Nigerian government threatens to rein in press after Twitter ban

Government could determine code of conduct for journalists under plans criticised as deeply disturbing'

Media organisations in Nigeria have expressed alarm as the government prepares to follow its controversial ban on Twitter with wider regulations reining in the press and social media companies.

A new amendment proposed by lawmakers in President Muhammadu Buhari's All Progressive Congress party would allow the government to determine a code of conduct for Nigerian media agencies and journalists, who could be liable to be fined and prosecuted for fake news" and other breaches of the code.