The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to launch an urgent investigation into major global technology companies over their alleged impact on Nigeria’s digital economy, media landscape, and citizens’ rights.
In a formal petition addressed to FCCPC’s Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, SERAP accused leading tech firms—including Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, X, TikTok, Amazon and YouTube—of engaging in practices that could undermine fair competition, media independence, and user rights.
Allegations of Market Dominance and Algorithmic Influence
The petition, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, alleges that these platforms deploy opaque algorithms and leverage their dominant market positions in ways that negatively affect Nigerian businesses, media organisations, and consumers.
SERAP warned that such practices may lead to unfair market conditions, algorithmic bias, data exploitation, and restrictions on media freedom, freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information.
The organisation is urging the FCCPC to convene a public hearing to examine claims of anti-competitive conduct, revenue diversion, and algorithm-driven discrimination within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Concerns Over Media Sustainability and Democracy
According to SERAP, global tech platforms now function as powerful gatekeepers of Nigeria’s information and business environment, influencing what users see and how digital revenues are distributed.
The group expressed concern that these dynamics are weakening Nigeria’s media industry, pointing to declining revenues, shrinking newsrooms, and reduced visibility for local content.
It also warned that opaque algorithms and data-driven targeting could shape public opinion and potentially affect electoral processes, raising questions about transparency and democratic integrity ahead of future elections.
Call for Regulatory Action
SERAP cited similar regulatory action by the South African Competition Commission, which previously investigated Google over alleged bias against local media, leading to measures such as increased algorithm transparency and financial remedies.
The organisation urged Nigerian regulators to adopt comparable safeguards to protect local businesses and media institutions.
SERAP further argued that, if proven, the alleged practices could violate Sections 17 and 18 of Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, which prohibit abuse of market dominance and anti-competitive behaviour.
Legal Warning
The group emphasised that the FCCPC has the statutory authority to investigate and sanction such conduct and warned that failure to act promptly could result in legal action to compel regulatory intervention.
As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, the call for stricter oversight highlights growing concerns over the influence of global technology giants on competition, information flow, and economic value within the country.
