The Nigerian government has officially lifted its suspension of Twitter’s operations, marking the end of a ban that lasted more than six months. The announcement came through Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), who also chaired the committee responsible for negotiations between Twitter and the government.
Abdullahi’s statement revealed that the decision to lift the ban followed a memo submitted by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy to President Muhammadu Buhari. According to Abdullahi, the approval was granted, and the suspension would be lifted by midnight on January 13, 2022.
Twitter has agreed to establish a legal entity in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2022, a key step demonstrating its commitment to the country. This move was one of the conditions the government had previously outlined for reinstating the platform. Additional agreements include appointing a designated country representative, adhering to local tax obligations, and enrolling Nigeria in Twitter’s Partner Support and Law Enforcement Portals. These portals will facilitate cooperation between the company and Nigerian authorities in addressing harmful content and enforcing compliance with local laws.
The government stated that Twitter also committed to acting with respect for Nigerian laws and cultural context while collaborating with officials to develop a Code of Conduct that aligns with global standards.
The ban, which began in June, followed Twitter’s removal of a controversial tweet by President Buhari. The tweet had drawn criticism for threatening regional secessionists. The government cited concerns about the platform being used for activities undermining Nigeria’s unity as the reason for the suspension.
The decision to block Twitter faced criticism both domestically and internationally, with calls for reinstatement from various quarters. However, some, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, voiced support for the move. In October, President Buhari indicated that lifting the ban would depend on Twitter meeting specific conditions. Negotiations between the government and Twitter were reportedly productive, leading to the eventual resolution.The restored access to Twitter is expected to benefit millions of Nigerians who rely on the platform for communication, business, and advocacy. The terms of this agreement may also serve as a framework for how tech platforms navigate regulatory challenges in other markets.
