Nigeria has lost N24.72billion ($60.14million) in ten days to the microblogging and social networking service, Twitter, ban in Nigeria, according to NetBlocks Cost of Shutdown Tool.
Nigeria loses N102.9million ($250,600) every hour due to the Twitter ban that took effect on June 5, 2021.
Recall that the Minister of information and Tourism, Lai Mohammed, had earlier this month announced the indefinite suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria.
Mohammed said the Federal Government was forced to act because of “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”
The suspension of Twitter has continued to spark widespread outrage, with many Nigerians condemning the move.
Last week, the US Mission in Nigeria urged President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to reverse the Twitter ban because 40million Nigerians use the platform.
Top American official, Samantha Power, conveyed the message, saying: “There are nearly 40 M Twitter users in #Nigeria, and the country is home to Africa’s largest tech hub.”
The Federal Government also directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to start the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations.
NBC was also ordered to force broadcast stations – Television and Radio – to stop using Twitter or face the consequences.
The actions are being criticized by Nigerians, countries, local and international organizations.
