Twitter marked its 1st week suspension anniversary in Nigeria by sharing a tweet on Twitter yesterday. According to the social media giant, Twitter said:
“Today marks one week since Twitter was blocked in Nigeria. We have informed the Nigerian government that we are ready to meet for an open discussion to address mutual concerns and see the service restored. We remain advocates for the free and #OpenInternet everywhere. #KeepitOn”
The Minister of Information, Mr Lai Mohanmmed confirmed this on Friday, on an Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) programme “Good Morning Nigeria’’ monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. However he said the approach was “tepid”
“I say tepid because, on Wednesday, I got a call from one of the foreign missions that Twitter is ready to have a serious discussion with high-level members of government on this issue.
“But since then, mum has been the word and that is why I said tepidly.
“As of today, I do not see Twitter as being sincere in its approach to resolving the issue,’’ he said.
One the 4th of June, the Nigerian government announced the suspension of Twitter operations in the country, citing the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence. The Federal Government also directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to immediately commence the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations in Nigeria.
