A group of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has raised concerns over the unexplained disruption of social media platform TikTok in Northern Nigeria, specifically in Kaduna, Kebbi, Kano, and Sokoto. The disruption, which started as intermittent access difficulties around September 14, 2026, has grown into a multi-week digital blackout. The CSOs, including Accountability Lab Nigeria, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, and Paradigm Initiative, among others, have called for urgent attention to the issue.
The CSOs, in a joint press statement, noted that millions of citizens whose livelihoods depend on social media platforms have experienced difficulties loading TikTok, viewing videos, and uploading content through ordinary mobile-data connections. The disruption is not attributable to a single internet service provider, as access to the service is guaranteed only for some through virtual private networks (VPNs). The cause of the disruption remains unknown, with no public explanation provided.
The coalition has expressed concern that the unexplained social media disruptions not only undermine democracy but also truncate the local economy. Access to digital platforms and online information has become an important part of communication, journalism, civic participation, business, and public discourse in Nigeria. The CSOs have called on the federal government, relevant regulators, telecommunications operators, and TikTok to take immediate action to address the issue.
The CSOs have demanded that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) investigate the reported disruption and publish their findings. They have also called for an end to access restriction without a clear legal basis, noting that any restriction must be authorised by law and satisfy applicable human-rights requirements.
The coalition has further tasked the government to recognise that access to digital platforms is increasingly connected to the exercise of other rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, association, education, and participation in public affairs. They have warned against treating reports that some users had regained access to TikTok through VPNs as evidence of unlawful conduct.
The CSOs have urged the government and regulators to prioritise transparency, accountability, technical verification, and respect for freedom of expression and access to information. They have called for targeted, lawful, and proportionate measures to address any legitimate concerns relating to security, public order, or unlawful online activity, rather than unexplained disruption of access to an entire communications platform.
The coalition will continue to monitor reports from affected users, engage relevant stakeholders, and seek further information to establish the nature and source of the disruption. They will assess the need for further action as additional evidence becomes available and call on all relevant stakeholders to ensure that any measures affecting access to digital platforms are lawful and proportionate.
Key points
- The disruption of TikTok in northern Nigeria has affected millions of citizens, with many experiencing difficulties loading the platform, viewing videos, and uploading content.
- The CSOs have called for an investigation into the cause of the disruption and for the government to recognise the importance of access to digital platforms for the exercise of other rights.
- The coalition has urged the government and regulators to prioritise transparency, accountability, and respect for freedom of expression and access to information.
