CSOs raise concern over unexplained TikTok disruption in northern Nigeria

A group of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have raised concerns over the unexplained disruption of social media platform, TikTok, in Northern Nigeria notably Kaduna, Kebbi, Kano, and Sokoto, reported by citizens.
The joint press statement by the CSOs was signed by Accountability Lab (AL) Nigeria, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID); Digital Africa Research and Safety Lab (DigiAfricaLab); DigiCivic Initiative; Gatefield; Hope Behind Bars Africa; Media Rights Agenda (MRA); Paradigm Initiative (PIN); RACE Africa; Spaces for Change|S4C; TechHerNG; and TechSocietal.
It read: “What began as intermittent access difficulties around September 14, 2026, has grown into a multi-week digital blackout. We, the undersigned CSOs working on digital rights, freedom of expression, access to information, and the civic space, issue this preliminary statement to bring these challenges to the urgent attention of relevant public authorities, telecommunications providers, platform operators, the media and the general public.
“The information available from our preliminary investigations indicates that millions of citizens whose livelihoods depend on the 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 service is guaranteed only for some through virtual private networks (VPNs).
“The reports and information have not, however, established whether the disruption results from a technical failure, a network routing problem, a platform-side malfunction, a traffic management measure, or an intentional restriction. As of the latest reports reviewed, no public explanation has established the cause.
“While we adopt the neutral term “TikTok Disruption” pending further technical evidence, over two weeks of institutional silence is cause of concern.”
The group.noted that, “Access to digital platforms and online information has become an important part of communication, journalism, civic participation, business, and public discourse in Nigeria as in other parts of the world. Unexplained social media disruptions not only undermine democracy but also truncate the local economy.”
They CSOs further stated that, “Based on the information currently available as well as the seriousness and urgency of the issue, the coalition calls on the federal government, relevant regulators, telecommunications operators and TikTok to take the following steps: Establish and Publicly Disclose the Cause of the Disruption
According to the group, “The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), as well as the relevant departments and agencies of affected state governments, should urgently investigate the reported disruption, in cooperation with affected mobile network operators, Internet service providers and TikTok, and publish its findings.”
They called for an end to access restriction without a clear legal basis, noting: “In the event that the problem is the result of an intentional disruption, the Government and all regulatory and security agencies should immediately put an end to or refrain from directing or facilitating the blocking, throttling or disruption of access to TikTok or any other Internet platform except where such action is clearly authorised by law and satisfies applicable human-rights requirements of legality, legitimate purpose, necessity and proportionality.
“This is consistent with the constitutional provisions of Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which protects freedom of expression, including the right to receive and impart ideas and information without interference, subject to constitutionally permitted limitations.
“The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights similarly recognises freedom of expression and access to information as fundamental rights and provides that restrictions must be provided by law, serve a legitimate interest and be necessary in a democratic society.”
While demanding for transparency if any government action was Involved they stated: “If any government institution has issued an instruction, directive, request or order affecting TikTok access, the relevant authority should publicly disclose the existence of such an instruction, directive, request or order; its legal basis, scope, duration and purpose.”
In addition the CSOs said it was reuored of telecommunications operators to provide timely outage Information, noting: “Telecommunications operators and other service providers should be required to clearly inform affected consumers about the nature and extent of any major network disruption and the expected restoration period.
“The NCC should therefore clarify whether the reported TikTok disruptions have been logged as network incidents and, where applicable, require affected operators to provide appropriate consumer information and remedies.”
They fuether tasked the government to recognise that access to digital platforms was increasingly connected to the exercise of other rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, association, education, and participation in public affairs, among others.
“A right emphasised by the UN Special Rapporteur, noting that meaningful Internet access is important to the enjoyment of multiple human rights and that States should refrain from interfering with Internet and digital communications platforms unless such interference complies with applicable human-rights standards,” the group stated.
The group warned against treating reports that some users had regained access to TikTok through VPNs as evidence of unlawful conduct, noting that any attempt to restrict VPNs or other technologies used to maintain lawful access to communications services should be subject to the same requirements of legality, legitimate purpose, necessity and proportionality
The coalition urged the government and regulators to prioritise transparency, accountability, technical verification and respect for freedom of expression and access to information, while ensuring that any legitimate concerns relating to security, public order or unlawful online activity are addressed through targeted, lawful and proportionate measures rather than unexplained disruption of access to an entire communications platform.
“In the interim, 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.
“We will assess the need for further action as additional evidence becomes available. We therefore call on all relevant stakeholders to ensure that any measures affecting access to digital platforms are lawful, transparent, necessary, and consistent with Nigeria’s obligations to protect freedom of expression and access to information,” they declared.