The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to urgently investigate major technology companies over alleged harms to Nigerians’ privacy, media sustainability, and democratic processes.
In a complaint dated February 28, 2026 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP alleged that companies including Google, Meta Platforms (Facebook), Apple Inc., Microsoft (Bing), X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Amazon, and YouTube are using opaque algorithms and market dominance in ways that may undermine Nigerian media, businesses, and citizens’ rights.
SERAP urged the FCCPC to “take measures necessary to urgently prevent further unfair market practices, algorithmic influence, consumer harm and abuses of media freedom, freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information.”
The organisation also called for a public hearing into allegations of algorithmic discrimination, market dominance, data exploitation, and consumer harm involving the tech giants.
According to SERAP, big technology companies wield enormous influence over Nigeria’s digital economy and information ecosystem while often escaping accountability.
“Opaque algorithms, offshore revenue extraction, and hidden data practices allow these platforms to shape public discourse and market competition without transparency or meaningful oversight,” the group said.
In the petition addressed to FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Tunji Bello, SERAP warned that 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, privacy, and the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy,” the organisation stated.
SERAP warned it may pursue legal action if the commission fails to act promptly.
The group cited investigations by the South African Competition Commission into Google, which reportedly found systematic bias against local media content and led to remedies such as algorithmic transparency and monetary redress. SERAP urged the FCCPC to take similar steps.
It further alleged that large-scale collection and monetisation of Nigerians’ personal and behavioural data—often under complex consent mechanisms—may be interfering with privacy rights.
SERAP said the FCCPC has jurisdiction under Sections 17 and 18 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) to investigate conduct that substantially prevents or distorts competition in Nigeria.
The organisation also referenced concerns raised by the Nigerian Press Organisation, which warned that big tech control of the information ecosystem has “fundamentally altered Nigeria’s information environment” and created a structural power imbalance threatening the sustainability of professional journalism.
Among its key demands, SERAP asked the FCCPC to:
Launch a full investigation into the companies’ alleged conduct
Convene a public hearing involving journalists, media organisations, SMEs, and consumers;
Mandate transparency in ranking, recommendation, and advertising algorithms;
Establish compensation for harmed media organisations; and
Apply sanctions where violations are established.
SERAP argued that the cumulative effect of alleged data concentration, opaque moderation systems, discriminatory ranking, and market dominance could distort competition, harm consumers, and weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The group stressed that prompt regulatory action would help ensure a fair digital media ecosystem and protect Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and privacy.
