TWITTER BAN IN NIGERIA AND HOW IT AFFECTS SOCIAL MEDIA BASED BUSINESSES

Over the past 10 years, Twitter has grown to be the fastest social media platform to generate and to get information, likewise a source of livelihood and companionship for Nigerians.

The recent indefinite suspension of the social media platform was announced on Friday, June 4 2021 by the Nigeria government after Twitter removed a tweet by President Muhammadu Buhari warning the south eastern people of Nigeria, predominantly Igbo people of a potential repeat of the 1967 Biafran civil war due to the ongoing insurgency in Southeastern Nigeria in which the social media giant described as constituted abusive behavior that violated the platform rules even though the federal government cited the persistent use of the platform for activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence as the reason for the suspension.

Out of the estimated 40 million Nigerian Twitter users, the ban has affected so many who stay informed, build relationships and get opportunities.  Businesses on the other hand have experienced a decline in digital engagements and sales as many businesses use Twitter to reach out to regular and potential customers, expose their brands as well as communicate with various stakeholders.

A global internet monitor, NetBlocks, says Nigeria is losing about N102.77m ($250,600) each hour the ban is in place and analysts say the ban may further weaken the economy and increase the already high unemployment level in the country.

As the Twitter ban in Nigeria continues, ripples are predominant across the economy hence affecting millions of entrepreneurs who use the platform to propel sales. 

An increasing number are turning to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) even though the VPNs are quite costly and those that are free may be more vulnerable to data theft and various forms of hacking and it also reduces content visibility to ideal customers. 

Meanwhile, some business owners remain in fear of defying the ban while some have taken alternative means for sales and exchanges using other social media platforms.

The Nigerian government's conditions for lifting the ban include that Twitter must submit to numerous local licensing, registration and control regimes and also setup offices in the country. 

If the squabble between the Nigerian government and Twitter is not de-escalated, the country’s thriving technology sector will suffer at a time when Nigeria needs to tap into technology to address its socio-economic challenges. 

It is unclear as at the time of writing this article how long the government plans to uphold the ban, however, with the level of difficulties and threat the ban has imposed on Nigeria businesses and vendors who believe that their means of livelihood is on the brink of collapse, it is imperative that the issue of twitter ban in Nigeria be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Name : Saliu Ifeoluwa Mary

State Code : OS/21A/1430

Institution : Edexcel University, Republic Of Benin 

State Of Origin : Kogi  State