The Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) has pledged to cooperate fully with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in its investigation into major global technology companies and generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, saying it will provide all necessary evidence to support the inquiry.

The body issued the pledge in a statement signed by its Vice President, Frank Aigbogun, on Friday, noting that the move to investigate the tech giants will challenge the tech companies’ lack of transparency and accountability in their operations in Nigeria.

On Monday, President Bola Tinubu directed the FCCPC to investigate major global tech companies over alleged anti-competitive practices and the unauthorised use of content belonging to Nigerian media organisations.

Mr Tinubu’s directive followed a joint call in February by Nigerian press bodies on the government to intervene to protect the Nigerian press from the growing dominance of global digital platforms over the country’s information ecosystem.

NPO commended Mr Tinubu’s directive to investigate the global tech companies, noting it will protect the rights of Nigerian publishers.

The organisation said the investigation should promote a balanced digital economy that respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and protects the rights of Nigerian publishers.

“The NPO, alongside its constituent bodies, stands ready to cooperate fully with the FCCPC during this inquiry, providing all necessary evidence to ensure a balanced digital economy that respects Nigerian sovereignty and the rights of Nigerian publishers,” the press body said.

The body comprises the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

NPO said that big tech companies have lacked transparency and accountability in their activities for years, posing serious consequences for journalism as a public-interest good in Nigeria.

“When a delegation of the NPO met President Tinubu in March to formally complain about the existential threat posed to the media by Big Tech and AI companies operating in Nigeria, we did so with very serious concern.

“We are therefore pleased that the government has commenced this investigation. Beyond the clear and present danger posed by Big Tech’s anti-competitive behaviour, their lack of transparency and accountability also carries very serious consequences for journalism as a public-interest good,” NPO said.

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It complained that the sustainability of Nigeria’s vibrant media ecosystem has been severely threatened for years by the unfair market practices of dominant digital platforms, including Meta, Alphabet, X (formerly Twitter), and various generative AI companies.

“These tech giants have consistently undermined fair competition and the commercial viability of local media by exploiting original journalistic content without equitable compensation,” the press body stated.

NPO added that the move to investigate the tech giants marks the first major step in holding them accountable, citing similar progress recorded in South Africa.

It also welcomed the assurance by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, following the request by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris, for an independent, transparent, and evidence-based inquiry.

The Anambra State Government has approved a three-month tax waiver for business owners under its newly introduced Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration and Tax Regularisation Scheme (VAIDS), from 6 July to 5 September.

The Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Law Mefor, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Awka.

Mr Mefor said the scheme offers a one-time opportunity for taxpayers to resolve their tax issues without incurring full penalties for non-compliance.

He said the decision was reached by the state tax authority, led by the Chairman of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Ikeazor Okonkwo.

He urged businesses and other organisations that have not paid taxes or fees, and those who have not registered as taxable persons, to take advantage of the three-month window to register and pay their taxes.

Mr Mefor also urged other registered taxpayers with additional income, assets or liabilities to disclose them.

He said those who failed to fully declare taxable income and assets, or who underpaid or under-remitted taxes or levies, would face the full weight of the law.

He added that those currently under tax audit, investigation, or involved in a tax dispute with the AIRS, and who had been issued Best of Judgement (BOJ) assessments but failed to respond within the statutory time limit, would not be exempted from prosecution.

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The commissioner said eligible taxpayers who make full and honest disclosure would enjoy a 100 per cent waiver of penalties and accrued interest, as well as immunity from prosecution.

He urged those with undeclared income or assets, and taxpayers, business owners, and companies that had defaulted in the declaration of assets and tax payments, to regularise with the tax offices or visit the VAIDS portal.

Mr Mefor warned that the AIRS would commence full enforcement against defaulting taxpayers at the expiration of the tax waiver by 5 September.

(NAN)