SERAP FCCPC probe calls for investigation into alleged Big Tech algorithm abuse, market dominance and consumer rights violations in Nigeria

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, through its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, has urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate allegations that major global technology companies are undermining Nigerian media organisations, businesses and citizens’ rights through opaque algorithms and market dominance.

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The call formed part of a formal complaint dated February 28, 2026, and addressed to the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Mr Tunji Bello, according to a statement issued on Sunday by Oluwadare.

In the petition, SERAP asked the commission to launch an urgent inquiry into the activities of global technology firms including Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, X, TikTok, Amazon and YouTube over alleged unfair market practices and digital influence within Nigeria’s information ecosystem.

The organisation said the companies wield enormous control over Nigeria’s digital economy while often operating without sufficient regulatory accountability.

SERAP warned that opaque algorithms, offshore revenue extraction and undisclosed data practices allow dominant platforms to shape public discourse and market competition without transparency or meaningful oversight.

According to the group, millions of Nigerians depend on these platforms for news dissemination, business visibility and access to economic opportunities, effectively making the companies powerful private gatekeepers of the country’s information space.

The complaint urged the commission to convene a public hearing to examine allegations of algorithmic discrimination, data exploitation, consumer harm and restrictions on media freedom and access to information.

SERAP stated that the alleged practices raise serious human rights concerns beyond economic competition, arguing that unchecked digital dominance could threaten media plurality, consumer protection, privacy rights and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

The organisation further cautioned that failure by regulators to act decisively could compel it to pursue legal action aimed at forcing regulatory intervention in the public interest.

Citing regulatory action in South Africa, where competition authorities investigated Google over alleged bias against local media content, SERAP noted that similar measures such as algorithmic transparency requirements and compliance monitoring could become necessary in Nigeria.

The group also expressed concern over what it described as large-scale collection and monetisation of Nigerians’ personal and behavioural data under complex consent systems, warning that such practices may interfere with constitutional privacy protections.

SERAP maintained that, if proven, the allegations could amount to grave violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

It added that Nigerian media organisations and content creators continue to face reduced visibility, revenue diversion to foreign platforms and algorithmic suppression, developments it said weaken freedom of expression and access to information.

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Describing the situation as a growing digital accountability challenge, SERAP urged the FCCPC to initiate a full investigation, summon relevant parties, demand disclosure of algorithmic systems and implement corrective measures where violations are established.