President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate leading global technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the unlawful exploitation of content belonging to Nigerian media organisations.
The directive followed a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), raising concerns over the activities of major technology firms operating in Nigeria.
The FCCPC disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu.
According to the commission, the investigation will examine allegations against major technology companies, including Meta, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, and X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as certain Generative AI platforms operating within the country.
The FCCPC said the probe would focus on claims of anti-competitive practices, unlawful use of news content and other forms of potentially unfair market conduct.
The commission noted that the investigation was initiated following President Tinubu’s directive in response to the petition submitted by the Nigerian Press Organisation, with the aim of determining whether the affected companies violated Nigeria’s competition and consumer protection laws.