Social Media Clampdown in Nigeria: A Threat to Freedom of Speech In  August 2025, Nigeria entered a new and troubling phase in its digital landscape as the government tightened its grip on social media through the enforcement of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.  While presented as a measure to maintain order and security, these sweeping regulations strike at the heart of freedom of speech and the right of citizens to freely express themselves online. From the Twitter Ban to the Cybercrimes Act This crackdown is not without precedent. Nigerians still recall the 2021 indefinite suspension of Twitter (now X) after the platform flagged a presidential tweet. That ban silenced millions and highlighted the state’s willingness to suppress critical voices. Though the suspension was lifted in 2022 under strict government conditions, the precedent was clear: online expression in Nigeria exists at the mercy of those in power. Enforcement of the Cybercrimes Act (2025) T...