Buhari regime backs down on Twitter ban after 222 days
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered immediately lifting of a prolonged suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, an official said on Wednesday.
The decision was announced by the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, on Wednesday evening.
It came 222 days after the regime banned the crucial social media network in Nigeria, disrupting citizens’ communications and businesses.
The regime initially insisted that the social media giant must register as a business and open an office in Nigeria, a demand that was rejected by Twitter. It was not immediately clear why the government backed down, with Mr Abdullahi saying the president only acted on a recommendation to lift the suspension.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) directs me to inform the public that President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has approved the lifting of the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria effective from 12am tonight, 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 and requested the President’s approval for the lifting based on the Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement’s recommendation,” the NITDA statement said in full.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Port Harcourt
Fubara assures corps members of welfare, security in Rivers
Mr Fubara urged them to be role models and worthy nation-builders throughout their service year.
States
Gov. Idris charges newly deployed troops to end banditry in Kebbi
Mr Idris said the activities of the bandits were aimed at destabilising peaceful communities.
Diaspora
Nigeria’s Oluwasola Oyeniran emerges as best graduating U.S. navy recruit
Mr Oyeniran earned the prestigious military excellence award after graduating as the top sailor in his class.
Lagos
UNILAG, CELSIR conclude ‘Voices Beyond Walls’ programme in Kirikiri
Participants were regarded as learners rather than inmates.
World
ADNOC says 15 vessels attacked in Strait of Hormuz, crew member dead
The Strait of Hormuz has been a critical bargaining chip for Iran in its negotiation with the U.S.
Economy
MTN invested N1.62 trillion in network expansion in one year: Official
She said the telecom operator reported N3 trillion in service revenue in H1 2026.
