The Nigerian government lifted a ban on Twitter in the West African country, seven months after more than 200 million people in the country were excluded from the social media network.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari ordered Twitter operations to resume in the country on Thursday, according to the director general of the country’s National Information Technology Development Agency. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said it was only after Twitter agreed to meet certain conditions, including opening an office in Nigeria.
Nigeria suspended the operation of Twitter on June 4, citing “persistent use of the platform for activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence”. The move drew criticism as it came shortly after the social media network deleted a post by Buhari in which he threatened to treat separatists “in the language they will understand”.
“Our action is a deliberate attempt to recalibrate our relationship with Twitter to achieve maximum mutual benefit for our nation without compromising the company’s justified interests. Our engagement was very respectful, cordial and successful,” Abdullahi said in a statement.
A Twitter spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In addition to registering in Nigeria during Q1 2022, Abdullahi said Twitter has also agreed to other conditions, including appointing a designated country representative, complying with tax obligations, and acting “with a respectful acknowledgment of Nigerian law and culture and national history. in which such legislation was constructed”.
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