Nigeria Bans Twitter as News Source for Broadcasters

Nigeria Orders Broadcasters to Halt Twitter Usage

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Nigeria’s governing body for broadcasting, has instructed all broadcasting organizations within the nation to cease utilizing Twitter. This directive was disseminated on Monday morning, encompassing both television and radio stations operating throughout the country.

Directive Details for Broadcasting Stations

According to an excerpt from the official statement, broadcasting stations are now required to remove Twitter handles and refrain from employing Twitter as a source for news gathering or program content, specifically during phone-in segments.

Background: Suspension of Twitter Operations

This action follows the recent suspension of Twitter’s operations within Nigeria. This initial suspension occurred after the social media platform removed a contentious message from President Muhammadu Buhari. The President’s tweet had contained a threat of punitive measures against secessionist groups in the southeastern region of the country.

The government further justified the suspension by alleging that Twitter was engaged in activities designed to “undermine Nigeria’s corporate existence.”

Licensing of OTT and Social Media Platforms

Concurrently with this directive, the NBC was tasked with “immediately initiating the licensing process for all Over-The-Top (OTT) and social media services operating in Nigeria.” While this process is ongoing, access to Twitter has been restricted for Nigerian users since Saturday morning through actions taken by local telecommunications providers.

Despite these restrictions, many individuals have circumvented the limitations by utilizing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and alternative platforms.

Threat of Prosecution for Twitter Users

In response to continued use of Twitter by citizens, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, issued a stern directive through his spokesperson over the weekend.

Legal Action Against Violators

“Mr. Malami directed the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) to promptly begin the process of prosecuting individuals who violate the Federal Government’s deactivation of Twitter operations in Nigeria,” the statement declared.

To date, no arrests have been publicly reported. Concerns exist regarding the potential for the government to employ questionable tactics in enforcing this directive, although the specific methods remain unclear.

International Criticism of the Ban

The Twitter ban has drawn substantial criticism from both domestic and international sources. A joint statement released by the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and the European Union voiced disappointment with the ban.

These nations condemned the Buhari administration’s actions as censorship and a violation of human rights, urging the Nigerian government to reconsider its position.

Government’s Initial Response

Yesterday, there were indications that the government might be willing to compromise. The President, through his spokesperson, indicated that the nationwide ban on Twitter was intended as a temporary measure to address the spread of misinformation and false news.

The government asserted that the platform had facilitated the dissemination of harmful content, including “religious, racist, xenophobic and false messages” with the potential to destabilize nations.

Contradictory Statements and NBC Act

However, today’s directive from the NBC suggests a potentially conflicting stance. The released statement referenced section 5.6.3 of the NBC Act, highlighting the role the government believes Twitter plays within Nigeria.

The broadcasting code “mandates broadcasters to exercise caution regarding materials that could incite disaffection, panic, or societal division when utilizing user-generated content (UGC).”

Warning to Broadcasters

The regulator concluded with a warning, asserting that it would be unpatriotic for any broadcaster to continue relying on Twitter as an information source, and emphasized the need for “strict compliance.”