NPO lauds Tinubu’s directive on Big Tech, AI platforms investigation
The Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) has welcomed the directive by President Bola Tinubu to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major global technology companies and generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms operating in Nigeria.
Mr Frank Aigbogun, Deputy President, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria/Nigeria Press Organisation(NPAN/NPO), disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
Aigbogun said the President’s decision was based on a joint petition submitted to the Federal Government by the NPO, comprising the 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).
“When a delegation of the NPO met President Tinubu in March to formally complain about the existential threat posed to the media by Big Tech and AI companies operating in Nigeria, we did so with very serious concern.
“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.”
Aigbogun said the sustainability of Nigeria’s vibrant media ecosystem has been threatened by the unfair market practices of dominant digital platforms, including Meta, Alphabet, X (formerly Twitter), and various generative AI companies.
He added that these tech giants have consistently undermined fair competition and the commercial viability of local media by exploiting original journalistic content without equitable compensation.
He added that the President’s directive was a 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 NPO welcomes the assurance of the FCCPC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tunji Bello, following the request of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Idris Mohammed, to conduct an independent, transparent, and evidence-based inquiry.
“The NPO, alongside 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.
