President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to intensify scrutiny of global technology companies operating in Nigeria.
This signals a tougher regulatory stance on big tech firms over concerns ranging from market dominance to consumer protection.
The president gave the directive during the inauguration of the newly constituted governing board of the FCCPC in Abuja, charging the commission to ensure that digital platforms operating in the country comply with Nigerian competition and consumer protection laws.
He said the rapid growth of digital platforms has transformed commerce and communication but has also created new challenges for regulators, including anti-competitive conduct, abuse of market power, data privacy concerns, and unfair treatment of consumers.
He also urged the commission to remain proactive in addressing emerging issues in the digital economy while ensuring that regulation does not stifle innovation or investment.
“The digital economy offers enormous opportunities, but it also requires vigilant oversight to ensure that consumers are protected and markets remain competitive,” the president said.
The directive comes as Nigeria has become one of Africa’s most active jurisdictions in challenging the practices of global technology firms.
In 2024, the FCCPC concluded a joint investigation into the operations of Meta Platforms and WhatsApp, finding multiple violations of Nigerian competition and consumer protection laws.
The commission subsequently imposed a $220 million administrative penalty and ordered the company to implement a series of corrective measures, including changes to its data handling and privacy practices.
The renewed focus on Big Tech also follows growing calls from civil society groups for regulators to investigate the influence of major technology companies.
Earlier this year, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urged the FCCPC to investigate companies including Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, X, TikTok, Amazon and YouTube over allegations that their algorithms and market dominance could undermine Nigerian businesses, media organisations and consumer rights.
The commission has positioned itself as Nigeria’s primary competition regulator, with powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act to investigate anti-competitive practices, abuse of dominance, and conduct that harms consumers across both traditional and digital markets.
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