Outcome Of Twitter Negotiations Will Affect All Social Media Platforms In Nigeria – Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has disclosed that the social media reforms embarked upon in the wake of the Twitter ban in Nigeria will also affect other platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and others.

According to the Minister, the outcome of the federal government’s negotiating team with Twitter will be submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari and the approval will be implemented across other platforms.

He made the submission on Monday during an interview on ‘This Morning’ a programme by TVC.

He said: “All I can say is that the recommendations we are going to make will not only be applicable to Twitter, but they will be applicable to all OTTs and other social media platforms in Nigeria.

“Today, we are dealing with Twitter. We don’t want a situation where we will be dealing with Facebook tomorrow and Instagram the next day. Our recommendations will be very comprehensive.”

Making reference to Buhari’ independence day message to Nigerians in which the president disclosed that he has given approval for the conditional lifting of the ban on Twitter operations in Nigeria, Mohammed said “positive and fruitful” discussions were still ongoing.

He added that once discussions are completed, a report will be presented to the President for the next line of action to be taken.

“You will recall that during the 61st Independence anniversary celebration, the president said Twitter will return to Nigeria as soon as they meet the conditions of government.

“Even last night, the ministerial team met under my chairmanship and we reviewed the position of things.

“I want to say that we should wait for the committee to officially give its reports to the president, but things are looking very positive and rosy.

“After submitting our reports and recommendations to the president, I will be disposed to say what we agreed and what has been met and what has not been met,” he said.

Ezenwoko’s Blog recalls the federal government had, on June 4, suspended the activities of the micro-blogging site in the country over allegations that the platform was been used to undermine the sovereignty and security of Nigeria.