The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate major global technology companies over what it described as harmful business practices affecting Nigerian media organisations, businesses and consumers.
In a petition dated February 28, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group urged the commission to probe the operations of Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft (including Bing), X, TikTok, Amazon and YouTube.
SERAP alleged that the companies’ algorithmic systems, data practices and market dominance may be undermining competition, media freedom and consumer rights in Nigeria.
In a statement on Sunday, Oluwadare said, “Big technology companies wield enormous influence over Nigeria’s digital economy and information ecosystem, yet they often evade accountability for the harms linked to their operations.”
He added, “Opaque algorithms, offshore revenue extraction and concealed data practices enable these platforms to shape public discourse and market competition without transparency or effective oversight.”
The organisation asked the FCCPC to urgently intervene to prevent what it termed unfair market practices, algorithmic manipulation and violations of privacy, freedom of expression and access to information.
SERAP also requested the commission to convene a public hearing to receive complaints and evidence from journalists, media organisations, small and medium-scale enterprises, content creators, civil society groups and individual consumers.
According to the group, dominant digital platforms have effectively become “private gatekeepers” of Nigeria’s information and business environment.
“Their algorithmic systems and concentration of market power are not merely economic concerns; they raise serious human rights issues affecting media plurality, consumer protection, privacy and democratic integrity,” the statement said.
SERAP warned that if the FCCPC fails to take action, it may pursue legal measures to compel regulatory intervention in the public interest.
Citing regulatory action in South Africa, the organisation noted that investigations by that country’s competition authorities into Google reportedly uncovered bias against local media content and led to remedies such as greater algorithmic transparency and financial redress.
The group expressed concern that extensive data collection and monetisation practices, often based on complex consent mechanisms, could infringe on Nigerians’ right to privacy.
It argued that if proven, the alleged conduct would amount to violations of Sections 17 and 18 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, as well as constitutional and international human rights obligations.
SERAP maintained that the FCCPC has the statutory authority to investigate and sanction business practices that substantially prevent, restrict or distort competition within Nigeria.
Among its demands, the organisation called on the commission to mandate greater transparency in content ranking, recommendation and advertising systems, require periodic compliance reports, and establish remedial measures — including a compensation mechanism — for affected Nigerian media organisations.
It further urged the FCCPC to take immediate steps to prevent ongoing consumer harm, enforce sanctions where necessary, and ensure full compliance with Nigeria’s competition and consumer protection laws.
“The cumulative effect of data concentration, opaque content moderation, discriminatory algorithmic ranking and market dominance may distort competition, harm consumers and weaken democratic institutions,” SERAP stated.
