TikTok Refutes Claims of Access Block in Northern Nigeria

On October 12, TikTok issued a statement denying responsibility for the restricted access to its platform reported by users in parts of Northern Nigeria. The company acknowledged the complaints and stated that it was engaging with relevant stakeholders to resolve the situation.

TikTok confirmed that the restriction was not implemented by them. Users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, and Sokoto states reported difficulties accessing TikTok, with issues such as videos not loading and feeds freezing.

Some users were able to access the platform only after activating virtual private networks (VPNs). The complaints began surfacing in September, and while TikTok was inaccessible for some, users in other regions of Nigeria continued to access the platform normally.

TikTok did not specify the stakeholders involved, the cause of the disruption, or when normal access would be restored. Digital-rights organizations have called for clarification regarding the nature of the disruption.