TikTok Denies Blocking Access in Northern Nigeria, Begins Talks to Resolve Disruption
TikTok has denied imposing restrictions on its platform in parts of Northern Nigeria, saying it is engaging relevant stakeholders to restore normal access following weeks of complaints from users. The response comes amid reports of persistent access problems in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto states, where some users have struggled to load videos, refresh their feeds or upload content.
The company acknowledged the disruption in a statement issued on Monday, October 12, 2026, but maintained that the restriction did not originate from its platform. TikTok said discussions were underway to address the situation, although it did not identify the parties involved or disclose when affected users could expect full restoration of access.
The disruption, which reportedly began in September, has left some users relying on virtual private networks (VPNs) to access the platform. Others reported that their internet connections continued to support different applications while TikTok remained inaccessible. However, these experiences have not established whether the problem stems from telecommunications networks, technical faults or an intentional restriction by another party.
TikTok’s response has provided some clarification about its position but left key questions unanswered, particularly regarding the cause of the disruption and the timeline for resolving it. The development has also heightened concerns about reliable internet access and digital participation in the affected states, as users await further information from the company and other relevant stakeholders.
