The Nigerian internet providers, including the mobile phone operators and ISPs have blocked the online microblogging site from being accessed on their platforms after receiving a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This follows the announcement from the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed that the federal government of Nigeria is indefinitely suspending the operations of Twitter in Nigeria.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has confirms the the decision in a press release signed by it Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and its Executive Secretary, Gbolahan Awonuga.
According to ALTON, “We wish to confirm that our members have received formal instructions from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry regulator to suspend access to Twitter.
ALTON has conducted a robust assessment of the request in accordance with internationally accepted principles.
Based on national interest provisions in the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and within the license terms under which the industry operates; our members have acted in compliance with the directives of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) the industry regulator.
We will continue to engage all the relevant authorities and stakeholders and will act as may be further directed by the NCC.
We remain committed to supporting the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and upholding the rights of citizens.
As an industry, we endorse the position of the United Nations that the rights held by people offline must also be protected online. This includes respecting and protecting the rights of all people to communicate, to share information freely and responsibly, and to enjoy privacy and security regarding their data and their use of digital communications”.
Kelechi Okorie
