The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said Twitter has agreed to open its office in Nigeria within the first quarter of 2022.
According to Mohammed, this is part of the agreements the Federal Government reached with the microblogging site to resume operations in the country.
He added that the agreements were not meant to censor Twitter, or other social media platforms operating in the country, but would, however; ensure that only wholesome content was published by the platforms.
Twitter in compliance
The Minister reiterated the resolve of the government to regulate social media in a manner that would not stifle the freedom of speech and expression, as well as strangulate the media.
“We are going to regulate the social media not because we want to stifle the media, or we want to violate the right of expression.
“But to ensure that only wholesome contents were available on the social media.
“Recently, we were shocked when an 18-year old boy, accused of killing his 21-year old girlfriend for money rituals; confessed that he learned the diabolical act on social media.
“The teenager, in collaboration with his friends; cut off the head of the victim and burned in a pot.
”Government has the responsibility to ensure that social media platforms were responsible; the contents they display were not harmful to young people.”
He said Twitter agreed to appoint a designated country representative within one month of lifting its suspension; while its global policy team will be made available to engage directly with the government.
Minister reiterates government policy on social media
Similarly, Twitter agreed to meet all regulatory demands, including the Companies and Allied Matters Act; Nigeria Communication Commission laws and rules; as well as the National Broadcasting Commission Code.
“Twitter also agreed to comply with all payable taxes, within one week of restoring their operations.
“It agreed to immediately work with the federal government in the area of code of conduct, in line with global best practices
Twitter agreed to enroll Nigerians in its Law Enforcement portals, and Partners Support Portal”.
“The law enforcement portal will provide dedicated channels for the Nigerian law enforcement agencies; to escalate reports on contents that violate the code of conduct or national laws.
“Similarly, the partner support portal will provide a direct channel for government to engage Twitter staff to manage prohibited contents,” he said.
