*The Nigerian Press Organisation states for years, the sustainability of the country’s vibrant media ecosystem has been severely threatened by the unfair market practices of certain global technology giants, and generative Artificial Intelligence platforms operating in Nigeria’s cyberspace
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
The Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) has welcomed the decision, and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for requesting that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) launch a formal investigation into activities of major global technology giants, and generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms operating in the country.
Mr. Frank Aigbogun, Deputy President of NPAN/NPO, who said this in a statement Tuesday, July 7, 2026, noted: “We note that this decisive action follows a joint petition submitted to the Federal Government by the NPO, comprising the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).”
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Aigbogun stated when a delegation of the NPO met President Tinubu March this year to formally complain about the existential threat posed to the media by Big Techs and AI companies operating in Nigeria, the representatives did so with very serious concern.
The Deputy President of NPAN/NPO also said: “We are, therefore, pleased that the government has commenced this investigation.
“Beyond the clear and present danger posed by Big Tech’s anti-competitive behaviour, their lack of transparency and accountability also carries very serious consequences for journalism as a public-interest good.”
He equally noted that for years, the sustainability of Nigeria’s vibrant media ecosystem has been severely threatened by the unfair market practices of dominant digital platforms, including Meta, Alphabet, X (formerly Twitter), and various generative AI companies.
The Organisation as well maintained the declared the said tech giants had “consistently undermined fair competition” and the “commercial viability” of local media by exploiting original journalistic content without equitable compensation.
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Aigbogun explained: “This, for us, is a first major step in the journey to finally hold tech giants accountable, especially in light of the progress recorded in other parts of the world, including South Africa.”
The statement also noted the NPO appreciated the assurance of Mr. Tunji Bello, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of FCCPC, following the request of Alhaji Idris Mohammed, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, to conduct an independent, transparent, and evidence-based inquiry.
The Deputy President of NPAN/NPO as well emphasised that the Organisation together with its constituent bodies, stands ready to cooperate fully with the FCCPC during this inquiry, providing all necessary evidence to ensure a balanced digital economy that respects Nigerian sovereignty and the rights of Nigerian publishers.