5 Best VPNs for Nigeria in 2024

Internet freedom in Nigeria has been on the decline recently, with the Nigerian government blocking plenty of content and social media platforms. The country is even considering passing a bill that would give the government increased ability to enforce censorship. There are also reports of bloggers and journalists being surveilled and arrested. 

Then you have the problem of accessing global content that is blocked due to regional restrictions. On top of that, in 2019, 60% of Nigerian websites suffered from cyberattacks. Luckily, you can bypass all these issues with the best VPN for Nigeria! A VPN will protect you from surveillance and hacking, bypass censorship, and unblock both global content. 

In this article, we’ll share the 5 best Nigeria VPN providers and teach you how to use them. Also, we’ll discuss why you may need a VPN in Nigeria and how to choose the best provider. We’ll wrap up our guide with some FAQs. 

Best Nigeria VPNs - Our Shortlist

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Nigeria in 2024
2. NordVPN – Best Nigeria VPN with Impressive Security
3. CyberGhost VPN – Provider with the Most Servers in Nigeria
4. Private Internet Access – Largest Server Fleet on the Market
5. Surfshark – Easy-to-Use Fast and Secure VPN

How to Use a VPN in Nigeria

To use a VPN in Nigeria, you need to find a reliable VPN provider that has servers in the country, download it, and install it on your preferred device. Here are some easy-to-follow steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN that works in Nigeria (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on the device(s) you’ll use.
3. Open the VPN app and log in with your credentials.
4. Connect to a Nigeria server (or anywhere else you want to access content).
5. That’s it! You can now bypass all restrictions and surf the Web securely.

The Best VPNs for Nigeria in 2024

To find the best VPN for Nigeria, follow the criteria from our guide to the top VPNs with the most servers. Your VPN must unblock websites inside and outside Nigeria, such as Nairaland, Showmax, and the best Netflix and Amazon Prime libraries. Therefore, a provider with an extensive global server network and Nigerian servers is a must.  

Moreover, look for obfuscation to hide VPN usage, a kill switch that will cut your connection if the VPN fails, AES-256 encryption, robust VPN protocols, and an audited no-logs policy, so you can ensure it doesn’t collect personal information. It should also deliver fast speeds and stable performance.

The provider you choose should have numerous simultaneous connections and work with devices like PCs, smartphones, tablets, laptops, routers, and gaming consoles. Furthermore, you should always look for 24/7 customer support and a generous money-back guarantee for a risk-free journey. 

Based on these criteria, here are the 5 best VPNs in Nigeria:

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Nigeria in 2024

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Nigeria because it has a vast server range of 3,000+ servers in 94 countries. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have servers in Nigeria, but you can connect to its Egyptian or Kenyan servers for access to local African content. You can also unblock global streaming libraries from services like Netflix, Showmax, and Amazon Prime. 

Prioritizing your security, ExpressVPN provides obfuscation on many servers to hide that you’re using a VPN and a kill switch feature to cut your Internet if the VPN connection drops. It also has an independently audited no-logs policy, robust AES-256 encryption, and VPN protocols like its unique Lightway protocol, as well as OpenVPN and IKEv2. 

ExpressVPN satisfies users with its breakneck speeds and reliable overall performance. It allows you to make 8 simultaneous connections. That said, you can use this VPN on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, PC, or even gaming console. It’s capable of being installed on a router, too, which will protect your entire network and all the devices connected to it.

Furthermore, ExpressVPN has reliable customer support that is always available and effectively solves all issues. On top of that, you can try its services risk free thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee that gives you a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with your experience.

2. NordVPN – Best Nigeria VPN with Impressive Security

NordVPN employs 5,800+ servers in 60 countries, allowing you to bypass censorship restrictions. It doesn’t have servers in Nigeria, but it does provide servers in Egypt and Kenya that will unblock local African content and global libraries from streamers like Netflix, Showmax, and Amazon Prime. 

You will also enjoy impressive online privacy and security. This is because NordVPN has obfuscated servers, a kill switch, strong VPN protocols (NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2), AES-256 encryption, and an independently audited no-logs policy.

NordVPN works with various devices, allowing you to activate it on a smartphone, PC, tablet, laptop, gaming console, and more. Even better, you can enjoy up to 6 simultaneous connections. Unfortunately, this Nigeria VPN is a bit slower than ExpressVPN, but it still provides medium-fast speeds and reliable performance. 

Another amazing perk is that you can first test NordVPN’s services for 30 days because it employs a money-back guarantee that gives a full refund within this period. But you will also get help from the expert customer support the VPN includes in all its plans.  

3. CyberGhost VPN – Provider with the Most Servers in Nigeria

CyberGhost is one of the VPN providers that can grant you a Nigeria IP address. Thanks to its 9,600+ servers in 91 countries, you can unblock popular global content like Netflix, Showmax, and Amazon Prime libraries. It also has 13 Nigerian servers that help you access local services like Nairaland. 

