NPO hails Tinubu’s directive to probe Big Tech, AI firms

The Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) has commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major global technology companies and AI platforms operating in Nigeria.
The commendation was contained in a statement signed by the NPO Deputy President, Mr Frank Aigbogun and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.
Aigbogun said the President’s directive followed a joint petition submitted to the Federal Government by the NPO.
The NPO comprises the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers.
“NPO welcomes and commends the directive by President Bola Tinubu, requesting that the FCCPC launch a formal investigation into major global technology companies and generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms operating in Nigeria.
“This decisive action follows a joint petition submitted to the Federal Government by members of the NPO,,” he said.
Aigbogun recalled that an NPO delegation met the President in March to raise concerns over the existential threat posed by Big Tech and AI companies to Nigeria’s media industry.
“We are therefore pleased that the government has commenced this investigation.”

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“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.
“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,” he said.
Aigbogun said the companies have consistently undermined fair competition by exploiting original journalistic content without providing equitable compensation to local media organisations.
“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 NPO welcomes the assurance of the FCCPC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tunji Bello, following the request of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, 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,” he said.

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(NAN)