The Federal Government has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, to launch a formal investigation into X, Meta, Alphabet and other major technology and Generative AI companies over allegations of anti-competitive and anti-media practices in Nigeria.
The directive was conveyed in a letter signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by Nigeria’s major media bodies
The petition was filed by the Nigerian Press Organisation, NPO, which comprises the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, NPAN; Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ; Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON; and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP.
The media bodies accused global tech firms and AI platforms of practices they say threaten the survival of Nigerian journalism. Key allegations include
- Absence of fair commercial agreements between global platforms and Nigerian news publishers, affecting revenue and content creators’ rights
The petitioners argue that these practices weaken the commercial viability of Nigerian media organisations and distort the digital ecosystem
Confirming receipt of the directive, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the Commission will conduct an “independent, transparent and evidence-based investigation.”
“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,” Bello said in a statement Monday.
“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 stressed that the inquiry does not amount to a presumption of guilt. All companies involved will be given an opportunity to present their positions before any conclusions are reached.
The Commission said it will specifically examine whether any conduct violated the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, or any other applicable law
In 2025, the Commission investigated Meta over alleged violations of the FCCPA and secured a ruling that led to a $220 million fine. Meta has since appealed that decision.
With the rise of Generative AI, concerns have grown globally about tech companies using news content to train AI models without compensating publishers. Nigeria’s media industry now wants similar protections and revenue-sharing frameworks put in place locally.
The FCCPC is expected to begin by gathering evidence, engaging stakeholders, and reviewing agreements between Nigerian publishers and the named platforms.
The outcome could shape how global technology and AI companies operate with Nigerian media in the future, particularly on issues of content use, advertising revenue, and fair competition.
