Reports of internet disruptions in Nigeria have emerged following widespread protests that began on August 1, 2024. A coalition of organizations has issued a statement condemning what they describe as the intentional throttling of internet speeds across the country.
The protests, tagged #EndBadGovernance, have erupted in several states, leading to concerns about the government’s response. According to investigative reports from local media outlets and individual measurements by citizens, internet speeds have been significantly reduced nationwide.
The coalition, which includes various civil society groups and is led by Nigeria’s Paradigm Initiative, argues that these disruptions violate Nigeria’s constitution and international agreements to which the country is a signatory. They cite Chapter Four of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
Government officials have not yet publicly commented on the alleged internet slowdowns. Critics argue that if confirmed, such measures could impede the free flow of information and potentially escalate tensions. Supporters of government action might contend that such measures are necessary to maintain public order during unrest.
The statement references a 2021 ruling by the ECOWAS Court, which declared Nigeria’s previous seven-month Twitter ban unlawful and instructed the government to avoid similar acts of censorship in the future.
Economic concerns have also been raised, with the coalition pointing out that internet disruptions can negatively impact financial transactions, commerce, and essential service delivery. Many Nigerians currently rely on digital platforms for work and communication.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between government efforts to manage public unrest and citizens’ rights to free expression and access to information. As events unfold, observers will watch closely to see how the Nigerian government responds to these allegations and manages the ongoing protests.
The coalition has called for the immediate cessation of network disruptions and urged the government to keep communication channels open to ensure citizens can access accurate information about current events.
As of now, neither the Office of the National Security Adviser nor the Nigerian Communications Commission has responded to requests for comment on the alleged internet disruptions.