… As Telecom Operators Obey NCC’s Stop Order
As reactions continue to trail the suspension of Twitter activities in Nigeria by the Federal Government, telecom industry associations have decided to wade into the matter, pointing out the importance of developing a mutually beneficial relationship.
In an official statement by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), the body of telecom operators, the President, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani disclosed that it is “working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure there is a speedy resolution of the current suspension of Twitter activities in Nigeria.”
He emphasized that the OTT (Over The Top) platforms of which Twitter is one, “is an integral part of the Digital Economy that the Federal Government is promoting so when an unfortunate disagreement arises with respect to the user policies, it is good it is resolved in a timely manner.”
In its statement, the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) disclosed that following formal instructions from the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), its members have suspended access to Twitter within the country. According to ALTON: “Based on national interest provisions in the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and within the licence terms under which the industry operates; our members have acted in compliance with the directives of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) the industry regulator.
The Chairman of ALTON, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, in the statement released by the Association’s Executive Secretary, Gbolahan Awonuga further noted that it will continue to engage all the relevant authorities and stakeholders and will act as may be further directed by the NCC.
ALTON also explained that it conducted a robust assessment of the request in accordance with internationally accepted principles.
While pledging members’ committed to supporting the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and upholding the rights of citizens, ALTON also noted that as an industry, it endorses 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.”
Engr. Nnamani had stated that while the ATCON and its member Companies understand the position of the Federal Government, the reasons for the directive, and have complied with the directive, it is pertinent that the issue is resolved soon in the interest of all.
It will be recalled that the Federal Government announced the ban on twitter activities in Nigeria on June 4, 2021.
The suspension came two days after the microblogging and social networking giant deleted a tweet from President Buhari’s account for violating its rules.
The FG went further to direct the nation’s broadcast regulatory body, the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to immediately start the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations.
