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.”
Africa
Ebola deaths in DR Congo hit 3,200
Ebola virus continues to spread in the eastern provinces of the DRC, with more than 3,200 deaths reported, the UN said.
Education
NOUN appoints Ramatu Ibrahim as acting bursar
NOUN said Ms Ibrahim’s appointment took effect from Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and would remain in force until further notice.
States
Yayi can’t win Ogun election, he is Sulaimon Ogunleye from Ekiti: Wale Adedayo
Mr Adedayo alleged that Mr Adeola was originally Sulaimon Ogunleye from Ekiti State but now falsely claims Ogun State ancestry for political gains.
World
FG condemns fresh Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
“Nigeria regards the fresh hostilities as a serious threat not only to the security and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia but also to regional stability in the Middle East,” he said.
Education
NOUN declares three-day mourning for slain bursar
The university said, “The mourning period commenced on Monday, September 7 and would end on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
States
Nasarawa varsity seeks assembly intervention to end ASUU strike
Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has appealed to the House of Assembly to intervene in the ongoing ASUU strike.
