The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says Twitter operations remain suspended in Nigeria because it is yet to meet all the conditions given by the government.
Mohamed said this on Wednesday in Paris, France, while answering participants at Nigeria International Partnership Forum.
The Nigerian government suspended Twitter’s operations on June 5 after the social media network deleted a controversial tweet by President Buhari Muhammadu.
The suspension was condemned by many Nigerians, activists, and the international community as a clampdown on freedom of expression
However, during his televised broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 61st independence anniversary on October 1, Buhari said he had directed the suspension be lifted “only if the conditions are met to allow our citizens continue the use of the platform for business and positive engagements”
The conditions, according to Buhari, include: Twitter must pay attention to national security and cohesion; registration, physical presence, and representation in Nigeria; fair taxation; dispute resolution, and local content.
“As a country, we are committed to ensuring that digital companies use their platform to enhance the lives of our citizens, respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, cultural values and promote online safety,” he said.
But the Minister said in Paris that Twitter had met 10 out of the 12 conditions given to it by the government but discussions are still in progress – though advanced- and all issues are expected to be resolved soon.
He denied that Twitter operation was banned in Nigeria because it deleted Buhari’s tweet, but was suspended.
