Many Nigerians on Thursday were able to access Twitter without using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) after the Federal Government lifted its suspension on the microblogging network.
The Federal Government had suspended Twitter in Nigeria last June after accusing the platform of enabling the spread of fake news and hate speech that undermined national security.
The Twitter hammer came into effect days after the platform deleted a tweet from President Muhammadu Buhari referencing the Nigerian civil war.
The suspension was criticised by many including opposition party PDP, rights activists and the international community.
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka described the suspension as a “petulant gesture, unbecoming of a democratically elected president.”
The Federal Government on Wednesday night lifted the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria after approval by President Muhammadu Buhari
The decision was announced by the Chairman Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement and Director-General National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE.
Kashifu, in a statement in Abuja, said the approval was given following a memo written to the President by Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim.
He said: “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.
“The approval was given following a memo written to the President by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim.
“In the Memo, the Minister updated and requested the President’s approval for the lifting based on the Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement’s recommendation.”
FG lists agreements reached with Twitter
Three months ago, the president said he had directed that Twitter suspension be lifted — only if the conditions are met to allow citizens to use the platform for positive engagements.
Some of the conditions include legal registration of operations, taxation, and managing prohibited publications in line with Nigerian laws.
While announcing the lifting of the ban, the government noted that Twitter has agreed to meet the set out conditions.
REGISTRATION OF TWITTER WITH THE CAC
One of the conditions given by the federal government is that the social media giant must register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria.
The statement added that Twitter has agreed to register with the CAC.
“Twitter has committed to establishing a legal entity in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2022. The legal entity will register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC),” the statement reads.
“The establishment of the entity is Twitter’s first step in demonstrating its long-term commitment to Nigeria.”
APPOINTMENT OF COUNTRY REP
The government also noted that Twitter would appoint a designated country representative to interface with Nigerian authorities.
The Global Public Policy team is also directly available through a dedicated communication channel.
TWITTER WILL PAY TAX
The statement noted that the micro-blogging platform has agreed to comply with applicable tax obligations on its operations under Nigerian law.
Lagos seals 16 firms over ‘tax evasion’
ENROL NIGERIAN OFFICIALS TO MANAGE PROHIBITED CONTENT
The federal government said the company also agreed to enrol Nigeria in its Partner Support and Law Enforcement Portals.
According to the statement, the portal will provide a direct channel for government officials and Twitter staff to manage prohibited content that violates Twitter community rules.
Additionally, the portal will provide a channel for the law enforcement agencies to submit a report with a legal justification on content that violates Nigerian Laws.
TO PLAY BY NIGERIA RULES AND CULTURE
The government said Twitter also agreed to act with a respectful acknowledgement of Nigerian laws, national culture and history on which such legislation has been built.
The platform will work with the federal government and the broader industry to develop a Code of Conduct in line with global best practices, applicable in almost all developed countries.
Nigerians reacts to FG’s reversal of Twitter ban
Some Nigerian have taken to social media platforms to react to the decision of the federal government to lift the ban on Twitter’s operations in Nigeria.
Below are some reactions on Twitter
Chris Kirwa
@chriskirwa
Great News for Nigeria People and Busineses,
Buhari regime backs down on Twitter ban after 222 days.
✊✊✊
10:46 PM · Jan 12, 2022
sun
@iamnelsun
I thought Buhari will lift twitter ban if Nigeria promise him third term 😆 🤣
APC don loose guard
10:33 PM · Jan 12, 2022 from Abuja, Nigeria
Femi Fani-Kayode
@realFFK
Welcome back to @Twitter Nigeria!
Fatima Khan (Mrs)
@RubbyQueen__
My people stay calm, no vex buhari before midnight.
10:33 PM · Jan 12, 2022
Lay Low
@Thinnygram2
Here wondering what Buhari first post will be like. CMs will be chaotic
10:32 PM · Jan 12, 2022
Temitope Adedigba💙
@tooshtpain1
Buhari will be dealt with on twitter tomorrow, the DSS should be prepared for massive arrest and intimidation
10:49 PM · Jan 12, 2022
