A coalition of civil society organisations has called for an independent investigation into the reported disruption of TikTok access in parts of northern Nigeria.
In a joint statement on Friday, Communications Officer of Media Rights Agenda, Idowu Adewale, said the disruption had affected users in Kaduna, Kebbi, Kano and Sokoto since 14 September.
Affected users experienced difficulties loading videos, viewing content and uploading materials via ordinary mobile-data connections. The problem appears to affect multiple networks, with some users reportedly regaining access only through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Preliminary checks have not established whether the disruption resulted from technical failure, network routing problems or deliberate restriction. No public explanation has been given despite the disruption lasting more than two weeks.
Prolonged unexplained disruption could affect communication, journalism, civic participation, businesses and public discourse, Adewale said.
He urged the Nigerian Communications Commission, the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Office of the National Security Adviser to investigate. He also called for collaboration among regulators, telecommunications operators, internet service providers, TikTok and relevant state authorities to establish the cause.
Adewale urged authorities to publicly disclose any government directive, request or order affecting TikTok access, including its legal basis, scope, duration and purpose. Telecommunications operators should provide timely information to affected consumers about major network disruptions and expected restoration periods.
He recommended independent technical testing to determine whether DNS interference, IP or domain blocking, throttling, routing anomalies or application-specific filtering contributed to the disruption. He further urged TikTok to clarify whether technical problems, infrastructure changes, routing issues or service disruptions on its side affected users in northern Nigeria.
Adewale called for the protection of users, journalists, researchers and civil society groups documenting the disruption through lawful means from harassment or reprisals. He also urged authorities to avoid broad restrictions on VPNs solely because some users had used them to regain access to TikTok.
He called for a transparent national protocol requiring prompt notification, investigation and reporting of significant internet disruptions. Such a framework would reduce uncertainty, limit misinformation and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
The statement also demanded publication of a final investigation report detailing the affected networks, locations, technical cause, any government involvement, legal directives and remedial measures.
The statement was signed by Accountability Lab Nigeria, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Digital Africa Research and Safety Lab, DigiCivic Initiative, Gatefield, Hope Behind Bars Africa, Media Rights Agenda, Paradigm Initiative, RACE Africa, Spaces for Change, TechHerNG and TechSocietal.
