Conditions for lifting Twitter ban applicable to other social media firms in Nigeria: Minister

*The Nigerian Government’s recommendations will not only be applicable to Twitter but also all OTTs and other social media platforms operating in the country ─Lai Mohammed, Minister for Information and Culture

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian authorities seem to be saying that what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, as the Federal Government has disclosed that the recommended conditions for the lifting of the suspension earlier imposed on Twitter will be applicable to all Over-The-Top and other social media platforms in the country.

The Nigerian Government has suspended the operations of the top-of-the-class microblogging site and social media platform since early June this year over the company’s purported activities capable of undermining the country’s corporate existence.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Honourable Minister for Information and Culture, said this when he featured on a TV Continental programme, “This Morning”, monitored Monday, October 18, 2021, in Lagos.

President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR

Alhaji Mohammed though did not disclose details of the said recommendations by the Federal Government’s ministerial negotiation team, which he headed to engage with Twitter on the extant suspension, said the report of the team would be submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Minister, however, restated that the engagements with the leading microblogging and social media platform had been positive and fruitful thus far.

“All I can say is that the recommendations we are going to make will not only be applicable to Twitter but they will be applicable to all OTTs and other social media platforms in Nigeria.

“Today, we are dealing with Twitter; we don’t want a situation where we will be dealing with Facebook tomorrow and Instagram the next day. Our recommendations will be very comprehensive.”

Mohammed also stated: “You will recall that during the 61st Independence anniversary celebration, the president said Twitter will return to Nigeria as soon as they meet the conditions of government.

“Even last night, the ministerial team met under my chairmanship and we reviewed the position of things.”

He further noted: “I want to say that we should wait for the committee to officially give its reports to the president but things are looking very positive and rosy.

“After submitting our reports and recommendations to the president, I will be disposed to say what we agreed and what have been met and what has not been met.”

Recall after the indefinite suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria for alleged activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence, Twitter had written to the President Muhammadu Buhari, seeking engagement over the suspension of the social media platform.

Accordingly, President constituted the ministerial team, led by Alhaji Mohammed, with other members, including Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Honourable Minister for Works and Housing, and Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, to dialogue with Twitter over its suspension.

Also on the team were Mr. Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Honourable Minister for Justice, Sen. (Dr.) Chris Ngige, Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment as well as Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, Honourable Minister for Communications and Digital Economy.