- Numerous Nigerians, including protesters, experienced poor network connections at the commencement of the protest
- Reports have suggested the NCC and NSA slowed down internet speed across Nigeria
- TheRadar compiled reactions of citizens over the alleged deliberate slowing of the internet speed
As the hunger protests with the hashtag #EndBadGovernance commenced on Thursday, August 1, numerous Nigerians, including protesters, experienced poor network connections.
Reports suggest that some Nigerian telecom operatives pointed fingers at the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for slowing down internet speed nationwide.
According to Peoples Gazette, the telecom officials claimed that the reduction in internet speed nationwide is intended to suppress the flow of information from the protesters to other Nigerians and the outside world.
Official claimed the aim was to suppress the protests
It was also reported that an administration official who confirmed the internet interference noted that keeping the protesters isolated would deprive them of global support and make it easier for the government to control the situation.
“This is not surprising since the same govt once tried to ban Twitter in Nigeria after it couldn't silence angry Nigerians or stand the criticism. Our country leaders have zero clue on what democracy is all about, & continue to violate our basic human rights,” a netizen commented on X.
Another X user said, “This is a clear violation of human rights and freedom of expression. The government must allow the protesters to communicate freely”.
Nigerians react to slow speed of internet
The following are other reactions from Nigerians on social media:
“Every sensible person knows this. 3 days ago, people woke up to their lines being barred. 24 hours later they gave a statementw to unbar all the lines. We all know for a fact that for them to bar 1000 lines, they was to target 10 people. If they unbar the lines it'll be for 990”, AIM stated.
“I no sure say na DEMOCRACY be this,” E-Trades tweeted.
“This is so devastating,” Princess Ade added.
“Corrupt government 🤮🤮🤮,” Edafe Peter’s tweeted.
“Government of the oppressors,” ‘yanju added.
“Be like say na from Mtn office protest go start”: Nigerians rage as network providers bar lines
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported that Telecom operators' offices nationwide were stormed by frustrated customers whose Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) were blocked on Sunday, July 28.
The telecommunication companies blocked thousands of users, claiming it was the failure to link SIM to NIN. However, Nigerians believed it was a tactic to hinder the upcoming nationwide protest.