Nigerians can now access Twitter again without having to use a VPN or fear government repercussions for doing so. E executive from Nigeria lifted Twitter’s ban on January 13, 2022, more than seven months after ordering the country’s telecommunications providers to block the social network. Nigeria decided to lift the ban after Twitter agreed to open a local office.
Twitter also had to agree to meet other conditions set by the government, including “management of prohibited posts according to Nigerian law”. The social network must also pay national taxes and appoint a representative in the country who will be in charge of dealing with local authorities.
The country’s rulers suspended Twitter in June 2021 after the website took down a tweet made by President Muhammadu Buhari, who used the platform to threaten citizens after the attacks on government buildings. At the time, Twitter explained that the post violated its policies.
Nigerian authorities responded by accusing Twitter of allowing their platform to be used “for activities that are capable of undermining the corporate existence of Nigeria.” They also warned citizens that they would prosecute those who tried to circumvent the suspension using VPNs and similar tools.