A coalition of 12 civil society organisations (CSOs) has requested that the federal government urgently investigate the prolonged disruption of access to TikTok in parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly Kaduna, Kebbi, Kano and Sokoto states.

In a joint statement, they lamented that the disruption, which reportedly began around mid-September 2026, had continued for over two weeks, leaving users unable to load the platform or use or upload content via ordinary mobile data connections.

Consequently, the CSOs called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the affected state governments, telecommunications operators, and TikTok to urgently investigate the matter and publish their findings.

The 12 organisations, including the Accountability Lab Nigeria, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), and Digital Africa Research and Safety Lab (DigiAfricaLab), said the disruption, which remains unclear, was affecting citizens who use TikTok for communication, business and other activities.

According to the statement, the absence of an explanation from relevant authorities and service providers has heightened concerns over the disruption, particularly given the growing importance of digital platforms to economic and civic activities.

Also demanding that any government involvement in the disruption should be made public, the group warned that any intentional restriction of access to TikTok or any other Internet platform should have a clear legal basis and comply with applicable human rights standards.