constitute a violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 or other applicable laws.