TikTok has denied restricting access to its platform in parts of Northern Nigeria, following reports of disruptions affecting users in Kaduna, Kebbi, Kano, and Sokoto states.
The platform’s Head of Communications for Sub-Saharan Africa, Keagile Makgoba, said in a statement on Monday that the reported restriction was not imposed by the company.
“We can confirm that this restriction was not implemented by TikTok,” she said.
Makgoba added that TikTok was engaging relevant stakeholders to address the access difficulties, reaffirming the company’s commitment to ensuring that users could access its services.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had earlier reported that a coalition of civil society organisations called for an independent investigation into the disruption, which reportedly began on September 14.
According to the coalition, users in the four states had experienced difficulties loading videos, viewing content, and uploading materials.
The organisations urged relevant authorities and telecommunications operators to investigate the cause and clarify whether the disruption resulted from a government directive or a technical issue.
Although TikTok has distanced itself from the reported restriction, the cause of the access difficulties remains unclear.
