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Update : MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9Mobile, Others have Started Blocking Access to the Micrexoblogging Site, Twitter, in Nigeria

Published

5 years ago

June 5, 2021

The telcos said they received a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission to block access to Twitter in the country following the suspension by the Federal Government on Friday.

The Nigerian Twitterati woke up on Saturday encountering difficulty in accessing their Twitter handles while some navigated the hurdle using virtual private networks.

Mobile network operators in the country under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, however, made it clear that they have started blocking access to Twitter in a statement issued on Saturday.

The statement which was obtained by NEWSTHUMB was titled, ‘Order to Suspend access to Twitter’. It was jointly signed by ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo; and ALTON Executive Secretary, Gbolahan Awonuga.

It read, “We, The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria wish to confirm that our members have received formal instructions from the Nigerian Communications Commission, the industry regulator to suspend access to Twitter.

“ALTON has conducted a robust assessment of the directive in accordance with internationally accepted principles.

“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, the industry regulator.

“We will continue to engage all the relevant authorities and stakeholders and will act as may be further directed by the NCC. We remain committed to supporting the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and upholding the rights of citizens.

“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.”

Aside from MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9Mobile, some of the Internet Service Providers in Nigeria include Spectranet, ipNX Nigeria Limited, Swift Networks Ltd., Vezeti Service LTD, Cyberspace Network Limited, Mobitel Limited, Smile Nigeria, ITClick Solutions Limited, and Netcom Africa.

Twitter deleted a post by the Nigerian President, Buhari, on Tuesday.

Consequently, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who had accused Twitter of double standards, announced the suspension of the microblogging site on Friday, citing the “persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence”.

Nigeria had about 33 million active social media users as of January 2021. WhatsApp is the most popular platform used in the country, with over 90 million users according to Statista. According to Statista, about 61.4 per cent of Nigerian social media users use Twitter, 86.2 per cent use Facebook, 81.6 per cent use YouTube, 73.1 per cent use Instagram, and 67.2 per cent use Facebook Messenger.

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Tinubu’s $2.99bn Rail Push Sparks Calls for Nationwide Network Expansion

Published

12 hours ago

May 3, 2026

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By Sotayo Olayinka

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Thursday approved a $2.99 billion package of rail infrastructure projects, signalling a renewed commitment by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deepen infrastructure development and unlock economic growth.

While this initiative is widely commendable, there is a growing call for the Federal Government to extend similar support to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). Strengthening the corporation would significantly improve inter-state transportation, ease the pressure on road networks caused by overloaded trucks, and enhance logistics efficiency nationwide.

Nigeria has already recorded progress with the Lagos–Ibadan rail corridor. However, greater impact can be achieved if the government connects Lagos to Abuja, complementing the existing Kaduna–Katsina line. Such integration would go a long way in addressing the country’s persistent transportation challenges. There is also increasing public demand for the expansion of rail services to the northern and eastern regions, which would create a more unified and dependable national transport system.

Many Nigerians still recall the 1960s, when train services operated seamlessly from Lagos to Kaduna and even Sokoto—an era that underscored the immense potential of an efficient rail network.

Expanding the railway system aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and would deliver tangible results in infrastructure development. There is also a widely held view that the current leadership of the NRC, under Managing Director Kayode Opeifa, is making meaningful progress in revitalizing rail services.

Sustained government backing will be critical to consolidating these gains and building a modern, efficient, and nationally connected railway system capable of driving economic growth and easing transportation challenges across Nigeria.

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Hon. Marcus Adedini Joins 2027 Ife Federal Constituency Race, Promises People-Centered Leadership

Published

24 hours ago

May 2, 2026

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……Engr. Adedini Declares for 2027 Reps Race, Picks Nomination Forms

Engr. Marcus Adedini has officially declared his intention to contest the House of Representatives seat for Ife Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, following the purchase of his nomination and expression of interest forms.

