Nigeria Moves to Tackle Big Tech Dominance as Media Stakeholders Seek Sustainability Solutions
Media executives, regulators, and government officials have called for urgent reforms to address the growing influence of Big Tech on Nigeria’s media ecosystem and ensure the sustainability of local journalism.
The call was made during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on Big Tech and media sustainability held in Abuja, where key industry players gathered to examine the challenges facing traditional media in the digital age.
Among those present were the General Manager/CEO of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Segun Adediran; National Treasurer of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren; Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP Newspapers, Azu Ishiekwene; CEO/Executive Vice-Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Olatunji Bello; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Executive Commissioner (Operations) of FCCPC, Louis Odion; and Editorial Director of Daily Trust, Malam Ibrahim Shehu.
Discussions at the meeting centered on the impact of global technology companies on advertising revenues, content distribution, and the survival of indigenous media organisations. Participants expressed concern that the dominance of digital platforms continues to divert critical revenue streams away from local publishers, threatening the viability of journalism in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized the need for a balanced regulatory framework that protects local media while encouraging innovation and fair competition in the digital space.
On his part, FCCPC boss Olatunji Bello highlighted the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that digital markets operate fairly, noting that efforts are underway to address anti-competitive practices and protect both consumers and content creators.
Stakeholders also stressed the importance of collaboration between government, regulators, and media organisations to develop policies that will safeguard credible journalism, promote accountability, and adapt to the realities of a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The meeting is part of ongoing engagements aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s media landscape and ensuring it remains resilient amid global technological disruptions.
