The Federal Government declared the suspension of Twitter on June 4th, after the social media platform erased a post by President Muhammadu Buhari. After receiving a mandate from the Nigerian Communications Commission, telecommunication providers restricted access to Twitter on June 5.

According to the NetBlocks Cost of Shutdown Tool, the Twitter ban costs Nigeria’s economy N104.02 million ($250,600) every hour. The social networking site has been disabled for 4,800 hours (200 days).

Buhari intimated during his Independence Day speech that the ban would remain in place until Twitter registered in Nigeria, had a physical presence, and was represented.

Recently, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, said Twitter had agreed to the nation’s conditions for the suspension to be lifted.

Keyamo, who is also a member of the committee set up to engage Twitter over its suspension, said, “The reason why the President took that step is to recalibrate our relationship with Twitter and not to drive them away from our country.

“That recalibration, we have started it and the president graciously added me to the committee.”

In a report, a financial planner, Kalu Aja, had said, “The Twitter ban raises a narrative about doing business in Nigeria, and it’s not a good narrative.

“Specifically, Twitter and social media allow Small and Medium-scale Enterprises and sole proprietors with zero marketing budgets but a smartphone to build and communicate a brand promise.”