On October 17, 2025, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, called on the Nigerian government to regulate social media to address its misuse, which he said threatens peace, unity, and respect. Speaking through the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, at the Northern Ulamah Summit in Kaduna, the Sultan criticized the platform’s use for insults and division, noting that anyone can “pick up their phone and insult a respected leader” without consequences.
He advocated for Nigeria to adopt strict social media policies, as seen in other countries where divisive or inciting posts lead to prosecution, to curb unrest. The summit, organized by the Congregation of Northern Ulamas, gathered Islamic clerics, political leaders, and stakeholders to discuss insecurity and socioeconomic challenges.
The call follows the 2021 Twitter ban under former President Buhari, which cost Nigeria’s economy N556.11 billion over 222 days, according to PUNCH. Some Nigerians view social media regulation as a potential infringement on free speech. The Sultan’s proposal has sparked debate on balancing regulation with citizens’ rights.
