Twitter ban: Nigeria loses N24.72bn in 10 days

Nigeria has lost N24.72 bn ($60.14m) in just 10 days after the country banned microblogging and social networking service, Twitter, NetBlocks Cost of Shutdown Tool reports.

According to NetBlocks, Nigeria loses N102.9m ($250,600) hourly owing to the indefinite suspension of Twitter in Nigeria on June 5, 2021.

The ban was announced by the Minister of information and Tourism, Lai Mohammed, earlier in the month.

Mohammed added that the Federal Government was forced to act because of “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”

The suspension of Twitter has continued to result in widespread outrage, with many Nigerians condemning the move.

Last week, the US Mission in Nigeria urged President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to reverse the Twitter ban because 40 million Nigerians use the platform.

Top American official, Samantha Power, conveyed the message, saying: “There are nearly 40 M Twitter users in #Nigeria, and the country is home to Africa’s largest tech hub.”

The FG had also directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to start the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations.

NBC was also ordered to force broadcast stations – Television and Radio – to stop using Twitter or face the consequences.

The actions are being criticized by Nigerians, countries, local and international organizations.