Minister of communications and digital economy Bosun Tijani has debunked claims that the Federal Government directed telecom companies in the country to tamper with networks due to the nationwide protests.
Demonstrations against hardship began in Nigeria on Thursday and are expected to continue till August 10.
Some Nigerians began to make up conspiracy theories on social media over the slow internet speed on the major telecom networks, MTN, Glo, Airtel and 9mobile.
Some of them said it was a move by the government to disrupt the protests.
However, in an interview on Channels TV on Thursday evening, Tijani said: “There’s no instruction to tamper with (telecom) networks.”
Earlier in the day, Tijani expressed concern as protesters vandalised and looted the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) Industrial Park in Kano.
The ICT centre was scheduled for commissioning next week.
He said, “Sad to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano slated for launch next week to support our technical talent accelerator (3MTT) has been set ablaze and looted by protesters.
“Alongside #3MTT, this building is set to host our buildathon holiday maker programme for secondary school kids starting next week.
“A slight setback for our journey to deepening our workforce for technology while creating job opportunities for the youth. Millions of Naira down the drain.”
