The Nigerian Press Organisation has raised serious concerns about the influence of global digital giants such as Google and Meta on Nigeria’s media landscape. These companies are accused of transforming the local digital environment into a 'colony' where they siphon ad revenues, dictate news visibility through opaque algorithms, and profit substantially from local content without offering fair compensation to Nigerian creators. This situation poses a critical threat to Nigeria’s information sovereignty and the sustainability of democracy in the country.

Urgent regulatory action is called for, as the current state of affairs jeopardizes citizens’ rights to demand accountable governance and impedes social cohesion. The stakeholders in Nigeria's media industry, including leading organizations like NPAN, NGE, BON, GOCOP, and NUJ, have come together to emphasize the need for collaboration among political leaders, a vigilant press, and an increasingly aware public. They warn that if these tech giants continue to dominate, they not only undermine local media but also threaten the public’s ability to engage meaningfully with political discourse through the platforms they frequently use.

As the youth population significantly engages with digital media, it is crucial for Nigerian leaders to reclaim informational sovereignty from these tech companies, who primarily focus on profits rather than local needs. The call to action stresses the importance of protecting Nigeria’s digital landscape from foreign control, ensuring that local voices are heard and that the essence of democratic engagement is preserved in the face of commercial interests that could overshadow cultural and societal values.