Ex-Minister Speaks on Twitter Ban

 

Lai Mohammed, former minister of information and culture, has described the Federal Government’s suspension of Twitter in 2021 as one of the most difficult decisions he took while serving in office.

The former minister made this revelation in his newly launched book, Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration, unveiled in Abuja on Wednesday.

In June 2021, the Federal Government announced an “indefinite” suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria, citing the persistent use of the platform for activities considered capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence. The move sparked widespread public debate, drawing criticism from civil society groups, digital rights advocates, and sections of the international community.

Offering fresh insight into the controversial decision, Mohammed devoted Chapter 14 of the 601-page book to the Twitter suspension, explaining the circumstances that led to the action and why it weighed heavily on him as minister.

According to Mohammed, shutting down the microblogging platform—now known as X—was not taken lightly, as he fully understood the implications for freedom of expression, digital engagement, and Nigeria’s image on the global stage. He noted that the decision followed extensive deliberations within government circles amid growing concerns over national security and the use of social media to inflame tensions.

The former minister explained that two major factors made the decision particularly difficult for him. First was the platform’s growing influence as a space for civic engagement and public discourse, especially among young Nigerians. Second was the potential economic and reputational cost of restricting access to a major global technology platform.

Despite these concerns, Mohammed said the government believed at the time that decisive action was necessary to safeguard national stability and sovereignty. He maintained that the suspension was guided by what officials perceived as the broader national interest, rather than personal or political considerations.