News

Democracy under threat: Nigeria bans Twitter

Published

5 years ago

June 7, 2021

Millions of Nigerians left unable to access Twitter as the government indefinitely suspends access.

In a concerning move to regulate free speech, the Nigerian government ordered for major phone providers across the country to block access to Twitter.

Some people have been able to find a way around the ban by using one of the limited number Wi-Fi networks in the country still allowing access to the site. However, Wi-Fi isn’t widely available in Nigeria.

Suspending Twitter in Nigeria is just one more way of stating that people's rights do not matter just what the State wants. This is a dangerous precedent and must be called out for what it is. No one can suspend our #humanrights https://t.co/E7D5rs6P3b
— Osai Ojigho (@livingtruely) June 4, 2021

A recent statement from the Nigerian Government said: “the persistent use of the platform for activities… capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”

Twitter said Friday’s announcement from Information Minister Lai Mohammed was “deeply concerning”. The platform has since said it’s “investigating and will provide updates when we know more” about the Nigerian ban.

The Federal Government has suspended, indefinitely, the operations of the microblogging and social networking service, Twitter, in Nigeria.
— Fed Min of Info & Cu (@FMICNigeria) June 4, 2021

Government says they’s prosecute rule-breakers

The Attorney General’s spokesman said the country will prosecute people who attempt to circumvent the rule.

“Any violator, whether individuals or organizations, will be prosecuted,” he said.

“Every freedom has certain responsibilities — corresponding responsibility to the freedoms. No freedom is absolute. Those who are apprehended will get to know what sort of prosecution awaits them.”

This comes after the Buhari administration proposed legislation to regulate social media. In the past, Nigerian protesters used the platform to campaign against police brutality.

Twitter deletes Nigerian President’s Tweet

The move comes after Twitter removed one of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweets. The platform it removed the tweet for breaching the site’s rules.

Buhari criticised the social media giant’s decision to remove the Tweet, calling it “double standards.”

The tweet said “those misbehaving today” should be treated in “the language they will understand”.

Reverse the unlawful #Twitterban
Reverse the unlawful #Twitterban
Reverse the unlawful #Twitterban
Reverse the unlawful #Twitterban
— Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) June 5, 2021

Up Next

Facebook and Instagram ban Trump (again)

Don't Miss

Far-right threat: Conservatives go to polls in Germany

William Howard

William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment. With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'. A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.

Click to comment

News

Big Tech earnings spark investor unease over AI spending

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Published

3 days ago

January 30, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Investors are reacting sharply to Big Tech earnings this week, sending a clear signal that massive spending must translate into real growth. Markets are becoming less forgiving as companies pour billions into artificial intelligence, data centres and future tech while returns remain uncertain.

Meta has delivered a standout performance, posting a 24 percent jump in revenue for the December quarter, fuelled by AI-powered advertising. The company is doubling down on its strategy, with aggressive investment in AI and infrastructure expected to drive a further 33 percent growth this quarter.

Microsoft and Tesla tell a more cautious story. Microsoft reported only modest growth in its Azure cloud business, raising questions about its exposure to OpenAI, while Tesla plans to double spending on AI and autonomous driving. Analysts warn of a widening gap between bold AI ambitions and what investors expect in returns.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Federal Reserve holds interest rates amid economic uncertainty

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut. #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy

Published

4 days ago

January 29, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut.

The Federal Reserve has opted to keep interest rates unchanged, marking the first pause since July. Officials are showing little urgency to resume cuts, even after previous rate reductions.

Two Fed governors opposed the decision, calling for a quarter-point cut, highlighting ongoing debates within the rate-setting committee, which includes both appointed governors and regional bank presidents.

Concerns over the job market and persistent inflation continue to weigh heavily on the Fed’s policy decisions, leaving economists and investors closely watching the next moves.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy

News

Trump warns Iran as U.S. naval forces approach amid rising tensions

Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and tensions rise.

Published

4 days ago

January 29, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and rising tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to return to nuclear negotiations, warning that failure to do so could result in a far more severe military response. Posting on Truth Social, Trump signalled a hardening stance as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise.

Trump confirmed that a U.S. naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln is moving towards Iran, as protests grow inside the country over alleged government repression.

The show of force comes amid heightened regional instability and mounting pressure on the Iranian leadership.

#Trump #Iran #USForeignPolicy