Popular TikToker Habeeb Hamzat, also known as Peller, has denied that the country’s restriction on TikTok live streaming at night will affect him financially.
Chronicle NG reports that TikTok temporarily blocked access to its LIVE feature for Nigerian users during late-night hours, issuing an in-app alert to producers as part of an ongoing safety inquiry.
At midnight (Nigerian time) on Sunday, the site sent out a system notification headlined “LIVE Notices – TikTok LIVE Update in Nigeria.”
The message read, “We’re temporarily limiting LIVE late at night in Nigeria as part of our investigation to ensure our platform remains safe and our community stays protected.”
The interim restriction also prevented Nigerian customers from seeing LIVE broadcasts from other countries during the restricted hours.
Peller responded in a video uploaded on his Instagram page on Monday, saying many detractors expected him to break down or “go hungry” because the live night sessions had been canceled.
According to him, such assumptions misunderstand the breadth of his income sources and the strength of his brand outside of TikTok.
“People are expecting me to be crying after TikTok banned live in Nigeria, thinking I’ll go hungry. I’m an ambassador to numerous brands, and none of my endorsements is less than ₦40 million,” he said.
Peller emphasized that he works with various credible brands and has established a digital presence that is not simply reliant on TikTok profits.
He stated that, while the platform has increased his awareness, his financial stability is derived from long-term collaborations and endorsements.
The content producer also stated that he routinely gives back to his fans, saying that he frequently redistributes goods received during livestreams through giveaways.
Peller also emphasized TikTok’s significance in youth empowerment, stating that the platform has enabled many young Nigerians to expand their audiences and income faster than other social media platforms.
“Many people will grow on TikTok. You can’t grow on Instagram the same way. Before you make it there, you will post plenty… TikTok is easier to grow on,” he said.
Speaking on the ban and on previous calls to restrict nighttime livestreams, Peller argued that many critics do not understand how significantly TikTok contributes to the livelihoods of emerging creators.
“Those girls who want them to ban the TikTok night livestream, you will still be on TikTok every day,” he said, warning that such restrictions could disrupt engagement and income for thousands of users.
He asked authorities and platform management to evaluate the economic consequences of livestreaming, pointing out that TikTok is still one of the most accessible platforms for young Nigerians seeking visibility, revenue, and digital chances.
