Najeriya

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major global technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the unauthorised use of content produced by Nigerian media organisations.

The directive followed a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), which comprises the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

The directive was conveyed to the FCCPC through a letter signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

According to the government, the investigation will address concerns raised by the Nigerian media industry over the growing influence of digital platforms on the country’s news ecosystem and their impact on the sustainability of local media organisations.

The petition names major technology companies, including Meta, Alphabet, and X, alongside some Generative AI platforms operating in Nigeria.

The organisations are accused of engaging in practices that could undermine fair competition, weaken the commercial viability of Nigerian media outlets, and infringe on the rights of publishers and content creators.

Reacting to the directive, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, said the commission would carry out an independent, transparent and evidence-based investigation.

“We recognise the strategic importance of the media to Nigeria’s democracy and the equally significant role of technology in driving innovation and economic growth.

Our responsibility is to objectively determine the facts and ensure that competition within the digital ecosystem remains fair, transparent and consistent with Nigerian law,” Bello said.

He stressed that the investigation should not be interpreted as an indication that any organisation had already been found guilty of wrongdoing.

“This inquiry is not directed at any entity by presumption of wrongdoing. Rather, it is an opportunity to carefully examine the facts, hear from all affected parties, and determine whether any conduct has resulted in anti-competitive outcomes or unfair business practices.

Every party will be accorded a fair opportunity to present relevant information before any conclusions are reached,” he added.

The FCCPC said the investigation would determine whether the alleged conduct violates the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 or any other applicable law.

Among the issues to be examined are allegations of market dominance and anti-competitive behaviour, as well as the unauthorised extraction, scraping, ingestion or commercial use of copyrighted news articles, broadcast materials and other original journalistic content for the development and training of Generative AI models.

The commission will also examine claims that Nigerian media organisations have been denied fair commercial arrangements and adequate compensation for the use of their content by global technology companies.

The FCCPC recalled that it previously investigated Meta and secured a court judgment against the company in 2025 over violations of the FCCPA, including data privacy breaches, which resulted in a $220 million fine. The company has appealed the ruling.

The commission further referenced developments in South Africa, where, following an investigation by the South African Competition Commission, Google agreed to compensate South African news organisations with R688 million (about $40 million) annually for a period of three to five years.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A man who appeared as a leader of Arewa youths has issued a warning of possible retaliation following reports of attacks on northerners in parts of southern Nigeria.

In a video shared online, the youth leader expressed outrage over what he described as repeated assaults on northerners in Rivers and Enugu states. He warned that failure to bring those responsible to justice could lead to reprisals.

“Very soon, we will avenge the killing of Northerners killed in Rivers State,” he said. “If our people are not brought to justice, we are going to retaliate.”

He stated that several northern youths had been killed in Port Harcourt and other areas.

Despite his strong remarks, he appealed for restraint. He urged northern youths to remain calm and allow security agencies to handle the situation. He also called on authorities to act quickly to prevent further tension.

“We have Igbos living in Abuja. The majority of businesses in northern Nigeria are owned by Igbos, and they are living in peace,” he said.

The leader further stated that some prominent Ijaw figures in Port Harcourt had spoken out against the violence.

Meanwhile, the Hausa community in Rivers State recently alleged that four of its members were killed during a protest at the Oil Mill Market in the Rumuokwurusi area of Port Harcourt.

The Chairman of the Hausa Community in the state, Musa Saidu, made the claim after visiting the affected area with other northern leaders. He said several shops owned by northerners were looted and destroyed.

“About four northern traders were killed during the protest at Oil Mill Market. I visited the area with some journalists and saw that many shops had been looted,” Saidu said.

He urged residents from the North to remain peaceful. He described them as law-abiding citizens engaged in legitimate businesses.

The unrest followed the killing of an indigene, Nchelem Samuel Festus, who was allegedly stabbed by a northern commercial motorcyclist in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Festus was said to have been accused of attempting to steal a motorcycle from a shop owned by northerners. During an attempt to recover the motorcycle, a dispute broke out. The motorcyclist allegedly stabbed him, and he later died from the injuries.

The incident, which occurred on February 10, triggered protests. Demonstrators accused northern commercial motorcyclists of crimes such as rape and kidnapping. They also blocked the road leading to the Port Harcourt International Airport and demanded a ban on their operations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON has expressed deep sympathy and commiserated with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, over the demise of his wife, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno.

On behalf of the 19 Northern Governors, Governor Inuwa Yahaya conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of Akwa Ibom State during this period of immense grief.

He described the Akwa Ibom First Lady as a woman of great virtue, a loving mother, and a pillar of strength to her family and the state.

Her loss, he noted, has created a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill, not only within her immediate family but across the state where her influence was deeply felt.

The NSGF Chairman consoled Governor Umo Eno to take solace in the divine will of God and the cherished memories of his late wife.

He prayed God Almighty to grant the bereaved family and the entire Akwa Ibom people the fortitude to bear this great loss, and for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has extended a N100 million donation to assist victims of the recent floods in Borno State.

The cheque was presented by Kano State’s Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Eradication, Hajiya Amina Sani, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The presentation took place at the Borno Government House in Maiduguri and was received by Governor Babagana Zulum.

Expressing solidarity with the people of Borno, Governor Yusuf described the flood disaster as “catastrophic” and called for collective support to mitigate the impact on those affected.

He also prayed for the souls of the deceased and wished a swift recovery for the injured.Governor Yusuf emphasized the strong, historic ties between Kano and Borno states, reaffirming Kano’s support during this challenging time.

In response, Governor Zulum expressed deep appreciation for Kano State’s generosity and pledged that the funds would be utilized effectively to aid the victims.

He commended the show of unity between Nigerian states in times of crisis.

The donation reflects a shared commitment to assist communities facing humanitarian emergencies.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern regarding the devastating flood that recently affected parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President conveyed his condolences to the government and people of Borno, particularly those who lost their livelihoods as a result of the disaster.

“The worst flood in recent decades, triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam, has displaced thousands of residents and impacted critical infrastructure, including the Post Office and Maiduguri Teaching Hospital,” Onanuga said.

The President called for the immediate evacuation of residents from the affected areas while authorities continue assessing the damage.

He also reassured Governor Babagana Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate on addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of those displaced by the flood.

President Tinubu further instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate assistance to the victims and pledged federal resources to support the state’s recovery efforts.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Salihu AbdulHadi Kankia, a member of the First Aid Group of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), has been praised and rewarded for his noble act of returning a lost bag containing over N100 million.

The commendation came during the conclusion of a special preaching session in Bauchi, where Engr Mustapha Imam Sitti, the National Director of the First Aid Group, lauded Kankia for his exemplary conduct. 

The Bauchi State branch of JIBWIS took to Facebook to share the heartwarming story, detailing how Kankia discovered the bag and promptly reported it to the authorities.

Upon retrieval, the owner confirmed that nothing was missing from the bag. 

In recognition of his integrity, Kankia was honoured with an award by the Izala group and sponsored for the Hajj pilgrimage this year.

Additionally, he received two million naira from Hon. Abdulmalik Zannan Bangudu and a bus from Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to kickstart a business venture. 

Kankia’s actions serve as a beacon of honesty and righteousness, inspiring others to uphold similar values in their communities.

His selfless act not only restored faith in humanity but also garnered well-deserved recognition and rewards.