The Federal government of Nigeria on Wednesday declared that microblogging giant, Twitter must have a physical office in Nigeria before the ban slammed on its operations can be lifted.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed made the federal government’s position known while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council, (FEC) presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the First Lady’s Conference room, Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday.
Alhaji Mohammed stated that some of the conditions made by the Federal Government for Twitter operations to resume in Nigeria include that Twitter should establish a legal presence in the country, register as a Nigerian company with an address.
It should also have a Country Representative that will serve as a liaison and must register with relevant regulatory agencies including the NCC.
The government is also demanding that Twitter must commit itself to the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS. The government is also proposing an Ombudsman between Twitter and Nigeria.
When the Minister was asked to give an update on the Twitter ban in Nigeria and the interface with the company, he said: “The end for amicable resolution is very much insight. We appreciate the patience of Nigerians. I want to assure you that we have made very tremendous progress. We have met with Twitter both physically and in writing. We are actually almost there.
“The engagement has been extremely positive without any acrimony. We have made it clear what we want from Twitter. They (Twitter) have shown a lot of flexibility, the conversation has not been acrimonious”.
He, however, said that there were about three to four areas the two were yet to reach an agreement which includes the opening of an office in Nigeria with staff, adding that Twitter has agreed to open an office in the country in 2022.
