The inquietude reactions that followed the Twitter suspension in Nigeria are entirely inappropriate. Although one may squarely blame the government for its inability, or lukewarm attitude, to curtail Social Media activities in Nigeria, the unpleasant reality is that social media has already taken cavernous foothold in our Society. Through the various Social media platforms, a significant high numbers of our fellow citizens have turned our country into a nation of scare mongering, malicious gossip, mockery, visceral hatred (inward feelings rather than conscious reasoning), mendacious (misleading, false, untruthful) activities, addle (unable to think clearly), and highly abusive proclamation at every twist and turn. The youths have developed unprecedented aggressive nature while celebrating mediocrity, and unleashing huge amount of discordances.
It is extraordinarily shocking that many Nigerians persistently use the Social media to make derogatory, hateful and highly reprehensible comments about their own very country, forgetting that the same Social media instruments are regularly monitored by the western Powers. An instrument of rich countries’ imperialistic nature. The Great Voyages of discovery and the building of Colonial empires were largely motivated by economic gains as well as political aspirations.
In essence, one may fervently make the argument that Twitter and other Social media outlets have done massive strategic damaged to our high-moral ground, patriotism, and once thriving social values and norms that defined us a nation. It is equally astonishingly striking that those advising the Government on strategic matters, not the media hype, failed to identify the strategic impacts of Social Media in our country. One can resolutely affirm that these “Advisers” are more interested, or concerned, about their own individual gains as opposed to national gains. Government has generally failed to keep pace with the Social media phenomenon in the country. The national mentality of using squared peg for round hole is one of the major reasons while many foreign companies are taking undue advantage.
In the context of this discussion, the perceived complexity of Social media companies is exaggerated. The global reach of major Internet giants is not different from other conglomerates and multinationals. These multinationals operates in different countries and comply with local legislations and abide by local regulations. As a multinational corporation, you cannot induce your ways into a country, exploit somewhat gullible or ignorant citizens and in the process disrupt their social life and/or promote political upheavals.
One of the widely accepted principles of International business is that, as firms attempt to market in the international arena, they must cope with cultural, societal values, and impact of government policies. Every Country restricts the movement of goods and services and the resources, such as workers and capital, across its borders. Many countries including China, India are smart enough to swiftly banned Twitter, and/or reduce its operations to the minimum level. In effect, they have successfully minimized the Twitter influence on their citizens. So the Social Media can be controlled through legislations, regulations, and taxes with heavy penalties for non compliance, misuse or engaging in criminal activities.
In tackling the mystifying variations of social media and other Internet giants, we need to understand that the issues at hand are far beyond the belligerent (or combative approach) attitude and personality rivalry that we have witnessed over the years. The prevailing issues are about business and economic matters, which may lead to more tax revenues for the government. The ethical dimension should also be a cause of concern for policymakers and public officials.
The legal instrument in the Financial Act 2019 may be insufficient to deal with the Social media companies. In comparison, the Social media is similar to excessive consumption of alcohol which could damage vital organs. To prevent the health implications of irresponsible propensity to consume alcohol and reduce the risk of smoking, many governments (through Public Health agencies) actively (and rigorously) educate, enlighten and ensure that recipients act responsibly. It follows therefore that Social media, if not controlled or regulated, can destroy the social fabrics of a country. Nigeria is not an exception. We also need to understand that Internet and Social media companies are not Social enterprises but purely private companies with the sole purpose of generating and making profit. Suffice to advance the rationale for proper regulation and adequate monitoring.
As enumerate in another piece of work, Trade-equity-avoiding-the-pitfalls-of-exploitation/ given the central importance of the role of international trade within the wider economy, Nigeria is well positioned to play a key role in the international business environment. The trade environment in Europe, USA and Asia is not static. Innovation, well-enlightened population, corporate dynamism, technological advancement, political structure and decisions, economic policies, environmental considerations and cultural fit are all the main driving forces. In this modern age of globalization and Internet revolution, our national resources (including people and labour) should not be controlled and manipulated by foreign companies. The free market policy orientation and fair competition in the conduct of international trade needs to be managed and consistent with our national interests. In effect, this should mean a change in the overall governmental attitude towards these principles.
Finally, in dealing with the foreign tech companies including Internet/Social media companies operating in Nigeria, it make perfect economic sense to adopt the settled principle of Comparative advantage, namely, that a country tends to produce and export those goods in which it has the greater comparative advantage (in this case, the market) and import those goods or services in which it has the least comparative advantage (technology incl. Internet and Social media). Therefore, it is important to treat the activities of these Social media companies operating in Nigeria as key international economic transactions. The Federal Government, as a matter of expediency, should consider and develop a Commercial policy in which regulations impinge on trading activities of these foreign tech firms. The principal tools of commercial policy, such as tariff, “invincible tariff”, or administrative regulations should be applied with due process in place.
As a nation, if only we can harness our collective leverage, we should not be in a situation whereby a foreign company would attempt to dictate our lifestyles and social norms.
Amosun writes from London, England UK. He can be reached via femi.amosun@nifom.co.uk
