Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has admitted that suspending Twitter, now known as X, in Nigeria under the Muhammadu Buhari administration was one of the most difficult decisions of his eight-year tenure.

In an interview on Arise News, promoting his new book “Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration,” Mohammed defended several controversial actions taken by the government between 2015 and 2023. He insisted that these decisions were always in the “national interest,” and not an attempt to stifle dissent.

Defending Twitter Suspension

Mohammed explained that the decision to suspend Twitter’s operations in Nigeria in 2021 remains a particularly tough one for him. He justified the move by claiming that at the time, the platform had become the preferred tool for individuals and groups attempting to destabilize the country.

“For instance, one of the most difficult decisions I took was suspending Twitter’s operations in Nigeria,” Mohammed said. “I had to make the decision in the national interest because at that time, Twitter had become the platform of choice for those destabilizing the country. Decisions like that are not about popularity; they are about facts.”

He further stated that the suspension was not a response to Twitter deleting a tweet by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, as some had speculated. “I told President Buhari that we needed to suspend Twitter. He asked if it was because his tweet was deleted. I said no. Twitter had become the platform of choice for elements trying to destabilize Nigeria,” he added.

Advocating for Social Media Regulation

Mohammed also expressed his longstanding belief in the need for social media regulation, arguing that unregulated platforms were a “disaster waiting to happen.” His stance on social media regulation was framed as necessary for national security, claiming that without oversight, platforms could be misused by malicious actors.

Recollections of Buhari’s Leadership

Reflecting on his time working with President Buhari, Mohammed described him as an “extremely loyal” leader. He shared anecdotes, including one where Buhari humorously asked how many people he had “killed,” a joke related to his habit of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays.

He also argued that Buhari’s legacy would be judged positively by history, especially for his role in reclaiming territories previously controlled by Boko Haram.

Differentiating Security Threats

On the issue of national security, Mohammed sought to distinguish between the challenges posed by Boko Haram and those posed by bandits. He noted that banditry, which escalated under Buhari’s administration, was materially motivated and rooted in historical grievances, unlike Boko Haram’s ideological insurgency.

Communication Strategy Under Buhari

Despite widespread criticism of the Buhari administration’s communication strategy, which many saw as authoritarian and obsessed with controlling the narrative, Mohammed rejected the idea that the government’s messaging was designed to protect the administration. “We never set out to preserve the government. We set out to preserve Nigeria,” he emphasized.

Launch of His Book

Mohammed’s book, “Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration,” is scheduled for release on December 17, 2025. The launch date is significant, as it coincides with the posthumous birthday of President Buhari, adding a personal touch to the book’s debut.

The former minister explained that the book’s aim was to “inspire future leaders” and correct what he described as “misinformation” about the Buhari years. The book offers an insider’s perspective on key policy decisions, crisis communication, and the stories behind the most controversial moments of the Buhari administration.