Abuja, March 1, 2026 – The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the federal government to investigate seven big media technology organsations for using opaque algorithms and market dominance to undermine Nigerian media, businesses, and citizens’ rights.
It listed the affected organisations as Google, Meta (Facebook), Apple, Microsoft (Bing), X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Amazon, and YouTube.
SERAP made the complaint in a letter addressed to Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The complaint, dated Feb. 28, 2026, was signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, its Deputy Director.
SERAP called on the FCPCC to take necessary measures to prevent further unfair market practices, algorithmic influence, consumer harm and abuses of media freedom, freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information and ensure compliance with Nigerian laws and international standards.
It said millions of Nigerians relied on these platforms for news, information, and business opportunities.
SERAP alleged that these big technology companies operate with enormous influence over Nigeria’s digital economy and information ecosystem, yet they often escape accountability for the harms they cause.”
“Opaque algorithms, offshore revenue extraction, and hidden data practices allow these platforms to shape public discourse and market competition without transparency or meaningful oversight.”
“Dominant digital platforms are acting as private gatekeepers of Nigeria’s information and business ecosystem. Their opaque algorithms and market dominance are not just economic issues—they are human rights issues that threaten media plurality, consumer protection, and privacy, and the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The FCCPC ought to exercise its statutory mandate to ensure Nigerians’ rights to privacy, media freedom, fair competition, and democratic integrity. Should the FCCPC fail to act promptly, SERAP will consider all appropriate legal actions to compel regulatory intervention in the public interest.
“Investigations by the South African Competition Commission into Google revealed systematic bias against local media content, leading to remedies including algorithmic transparency, compliance monitoring, and monetary redress.”
SERAP urged the FCCPC to take similar actions to protect Nigerian media, businesses, and citizens’ rights and pledged its readiness to provide evidence, expert analysis, and recommendations to assist the commission’s inquiry.
