My Twitter is one of the top trending topics, as Nigerians fully returned to the microblogging site after seven months.
The Federal Government of Nigeria lifted the suspension of the Twitter operation in Nigeria on Thursday, with five conditions following approval by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The ban, according to the Federal Government, was a deliberate attempt to recalibrate Nigeria’s relationship with Twitter to achieve the maximum mutual benefits for the two sides.
It said the engagement will help Twitter to improve and develop more business models to cover a broader area in Nigeria.
But the government warned all users of the Twitter platform to maintain ethical behaviour and refrain from promoting divisive, dangerous and distasteful information on the platform.
It warned all internet platforms against committing a crime by using a Nigerian Internet Protocol (IP).
He said such offence is “synonymous with committing a crime within our jurisdiction.”
The Chairman Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement and Director-General National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Kashifu Abdullahi announced the suspension of the ban in Abuja.
He said the approval was given following a memo to the President by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim.
Inuwa, in a statement, said: “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.”
Inuwa listed five conditions which Twitter has agreed to meet to restore its operation in the country.
He said: “The FGN has asked Twitter to fulfill some conditions before restoring its services. These conditions addressed legal registration of operations, taxation and managing prohibited publication in line with Nigerian laws. Twitter has agreed to meet all the conditions set by the FGN.
“Consequently, the FGN and Twitter have decided on an execution timeline, which has started this week.
“Our engagement with Twitter opens a new chapter in global digital diplomacy and sets a new operational template for Twitter to come back stronger for the benefit of Nigerians.
“The following are the resolutions agreed with Twitter. Inc.:
They are committed to establishing a legal entity in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2022. The legal entity will register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The establishment of the entity is Twitter’s first step in demonstrating its long-term commitment to Nigeria.
They have agreed to appoint a designated country representative to interface with Nigerian authorities. The Global Public Policy team is also directly available through a dedicated communication channel.
It has agreed to comply with applicable tax obligations on its operations under Nigerian law.
It agreed to enroll Nigeria in its Partner Support and Law Enforcement Portals. The Partner Support Portal provides a direct channel for government officials and Twitter staff to manage prohibited content that violates the community rules.
At the same time, the Law Enforcement Portal provides a channel for the law enforcement agencies to submit a report with a legal justification where it suspects that content violates Nigerian Laws. Taken together, these represent a comprehensive compliance apparatus.