Abuja, Nigeria — Developing Story
A Nigerian media consultancy firm has raised concerns over an alleged payment dispute connected to a sensitive online content takedown engagement involving multiple media outlets and social media posts.
According to the consultancy, it was introduced to a private client through a staff of Galaxy Backbone Nigeria and subsequently engaged to coordinate takedown requests and media liaison services regarding online stories and social media content linked to an ongoing personal dispute currently before the court.
The consultancy claims it commenced work in good faith after being assured that funding would not be an issue, and proceeded to provide professional services including link documentation, strategic advisory, media outreach, and coordination of formal authorisation required for platform-based complaints.
However, the firm alleges that payment arrangements later became unclear and that the client’s representatives insisted the consultant should first finance the process and only be reimbursed afterwards. The consultancy states that when it requested a written agreement to secure reimbursement and clearly define the scope of work, the request was rejected, and communication reportedly became inconsistent.
The consultancy further claims that some editors and platform administrators have already acted on takedown requests in principle, but have not yet received the professional courtesy fees initially discussed for content removal and administrative handling.
A representative of the consultancy described the situation as “an unacceptable breakdown in professional engagement,” noting that media takedown work, especially where reputational or privacy claims are involved, often requires discreet meetings, risk management, and third-party coordination — all of which carry real costs.
The consultancy stated that it is seeking an amicable resolution and has issued formal correspondence requesting settlement for services rendered and reimbursement for expenses already incurred. It added that if the matter is not resolved, it will consider escalating through appropriate professional channels.
As of the time of filing this report, the client’s representatives and the intermediary involved have not issued an official response. This publication remains open to their comments and will update readers as the situation develops.
