Twitter was banned from Nigeria by the government on June 4, 2021 and at about 11pm Nigerian time, Twitter users began noticing that their Twitter profiles were not loading. From one twitter user to the other, people had begun to share that internet from their network provider was working for others apps but not Twitter.
It started with MTN users, then Airtel, 9mobile and as of June 5, 2021 morning, most mobile internet users have either downloaded a virtual private network (VPN) or are depending on WiFi to tweet and see tweets.
African tech aficionados have shared a circular from the Association of Licensed Telecommunications operators of Nigeria (ALTON) that confirms the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) did in fact instruct the telcos to “suspend access to Twitter”.
The letter, which has now caused a stir on Twitter left many who still have access to the app questioning the integrity of the regulator, NCC. They have raised concerns over the ability of the NCC and ministry of information to, without a legislative hearing, take away a form of freedom of speech from Nigerians.
The closing paragraph of the letter also tinkered with its readers reasoning, and has left many saying the Association of licensed telecommunications operators of Nigeria (ALTON) may be trying to be fencist.
Concerns have also been raised over the potential order/compliance of non-retail internet service providers also based in the country.
