Four Diplomatic Missions in Nigeria have expressed disappointment over the ban placed on the operations of Twitter in the country by the Federal Government.
The Diplomatic Missions made their positions known in a joint statement on Saturday.
Nigeria had on Friday banned Twitter from operation in the country.
According to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who announced the ban, the action followed the deleting of a post by President Muhammadu Buhari by the social media giant.
Reacting to the development on Friday, the Diplomatic Missions of Canada, European Union (Delegation to Nigeria), Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom and United States of America conveyed their “disappointment over the Government of Nigeria’s announcement suspending #Twitter and proposing registration requirements for other social media.
“We strongly support the fundamental human right of free expression and access to information as a pillar of democracy in Nigeria as around the world and these rights apply online as well as offline. Banning systems of expression is not the answer.
“These measures inhibit access to information and commerce at precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication to accompany the concerted efforts of Nigeria’s citizens in fulsome dialogue toward unity, peace and prosperity.
“As Nigeria’s partners, we stand ready to assist in achieving these goals.”