Yemi Obafemi
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major global technology companies over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the exploitation of Nigerian media content.
The directive followed a joint petition submitted to the Presidency 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 Federal Government’s decision was conveyed to the FCCPC in a letter signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
According to the FCCPC, the investigation will examine allegations that some technology companies engaged in anti-competitive conduct, unlawfully exploited news content, and denied Nigerian media organisations fair commercial opportunities for the use of their journalistic materials.
Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, said the commission would 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. 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 inquiry should not be interpreted as a presumption of guilt against any company.
“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 probe would determine whether the alleged practices violate the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 or any other applicable law.
Among the issues under investigation are allegations of market dominance by major technology firms, the unauthorised extraction and commercial use of copyrighted news content, and concerns that Nigerian media organisations have been denied the opportunity to negotiate fair compensation for the use of their content.
The FCCPC noted that it had previously investigated Meta over alleged violations of the FCCPA, securing a $220 million fine against the company in 2025. The company has appealed the ruling.
The commission also referenced South Africa, where negotiations following an investigation by the South African Competition Commission resulted in Google agreeing to compensate news media organisations with R688 million (about $40 million) annually for between three and five years.
