FG Lifts Twitter’s Suspension, Exacts Five Conditions
Cautions users against unethical behaviour, promoting divisive, dangerous information
BY EDMOND ODOK – After about eight months of stand-off, the Federal Government has finally lifted the suspension of Twitter operations in the country following approval by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Consequently, the government said restoration of service will take effect from midnight of January 13, 2022, but with a caution to all users of Twitter to maintain ethical behaviour and desist from promoting divisive, dangerous, and distasteful information on the platform.
The government also warned all internet platforms against committing a crime by using a Nigerian Internet Protocol (IP) as such offence is “synonymous with committing a crime within our jurisdiction.”
The Chairman Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement and Director-General National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi Inuwa announced the lifting of the ban in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said in a statement that the approval was given following a memo to the President by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim which reads in part, “The Federal Government of Nigeria directs me to inform the public that President Muhammadu Buhari, has approved the lifting of the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria effective from 12 am tonight, January 13, 2022.
“The approval was given following a memo written to the President by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Pantami.
“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.”
The statement by Inuwa however listed five conditions that Twitter has agreed to meet to fully restore its operation in the country, saying; “The FGN has asked Twitter to fulfill some conditions before restoring its services. These conditions addressed legal registration of operations, taxation, and managing prohibited publication in line with Nigerian laws.
“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.
According to him; “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.
“The following are the resolutions agreed with Twitter. Inc.:
· 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 enroll 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.
· Twitter has agreed to act with a respectful acknowledgment 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.”
Similarly, 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.
On the use of IP by internet platforms by Nigerians and operators, the statement said; “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 NITDA Director-General, who explained that the gains of engaging with Twitter were innumerable, said; “While appreciating all Nigerians, especially the vibrant Nigerian youths who have borne with the long wait to resolve this impasse, the FGN is happy to say that the gains made from this shared national sacrifice are immeasurable.”
He noted that some of the gains include:
a) On-going economic and training opportunities as the Company continues to consider expanding its presence in Nigeria;
b) Getting a better understanding of how to use the Twitter platform effectively to improve businesses;
c) Revenue generation from the operation of Twitter in Nigeria;
d) Smooth and coordinated relationship between Nigerian Government and Twitter leading to mutual trust;
e) Reduction of cybercriminal activities such as terrorism, cyberstalking, hate speech, etc.; and
f) Working with Twitter and other global companies to build an acceptable code of conduct following the global best practice.”
Twitter‘s action of deleting President Buhari’s tweet triggered the ban on its operations in Nigeria in June 2021 with the Federal Government maintaining that the decision was a deliberate attempt to recalibrate Nigeria’s relationship with the platform to achieve the maximum mutual benefits for both sides.
It also explained that the engagement will help Twitter to improve and develop more business models to cover a broader area in Nigeria.
