The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the lifting of the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria effective from 12am on 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 the President and requested his approval for the lifting based on the Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement’s recommendation.
Recall that on 5th June 2021, the FGN had through an announcement made by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alh Lai Mohammed, suspended the operation of Twitter over alleged use of the platform by some elements for subversive purposes and criminal activities, propagating fake news, and polarising Nigerians along tribal and religious lines, among others
Thereafter, the President constituted a seven-man Presidential Committee to engage Twitter Inc.
According to a statement on Wednesday by Kashifu Abdullahi, Chairman of the committee, subsequently, in its wisdom, the Presidential Committee set a 20-member Technical Committee comprising all relevant government agencies and the Technical Committee engaged and worked directly with the Twitter team.
He revealed that the cause of the suspension was based on issues bordering on National Security, Cohesion and the effects of the abuse of the Twitter platform, adding that suspension of 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,” he said.
Abdullahi, who is also the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said the process of resolving this impasse between the FGN and Twitter, has helped lay a foundation for a mutually beneficial future with endless possibilities.
According to him, 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, hence, their engagement helped 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,” he said.
While appreciating all Nigerians, especially the vibrant Nigerian youths who have borne with the long wait to resolve this impasse, Abdullahi said the Federal Government is happy to say that the gains made from this shared national sacrifice are immeasurable.
He said; “Some of the gains 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, cyberstalking, hate speech, etc.; and
“Working with Twitter and other global companies to build an acceptable code of conduct following the global best practice.”
He said the Nigerian government has asked Twitter to fulfil some conditions before restoring its services, which addresses legal registration of operations, taxation, and managing prohibited publication in line with Nigerian laws.
He revealed that Twitter has agreed to meet all the conditions set by the FGN. “Consequently, the FGN and Twitter have decided on an execution timeline, which has started this week.
“Our engagement with Twitter opens a new chapter in global digital diplomacy and sets a new operational template for Twitter to come back stronger for the benefit of Nigerians.
“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 establishment of the entity is Twitter’s first step in demonstrating its long-term commitment to Nigeria.
“Twitter has agreed to 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 has agreed to comply with applicable tax obligations on its operations under Nigerian law.
“Twitter has agreed to enrol Nigeria in its Partner Support and Law Enforcement Portals. The Partner Support Portal provides a direct channel for government officials and Twitter staff to manage prohibited content that violates Twitter community rules. At the same time, the Law Enforcement Portal provides a channel for the law enforcement agencies to submit a report with a legal justification where it suspects that content violates Nigerian Laws. Taken together, these represent a comprehensive compliance apparatus.
“Twitter has agreed to act with a respectful acknowledgement of Nigerian laws and the national culture and history on which such legislation has been built and work with the FGN and the broader industry to develop a Code of Conduct in line with global best practices, applicable in almost all developed countries,” Abdullahi revealed.
He said while government lifts the suspension of the Twitter operations in Nigeria, it also encourages all users of the platform to maintain ethical behaviour and refrain from promoting divisive, dangerous, and distasteful information on the platform.
In his words; “As patriotic citizens, we need to be mindful that anything illegal offline is also illegal online and that committing a crime using a Nigerian Internet Protocol (IP) is synonymous with committing a crime within our jurisdiction.
“Considering Twitter’s influence on our democracy, our economy, and the very fabric of our corporate existence as a Nation, our priority is to adapt, not ban, Twitter.
“The FGN is committed to working with Twitter to do anything possible to help Nigerians align and navigate Twitter algorithmic design to realise its potentials while avoiding its perils.”
