Implications of Social Media Censorship on Freedom of Expression: A Critical Analysis of the 2021 Twitter (X) Ban in Nigeria

Publication Details

Publication Date

10/09/2026

Volume / Issue

Vol 1, Issue 4 (2026)

Article No.

014

Journal

British Journal of Contemporary Research

DOI

https://doi.org/10.67693/BJCR-P7PWSNZ7

Received

09 Aug 2026

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4

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0

Abstract

The June 2021 Twitter ban in Nigeria, imposed after the platform deleted the late President Muhamadu Buhari's tweet, sparked intense debates on national security, freedom of expression, and digital governance among the citizens, especially media scholars in and outside Nigeria. This study examined the ban's implications on citizens, businesses, and government-citizen relations through thematic analysis of selected Nigerian government’s policy documents relating to social media regulations. Using digital authoritarianism and networked public sphere theories, the study’s findings revealed widespread criticism of the ban, significant economic impacts on businesses relying on Twitter, and strained government-citizen relations, among others. Users highlighted concerns about digital rights, privacy, and the need for transparent regulation. The study argued that the ban was a disproportionate response to perceived threats and recommended respect for digital freedom and citizen’s right to free expression, establishing a multi-stakeholder regulatory framework, and prioritizing digital rights and governance, and that Nigeria can foster a more inclusive and resilient digital ecosystem by balancing national security concerns with digital freedoms.

License

This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License . Free to read, share, and adapt with attribution.