The Nigerian government on Wednesday announced the lifting of the seven-month-long ban on social media giant Twitter, reported The BBC.
Nigeria had suspended Twitter’s operation in the country on June 4 accusing the social media giant of allowing its platform to be used “for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”
The ban was announced just days after Twitter removed President Muhammadu Buhari’s post that threatened to punish regional secessionists “in the language they will understand.” The action led to an international outcry over freedom of expression.
In a statement, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, who is the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency, said the ban has been lifted after getting approval from President Buhari.
“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,” Abdullahi said in the statement.
He added that the social media giant has agreed to work together with the Nigerian government to develop a Code of Conduct that goes in line with the best global practices that are applicable in almost all developed countries.
The statement revealed that the ban would be lifted immediately by Wednesday midnight.
“Therefore, the [federal government] lifts the suspension of the Twitter operations in Nigeria from midnight of 13th January 2022,” Abdullahi said.
He also noted in the statement that Twitter has agreed to set a legal entity in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2022. As per the statement, Twitter’s decision to establish its legal entity in the African country is its first step in demonstrating its long-term commitment to Nigeria.
In addition, Abdullahi said Twitter has also agreed to some other conditions including appointing a designated country representative, complying with tax obligations, and acting with acknowledgment of Nigerian laws and the national culture and history.
