By Philip Nwosu
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to urgently investigate allegations that major global technology companies are using opaque algorithms and market dominance to undermine Nigerian media, businesses and citizens’ rights.
In a complaint dated 28 February 2026 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP alleged that companies including Google, Meta (Facebook), Apple, Microsoft (Bing), X, TikTok, Amazon, and YouTube are engaging in unfair practices that distort Nigeria’s digital economy and infringe on fundamental rights.
SERAP urged the Commission to take immediate 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 to ensure compliance with Nigerian laws and international standards.
The organisation also called for a public hearing into allegations of algorithmic discrimination, market dominance, data exploitation and consumer harm involving the companies.
Addressing the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, SERAP stated that millions of Nigerians depend on the platforms for news, information and business opportunities, warning that dominant digital platforms now act as “private gatekeepers” of Nigeria’s information and business ecosystem.
“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 group said.
SERAP referenced investigations by the South African Competition Commission into Google, which reportedly found systematic bias against local media content and led to measures such as algorithmic transparency, compliance monitoring and monetary redress. It urged the FCCPC to adopt similar actions to protect Nigerian media and businesses.
The organisation alleged that large-scale collection and monetisation of Nigerians’ personal and behavioural data under complex consent mechanisms interfere with privacy rights, while discriminatory algorithmic ranking and offshore revenue extraction harm local journalism and limit consumer choice.
Citing Sections 17 and 18 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), SERAP maintained that the FCCPC has the statutory authority to investigate conduct that substantially prevents, restricts or distorts competition in Nigeria. It added that failure to act promptly could prompt legal action to compel regulatory intervention.
SERAP further raised concerns about the potential impact of algorithmic opacity and data-driven micro-targeting on Nigeria’s forthcoming elections, warning that such practices could influence voter exposure to information without adequate transparency safeguards.
The group called on the FCCPC to initiate a full investigation, convene a public hearing, mandate greater transparency in ranking and advertising systems, ensure remedial measures for affected media organisations — including a possible compensation fund — and apply sanctions where violations are established.
According to SERAP, taking swift action would help safeguard media diversity, protect consumers, and ensure a fair and competitive digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
