Social media platforms to get NBC license
Federal Government has placed an indefinite suspension on the microblogging platform, Twitter.
It also directed all social media platforms operating in Nigeria to be licensed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The ban was contained in a statement signed by the Special Assistant Segun Adeyemi to the Federal Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed on Friday.
Government cited “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence” for its action.
In reaction, Nigerians in their thousands have condemned the ban and demanded a reversal.
Government cited “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence” for its action.
On Wednesday, Information and Tourism Minister Lai Mohammed accused Twitter of playing double standards in matters concerning domestic issues, and described the company’s role in Nigeria as suspect.
Twitter had pulled down a comment by President Muhammadu Buhari in which he said the federal government would treat “those misbehaving today” in “the language they understand” in reference to the civil war.
Also, another social media giant, Facebook yesterday pulled down Buhari’s threat against “those misbehaving.”
The statement also directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to “immediately commence the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations in Nigeria.”
Other social media platforms used by Nigerians include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.
