There has been a general downtime in internet services and usage just as Nigerians commenced protests against bad governance and hunger.

The downtime, which started in the early hours of Thursday, has prevented Nigerians from unhindered access to the internet, with many of them expressing belief that the action was deliberate.

Some of the affected users, who spoke with FIJ, claimed MTN, 9mobile and Glo subscribers were the worst hit.

Gabriel Owoade, a protester at Freedom Park in Ojota, Lagos, told FIJ that he had not been able to post pictures of the ongoing protest on his social media platforms.

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“I am an MTN subscriber and the network has been epileptic since around 4 am. I have not been able to post all the pictures I have so far taken on all my social media platforms,” said Owoade.

“I believe it is deliberate. This goes to show the kind of country we live in.

“This is a deliberate attempt to gag protesters.”

Grace Audu, an Abuja resident, told FIJ that she was unable to access the internet as well.

“My cousins are presently at the MKO Abiola Stadium here in Abuja. That is where the protest is taking place and they have been sending me pictures and videos but I have not been able to view them,” said Audu.

“What is wrong with Glo?”

A Rivers State resident, who simply wished to be identified as Suzan, also told FIJ about her inability to access the internet.

“Shops are locked in Port Harcourt and everywhere is deserted for now. I am not sure people are willing to protest here,” Suzan said.

“However, 9mobile has chosen to disappoint me, as I have not been able to access the internet using my phone successfully.”

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Gabriel Hashimi, a Kaduna State-based MTN and Glo subscriber, said he had been experiencing fluctuations while surfing the internet.

“It is tiring. I use both Glo and MTN and their services have been fluctuating,” Hashimi said.

“I have been turning my data off and on since morning. I initially thought it was only me. Then I later realised even my neighbours were having the same issue.”

Timileyin Akinmoyeje, an FIJ reporter, also said internet services had been fluctuating in Ibadan, Oyo State.

“It has been epileptic all morning,” he said. “I have not really been able to access the internet like I should, as an MTN subscriber.”