The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is set to investigate technology companies, following allegations of anti-competitive practices, unlawful exploitation of news content, and other potentially unfair market conduct.
This is sequel to a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to FCCPC to look into a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO).
Also to be investigated are Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms operating in Nigeria.
The NPO comprises the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
The federal government’s position was communicated to the FCCPC in a letter signed by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, in a press statement issued by the
director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, Monday, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting an independent, transparent, and evidence-based investigation.
“We recognise the strategic importance of the media to Nigeria’s democracy and the equally significant role of technology in driving innovation and economic growth.
“Our responsibility is to objectively determine the facts and ensure that competition within the digital ecosystem remains fair, transparent, and consistent with Nigerian law,” he said.
Bello said this inquiry is not directed at any entity by presumption of wrongdoing but it is an opportunity to carefully examine the facts, hear from all affected parties, and determine whether any conduct has resulted in anti-competitive outcomes or unfair business practices.
He said every party will be accorded a fair opportunity to present relevant information before any conclusions are reached.”
He said in specific terms, FCCPC will determine whether the practices in question constitute a breach of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 or any other applicable law.