By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) has commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate major global technology companies and generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms over the alleged exploitation of Nigerian media content.

In a statement signed by NPAN Deputy President, Frank Aigbogun, the NPO described the government’s action as a significant step towards addressing what it called the anti-competitive practices of global technology firms.

The organisation said the directive followed a joint petition submitted by the NPO, comprising the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers.

“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),” Aigbogun said.

The organisation recalled that its delegation met with President Tinubu in March to raise concerns over what it described as the existential threat posed by Big Tech and AI companies to Nigeria’s media industry.

“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,” the statement 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.”

According to the NPO, dominant digital platforms have continued to weaken the commercial viability of Nigerian media organisations by using original journalistic content without fair compensation.

“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. These tech giants have consistently undermined fair competition and the commercial viability of local media by exploiting original journalistic content without equitable compensation,” Aigbogun stated.

Describing the investigation as a milestone, the organisation expressed optimism that it could pave the way for greater accountability by global technology companies operating in Nigeria.

“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 added.

The NPO also welcomed the assurance by FCCPC Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, that the investigation would be independent, transparent and evidence-based following the request of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

The organisation pledged the full cooperation of its member bodies with the commission throughout the investigation.

“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,” Aigbogun said.

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