His declaration marks his formal entry into the race and reflects what he described as a long-standing commitment to public service, grassroots development, and policy-driven leadership across Ife land.

A development advocate and grassroots mobiliser, Adedini brings years of community engagement and policy experience to his ambition. Through his initiative, he has spearheaded several community-based interventions spanning education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and social welfare.

In the education sector, his programmes have supported students with scholarships, learning materials, and infrastructure development. In healthcare, he has facilitated medical outreach initiatives aimed at improving access to services and raising community health awareness.

Adedini has also implemented youth empowerment schemes, equipping young people with vocational skills, startup support, and capacity-building opportunities to promote entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment. His efforts extend to women and vulnerable groups through targeted empowerment programmes designed to improve livelihoods.

Beyond grassroots initiatives, Adedini has gained legislative exposure, contributing to the drafting of bills and motions in key sectors, including education, healthcare, and social development. Supporters say his experience in budgeting and project facilitation positions him to attract federal projects to the constituency.

Calling for support, Adedini urged residents of Ife Federal Constituency to rally behind what he described as a shared vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

He pledged to run a people-focused and issue-based campaign, promising effective representation and impactful service if elected.

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FEC Backs $2.99bn Rail Projects, Sets Stage for Power Sector Shake-Up

Published

3 days ago

April 30, 2026

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… Lagos Green Line, Kano, Kaduna rail schemes to boost connectivity

… Tinubu to chair power sector task force as reforms gather pace

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Thursday approved a $2.99 billion package of rail infrastructure projects and the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Power Sector Reform, in a move signalling a renewed push by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deepen infrastructure development and unlock economic growth.

Briefing State House correspondents after the Council meeting, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the rail projects span key urban corridors and are designed to enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and stimulate regional commerce.

He listed the projects as the Lagos Green Line Rail, the Kano State Metro Rail, and the Kaduna State Rail project, noting that they have already been captured in the extended 2025 budget.

“The Federal Executive Council approved three transformative rail projects – Lagos Green Line, Kano State Metro Rail, and Kaduna State Rail project. These projects are to be sponsored by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated,” Oyedele said.

He explained that the approvals align with the administration’s broader infrastructure strategy, which prioritises rail transport as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to road networks.

The Lagos Green Line is expected to complement existing mass transit systems in the commercial hub, while the Kano and Kaduna rail schemes are projected to boost passenger and freight movement across northern Nigeria, improving trade and economic activity.

In a related development, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the creation of a Presidential Task Force on Power Sector Reform, alongside key appointments aimed at strengthening governance in the electricity industry.

Idris said the Council approved the appointment of former Minister of Power, Lanre Babalola, as Special Adviser on Power to the President, to enhance coordination and policy oversight.

He disclosed that the President would chair the task force, with Babalola playing a central role in driving its activities.

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“The task force is part of renewed efforts by the administration to reposition the power sector as a critical driver of industrialisation and economic growth,” Idris said.

According to him, the decision followed the submission of a report by a presidential committee set up on March 4 to review the commercial and institutional framework for the proposed Grid Asset Management Company (GAMCO).

He noted that the task force brings together key stakeholders, including the Ministers of Finance, Power, Industry, Trade and Investment, Information, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, alongside regulators and representatives of electricity generation and distribution companies.

Idris said the body would focus on implementing far-reaching reforms to address structural bottlenecks in the sector, stressing that stable electricity supply remains central to Nigeria’s economic transformation.

He added that the government is committed to a comprehensive overhaul of the power sector to unlock industrial productivity and improve living standards.

The minister further disclosed that the FEC meeting was preceded by the swearing-in of a National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and four Permanent Secretaries.

He said President Tinubu administered the oath of office on retired Rear Admiral K. M. Marafa as INEC National Commissioner following her confirmation by the National Assembly.

Idris added that the Council deliberated on a 32-point agenda, reflecting what he described as the administration’s broad reform focus across critical sectors of the economy.

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