Media
THE Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) has commended President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major global technology companies and generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms operating in Nigeria.
The organisation described the directive as a significant step towards addressing concerns over alleged anti-competitive practices and the exploitation of Nigerian media content.
The NPO said the decision followed a joint petition submitted to the Federal Government by media stakeholders.
It said the petition was endorsed by 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).
According to the organisation, the concerns were formally presented to President Tinubu during a meeting in March.
It said the delegation highlighted the growing threat posed by Big Tech firms and AI companies to Nigeria’s media industry.
The NPO expressed satisfaction that the government had commenced an investigation into the issues raised.
It noted that beyond concerns over competition, the lack of transparency and accountability by some technology companies had serious implications for journalism and public interest.
The organisation said Nigeria’s media ecosystem had for years been undermined by the market dominance of global digital platforms.
It listed companies such as Meta, Alphabet, X and several generative AI firms among platforms accused of benefiting from original journalistic content without fair compensation.
The NPO described the investigation as an important milestone towards ensuring accountability and promoting fair competition in Nigeria’s digital economy.
It added that similar regulatory efforts in other countries, including South Africa, demonstrated the need for stronger oversight of digital platforms.
The organisation also welcomed the assurance by the FCCPC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tunji Bello, to conduct an independent, transparent and evidence-based investigation.
It noted that the assurance followed a request by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris.
The NPO pledged to cooperate fully with the FCCPC by providing evidence to support the inquiry.
It said the investigation should promote a balanced digital economy that protects Nigerian sovereignty and safeguards the rights of local publishers.
F.O
Tags: NPO Tinubu