At a meeting with several envoys, Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama stated that Twitter’s activities in Nigeria will be restored only if the site can be utilized “responsibly.”

When asked when the ban will be lifted, Onyeama stated there is no set date, but added, “The condition would be responsible use of the social media and that really has to be it.”

“We are not saying that Twitter is threatening the country or any such thing; why we have taken this measure is to stop them to be used as platforms for destabilisation and facilitation of criminality or encouragement of criminalities,” he also said.

The administration takes the envoys’ remarks “very seriously,” according to the minister, and has decided to discuss the problem with them in the “usual friendly manner.”

He maintained, however, that the Buhari government must remain focused on its “main objective and legacy,” which he described as ensuring the safety of people and property.

He said Nigeria will not sit back and watch social media being used to “destabilise” the country, adding: “We want to use social media for good.”

“Differences of opinion is not a problem; everybody will not think alike,” Onyeama said.

“But lives matter; Nigerian lives matter and we have to do everything we can to preserve Nigerian lives. And when we feel our goals are threatened, actions need to be taken.”