CSOs Call for Independent Probe Into Reported TikTok Disruption in Northern Nigeria

By Emeka Henry Obi

October 3, 2026

A coalition of civil society organisations has called for an urgent and independent investigation into reported difficulties accessing TikTok in parts of northern Nigeria.

The groups said users in Kaduna, Kebbi, Kano and Sokoto states have experienced problems loading videos, viewing content and uploading materials through regular mobile-data connections since around September 14.

According to the coalition, some affected users have reportedly been able to access the platform by using virtual private networks (VPNs).

However, the organisations stressed that their preliminary observations have not established the cause of the reported disruption.

They said the problem could potentially be linked to a technical failure, network-routing problem, malfunction on TikTok's systems, traffic-management measures or an intentional restriction.

CSOs Seek Technical Investigation

The coalition called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), telecommunications operators and TikTok to jointly investigate the situation.

It also urged the relevant authorities to make their findings publicly available once the investigation is concluded.

The groups further called for independent technical testing to determine whether the reported difficulties were connected to issues such as Domain Name System (DNS) interference, blocking, throttling, routing anomalies or application-specific filtering.

Demand for Government Clarification

The organisations also urged authorities to disclose whether any government directive had been issued affecting access to TikTok in the affected areas.

If such a directive exists, they called for the government to clarify its legal basis, geographical scope, duration and stated purpose.

The coalition warned that unexplained disruptions to major digital platforms could have broader consequences for communication, journalism, businesses and civic participation.

It therefore urged stakeholders to avoid speculation and establish the actual cause through a transparent, technically credible investigation.

The groups maintained that determining whether the disruption is technical, network-related, platform-specific or the result of an official restriction is essential to ensuring accountability and protecting public confidence in Nigeria's digital environment.