Telecommunication Network Operators in Nigeria restricts Nigerians access to Twitter after receiving directives from the Nigerian Communications Commission ( NCC) to suspend access to the social media platform. The NCC order is in compliance with the federal government’s announcement that it had suspended Twitter.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), an umbrella body of all licensed telecom operators in Nigeria, disclosed this in a statement signed by its chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, and Executive Secretary Gbolahan Awonuga and noted that the telcos will abide by the instruction based on national interest provisions in the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
“We, The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) wish to confirm that our members have received formal instructions from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry regulator to suspend access to Twitter.”
ALTON however noted that while it remained committed to supporting the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and upholding the rights of citizens, it will continue to engage all the relevant authorities and stakeholders and will act as may be further directed by the NCC.
“As an industry, we endorse the position of the United Nations that the rights held by people offline must also be protected online. This includes respecting and protecting the rights of all people to communicate, to share information freely and responsibly, and to enjoy privacy and security regarding their data and their use of digital communications,”
