TikTok removes 3.6 million videos in Nigeria as moderation efforts ramp up 🇳🇬📱

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Facing growing scrutiny from regulators and users alike, TikTok is stepping up its moderation game in Nigeria. Between January and March 2025, the platform removed more than 3.6 million videos that violated its policies — a record number that highlights both TikTok’s rapid user growth in the country and the increasing pressure digital platforms face from local authorities.

Content removals are surging 🚫

The number of videos taken down in Nigeria has surged in just a few months. From January to March 2025, TikTok removed 3.6 million pieces of content — up from 2.4 million in the previous quarter. That’s a 50% jump in takedowns, signaling a clear push by the company to address mounting concerns over harmful content.

This isn’t just a local trend. Globally, TikTok removed more than 211 million videos in the same period. The increase reflects the growing reliance on automated detection systems that can act on problematic content even before users report it.

AI-driven moderation is taking the lead 🤖

TikTok is betting heavily on AI-powered moderation. Thanks to its detection algorithms, the company says 98.4% of the videos removed in Nigeria were flagged before any human intervention — that is, before a user manually reported them.

This proactive approach allows TikTok to respond more quickly to violent posts, hate speech, scams, and other policy violations. According to TikTok’s moderation team, the goal is to keep the platform safe and respectful without stifling free expression. Still, critics argue that AI doesn’t always do a great job distinguishing between nuanced content and actual violations — especially in complex social or political contexts.

Tackling sensitive content head-on 🎯

Most of the removed videos touched on sensitive topics. TikTok specifically targeted posts promoting violence, cyberbullying, misinformation, and content related to self-harm or suicidal ideation. These issues are a top concern for Nigerian regulators, who have often accused social media platforms of failing to act on dangerous or misleading content.

TikTok also took down coordinated influence operations. In March 2025, the company shut down 129 accounts tied to covert campaigns across West Africa — a sign it’s taking disinformation and organized manipulation seriously.

With 37.4 million users as of January — nearly 16% of Nigeria’s population — TikTok is now one of the country’s top social platforms, second only to Facebook. That popularity, especially among young adults, is drawing even more attention from authorities. In response to growing concerns over online harms, Nigeria has begun tightening its digital regulation framework, aiming to hold foreign platforms more accountable and better protect its citizens from online abuse.

A regional shift toward tougher regulation ⚖️

Nigeria isn’t the only country pushing back. TikTok is facing mounting pressure across Africa, with some governments imposing restrictions or outright bans. Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Senegal have all taken steps to limit access to the app, accusing it of spreading immoral content or encouraging destabilizing behavior.

In this tense regulatory climate, TikTok is working hard to show good faith. By strengthening its moderation policies, the platform hopes to maintain its appeal among young users while avoiding sanctions that could threaten its future in the region. But balancing government demands, regulatory scrutiny, and its core identity remains a delicate act.

TikTok’s challenge in Africa — and in Nigeria especially — is to keep users safe without crushing the creativity and open expression that make the platform so popular. While moderation tools are expanding, the company must ensure it doesn’t smother the community vibe that drives engagement. In a continent where youth culture is hungry for new forms of expression, TikTok finds itself caught between two mandates: to clean up the feed and to keep the fun alive. Nigeria, it seems, is where that balance will be tested most.

👉🏽How do you feel about TikTok’s evolving moderation strategy in Nigeria? Is the platform striking the right balance between safety and free speech? Share your thoughts in the comments.