A growing controversy over reported difficulties accessing TikTok in parts of northern Nigeria has prompted civil society organisations to demand an independent investigation into what they described as an unexplained disruption of the popular social media platform.
The groups said users in Kaduna, Kebbi, Kano and Sokoto had experienced problems accessing TikTok since September 14, with many reportedly unable to load videos, watch content or upload materials using ordinary mobile-data connections.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, the organisations said the problem appeared to cut across different telecommunications networks. Some affected users, they noted, were reportedly able to access the platform after switching to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
But the coalition cautioned against jumping to conclusions, saying its preliminary checks had not established whether the disruption was caused by a technical fault, unusual network routing, deliberate blocking or another form of interference.
The Communications Officer of Media Rights Agenda, Idowu Adewale, said the prolonged nature of the reported disruption made it necessary for the relevant authorities to establish what was happening and provide the public with a clear explanation.
He said an unexplained interruption of access to a major digital platform could have consequences beyond social media, particularly for journalists, businesses, civil society organisations, content creators and members of the public who rely on digital platforms for communication and information.
The coalition called on the Nigerian Communications Commission, National Information Technology Development Agency and Office of the National Security Adviser to investigate the situation, while urging telecommunications operators, internet service providers, TikTok and relevant government authorities to participate in the process.
It specifically requested that authorities disclose any directive, request or order issued by government that may have affected TikTok access, including the legal authority behind such action, its geographical coverage, duration and purpose.
The groups also want telecommunications operators to improve communication with customers whenever significant network interruptions occur, arguing that users should not be left to rely on speculation while trying to understand why a service has suddenly become inaccessible.
To determine the technical cause, the coalition proposed independent testing for possible DNS interference, IP or domain blocking, throttling, routing abnormalities and application-specific filtering.
It also called on TikTok to state whether any problems on its own systems, infrastructure changes or routing issues could have contributed to the reported difficulties in northern Nigeria.
The coalition further urged authorities to protect journalists, researchers and civil society groups investigating or documenting the disruption through lawful means. It also cautioned against broad restrictions on VPN services simply because some users had employed them to regain access to TikTok.
Beyond the immediate controversy, the organisations are pushing for a nationwide protocol that would require major internet disruptions to be promptly communicated, investigated and publicly reported.
They said such a system would help prevent rumours, reduce uncertainty and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria's digital infrastructure.
The coalition also demanded that any eventual investigation should produce a public report identifying the affected locations and networks, establishing the technical cause, determining whether any government action was involved and outlining measures taken to prevent a recurrence.
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.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!