FG insists Twitter must register locally for ban to end

The federal government has rejected the criticism on the ban of twitter that it had stifled freedom of expression and insisted that twitter’s suspension in Nigeria will end once the US social media giant submits to local licencing, registration and conditions.

Lai Mohammed, minister of Information and Culture, said that the microblogging site, had sought talks with the government, which last week suspended the platform’s operations in the country, saying it was used for activities threatening the country’s stability.

The Twitter ban on Friday has provoked outcry from the United Nations, foreign governments and rights groups who are concerned about repression of media freedoms.

Speaking with journalists after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Mohammed confirmed that Twitter had reached out to the government to resolve the issue.

The Minister, however, said he got the message on Wednesday morning.

Responding to questions about the effectiveness of the ban, the Minister of Information noted that it was effective and that Twitter has lost revenue.

He said the platform was suspended because it provided an avenue for people threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria.

He also accused Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter of helping to fund the #EndSARS protest which rocked parts of the country in October, 2020 and allowing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to use the platform to call for the killing of security men.

He accused Twitter of failing to take down Kanu’s tweets despite repeated requests to do so.

Mohammed insisted that Twitter and other social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram must be registered in Nigeria, as one of the conditions for their continued operation in the country.