TikTok users in northern Nigeria turn to VPNs as access disruption sparks legal challenge

In Kano, Nasir Abba Abdullahi has found a way to keep using TikTok when the app stops working. It involves switching on a virtual private network (VPN), and hoping the connection holds.

“We have been struggling on it, but it is not working,” he said of the disruption. “Sometimes it is working, and sometimes it is not working.”

Abdullahi says the problem has affected users in Kano, although he cannot explain what is causing it. His workaround, however, appears to help.

Last updated: October 12, 2026