The Federal Government on Wednesday said it is likely to lift the ban imposed on microblogging App Twitter.
Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture said after the Federal Executive Council meeting said, “The end for amicable resolution is very much in sight.”
He said the government appreciated the patience of Nigerians adding “I want to assure you that we have made very tremendous progress. We have met with Twitter both physically and in writing. We are almost there.”
“The engagement has been extremely positive without any acrimony. We have made it clear what we want from Twitter.”
The Minister stated that some of the conditions the Federal Government gave Twitter is to establish a legal presence in the country by registering as a Nigerian company with an address.
He said, “Thank you very much. I think even Twitter itself two days ago gave what I will call a progress report on our talks with them. And I think if I want to quote them rightly, it has been productive and quite respectful.
“And as to how soon is soon, right? I want to assure you that between the time that Twitter operation has been suspended, and when it will be restored is by far, much, much shorter. That I can assure you that it is by far. In other words, if the operation has been suspended for about 100 days now, I can tell you that we’re just actually talking about a few, just a few more days now.
“What we’re trying to do is the changes that have been going on, but we need to dot the i’s and cross the t’s. I can assure you that we’re mindful of the anxiety of Nigerians and both parties are working very hard to put a closure on the matter.
“And like Twitter itself said, the changes have been very, very productive on both parties.”
Asked for specifics on when the matter would be resolved, he said, “Honestly, we have gone very far, I won’t be specific but we have gone very far, and honestly, it’s just going to be very, very soon, just take my word for that.”
