Nigerian Internet Users Lament Slow Network Speed as Protest Begins

As nationwide protests under the #EndBadGovernance banner commence today across Nigeria, numerous internet users have taken to social media to complain about a significant slowdown in internet speed.

The protests, driven by widespread frustration over hunger and economic hardship, have coincided with what many users have alleged to be deliberate throttling of internet services.

Complaints have flooded social media platform X, where users expressed their frustrations and speculations.

@ayemojubar tweeted: “The telcos have colluded with the oppressors to slow down the internet speed.”

@busayo_16 echoed similar sentiments: “I just noticed on my MTN this morning.”

Another user, @DAMIADENUGA, confirmed issues with their connection: “MTN network has gone off. Who else noticed?”

Lollypeezle lamented the timing of the disruption: “Why is MTN network this messy today of all days?”

The timing of the internet issues has raised suspicions among protesters and digital rights advocates, who argue that such disruptions are a tactic to undermine the organisation and coordination of the protests.

The #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, organised primarily through social media, are set to take place across all states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The protests address rising food prices, escalating costs of essential commodities, and overall economic hardship, exacerbated by the government’s removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of forex windows.

Recall West Africa Weekly earlier reported that Nigerians accused telecommunication companies of disconnecting subscribers to frustrate the #EndBadGovernance protest against economic hardship in Nigeria.

In a statement shared by Channels TV, Human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa they have warned that telcos should not attempt to sabotage the protest by restricting internet access among displeased citizens. He said the contract between telecom companies and their subscribers should not be tampered with arbitrarily.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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