Lifting of Twitter suspension excites Nigerians
…Accepts tax, security terms of FG
…Nigerians must use social media platform more responsibly — ATCON President
Uthman Salami, Abimbola Abatta, Ariemu Ogaga, Matthew Ibiyemi, and Seth Akande
Nigerians have expressed excitement over the lifting of ban on Twitter’s operation in Nigeria by the Federal Government.This followed acceptance of tax and security obligation conditions.
Those who spoke to Nigerian NewsDirect described the decision as a plus for the federal government in boosting performance of the economy.
According to Dr Dipo Showole, “The Twitter ban ruined lives and destroyed small businesses. It was needless and unproductive. The government did not achieve anything banning Twitter in Nigeria . I honestly hope this never happens agaiin.”
Alasaki said, “By overturning Twitter Ban, Buhari just called back about 100 million Nigerians back from around the world on VPN.”
The reversal of the Twitter suspension, which lasted for 222 days, took effect from 12a.m. today.
This development was disclosed, on Wednesday, in a statement made available to Nigerian NewsDirect by the Chairman, Technical Committee, Nigeria-Twitter Engagement and Director-General National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr Kashifu Abdullahi.
Recall that on June 5, 2021, the Government banned the use of Twitter in Nigeria following the incessant use of the platform by some “unscrupulous elements” in ways that threatened the National Security and Cohesion of the country.
The approval, it was gathered, followed after a memo written to the President by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Pantami.
In the Memo, the Minister had updated and requested the President’s approval for the lifting based on the Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement’s recommendation.
It was noted that Twitter agreed to appoint a designated country representative to interface with federal government authorities as well as comply with applicable tax obligations on its operation to demonstrate its long-term commitment to Nigeria.
The statement read partly: “The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) directs me to inform the public that President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has approved the lifting of the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria effective from 12am tonight, 13th January 2022.
“You may recall that on 5th June 2021, the FGN suspended the operation of Twitter through an announcement made by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alh Lai Mohammed. Thereafter, the President constituted a seven-man Presidential Committee to engage Twitter Inc. Subsequently, in its wisdom, the Presidential Committee set a 20-member Technical Committee comprising all relevant government agencies. The Technical Committee engaged and worked directly with the Twitter team.
“The immediate and remote cause of the suspension was the unceasing use of the platform by some unscrupulous elements for subversive purposes and criminal activities, propagating fake news, and polarising Nigerians along tribal and religious lines, among others. These issues bordering on National Security, Cohesion and the effects of the abuse of the Twitter platform forced the FGN to suspend the operation of Twitter to address the direct and collateral issues around its operations in Nigeria.
“The new global reality is that digital platforms and their operators wield enormous influence over the fabric of our society, social interaction and economic choices. These platforms can be used as either a tool or a weapon.
“Every nation is grappling with how to balance its usage efficiently. Without balancing, every citizen’s security, privacy, social well-being, and development are at stake. Therefore, our action is a deliberate attempt to recalibrate our relationship with Twitter to achieve the maximum mutual benefits for our nation without jeopardising the justified interests of the Company. Our engagement has been very respectful, cordial, and successful.
“The process of resolving this impasse between the FGN and Twitter Inc. has helped lay a foundation for a mutually beneficial future with endless possibilities. Twitter is a platform of choice for many Nigerians ranging from young innovators to public sector officials who find it helpful to engage their audience. Therefore, our engagement will help Twitter improve and develop more business models to cover a broader area in Nigeria. Furthermore, the FGN looks forward to providing a conducive environment for Twitter and other global tech companies to achieve their potential and be sustainably profitable in Nigeria.”
According to the Federal Government, some of the gains of the suspension which was described as a “shared national sacrifice” include “Ongoing economic and training opportunities as the Company continues to consider expanding its presence in Nigeria; Getting a better understanding of how to use the Twitter platform effectively to improve businesses; Revenue generation from the operation of Twitter in Nigeria; Smooth and coordinated relationship between Nigerian Government and Twitter leading to mutual trust; Reduction of cybercriminal activities such as terrorism, cyber stalking, hate speech, etc.; and Working with Twitter and other global companies to build an acceptable code of conduct following the global best practices.”
Noting that Twitter has agreed to meet all the conditions set by the FGN, the statement disclosed that “These conditions addressed legal registration of operations, taxation, and managing prohibited publication in line with Nigerian laws.”
Reacting to the news in a chat with Nigerian NewsDirect, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, said reversing Twitter’s suspension will move the country forward.
Nnamani, however, called for responsible use of the platform, adding that many businesses in Nigeria that depended on the platform will be revived.
He said, “It is a welcome development and one that will move the country forward. Nigerians that depend on Twitter for their business will be able to get back to using the platform while those that use it as a social media platform will also be able to do the same.
“We in ATCON call for responsible use of the platform.”
On his part, the immediate Past President of ATCON, Engr Teniola Olusola said it appeared that FG is now comfortable with Twitter meeting its conditions.
According to him, “The lifting of the ban is very much welcome and timely. It appears that FG is now comfortable with Twitter meeting its conditions and we trust that going forward continued dialogue is the norm in ensuring engagement of the youth to building a digital economy on a platform that is highly visible, impactful and global in the digital social media space.”
Meanwhile a source that preferred to remain anonymous stated that the FG’s decision to reverse the ban is conceived out of the fear of ECOWAS’ judgment slated to be passed, 20th January 2021.
It should be recalled that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), on June 8, 2021, dragged the Federal Government to an ECOWAS court over what it called, “the unlawful suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, criminalization of Nigerians and other people using Twitter,”
On his part, a Nigerian, simply identified as Shole, whose business was negatively impacted by the Twitter ban averred that the suspension is a political move.
According to him, “Election is here. The usual cards are being played to win people over. They also need twitter for their campaigns. Hopefully, Nigerians should not fall for their tricks.
“But I’d sincerely be happy for twitter vendors if the ban is eventually lifted. Businesses are booming, again!”