One drawback is that CyberGhost lacks obfuscation. Still, this provider is sufficient for bypassing censorship. You’ll also benefit from AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, an audited no-logs policy, and WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols.

CyberGhost is also a fast VPN with consistent performance that supports numerous devices. You can install it on your PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, router, or any gaming device. More so, this VPN accepts up to 7 connections at the same time. 

Lastly, CyberGhost has 24/7 customer support and a 14-day money-back guarantee for its monthly plan. You can also take advantage of its 45-day money-back guarantee on longer-term plans.

4. Private Internet Access – Largest Server Fleet on the Market

Private Internet Access VPN (PIA) offers the largest server network in the industry. It has thousands of servers located in 84 countries. PIA is a VPN with Nigerian IP availability, as it has Nigerian servers in one location that provide access to local websites like Nairaland. It also unblocks international content, such as Showmax, Netflix, and Amazon Prime libraries. 

PIA is a bit slower than the other providers we cover. However, its overall performance is pretty decent. Thanks to its impressive security features, you’ll get obfuscation, AES-256 encryption, a court-proven no-logs policy, a kill switch, and robust VPN protocols, such as WireGuard and OpenVPN.

This provider comes with unlimited simultaneous connections and works smoothly with all devices. You can enjoy streaming or any other activity on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, PC, or gaming devices. 

What’s more, PIA strengthens its reputation with its 24/7 customer support. Besides this, it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee in all of its plans. Therefore, you can try out the VPN first and then decide whether you want to continue using it.  

5. Surfshark – Easy-to-Use Fast and Secure VPN

Surfshark offers 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, including one location in Nigeria. Moreover, this VPN with Nigeria IP address access effectively unblocks global content libraries (Showmax, Netflix, and Amazon Prime) and gives you access to local content like Nairaland.

What’s more, Surfshark comes with blazing-fast speeds and stable VPN connections that contribute to an overall impressive VPN performance. More so, it offers robust obfuscation, a kill switch feature, AES-256 encryption, an audited no-logs policy, and VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. 

Surfshark is compatible with various devices, such as PCs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles. The best part is that it supports unlimited simultaneous connections, which enable you to connect as many devices as you want on one VPN account. 

In addition, Surfshark has reliable customer support that will guide you through all your issues. Lastly, this VPN provides a generous 30-day money-back guarantee that will give you a full refund if you’re not satisfied with its services. 

Why Do You Need a VPN in Nigeria?

You need a VPN in Nigeria because the country doesn’t have complete freedom on the Internet, and you can’t access all worldwide sites and services. But let’s check out other reasons:

• Hide Your Browsing Activity – As Nigeria imposes censorship on ethnic discussion and political opposition, you should hide your browsing activity with a VPN so you can access such content safely. 
• Mask Your IP Address – ISPs can monitor, collect, and disclose your information to the Nigerian government. Luckily, a VPN encrypts your data and replaces your real IP with a different one.  
• Bypass Bandwidth Throttling – If you excessively use the Internet for the same activities, you may face bandwidth throttling. To prevent your ISP from interfering, employ a VPN to hide your data usage.
• Evade Price Discrimination – Many companies and services display different prices based on your location. Use a VPN to change location and get the best deals.
• Avoid Local Censorship – Websites, social media platforms, and movies that include political opposition and immorality are banned in Nigeria. Roulette, dice games, non-skilled card games, and popular crypto platforms like Binance are also unavailable. However, a VPN allows you to bypass censorship.
• Access Global Content – Many popular streaming platforms are unavailable due to geo-restrictions. A VPN will allow you to access shows and movies from around the world. 
• Connect Safely to Public Wi-Fi – Hacking can happen when you connect to a public Wi-Fi network with weak security. Implement a VPN with encryption to prevent unauthorized data access.
• Enhance Your Gaming Experience – Some game servers are preferred over others because they have less-skilled players, more skins, and better features. With the best VPN for Nigeria, you can connect to any gaming server worldwide.
• Protect Online Shopping – As online shopping requires the sharing of confidential information, such as transaction data and your location, you need a VPN that will keep you safe by encrypting your traffic. 
• Browse from Home While Traveling – Suppose you’re traveling outside Nigeria and want to open local websites, such as Legit and Nairaland. Use a VPN to conceal your actual location so you can bypass geo-blocks.
• Securely Download Torrents – Distributing copyrighted content is illegal in Nigeria, and the government monitors all your online activities, so you could get in trouble for torrenting. Luckily, a VPN will help you overcome this issue by encrypting your traffic.

How to Choose the Best VPN for Nigeria?

To choose the best VPN for Nigeria, you must consider its server size and unblocking abilities. Here is a detailed list of the essential criteria to evaluate:

• Server Network Size – Look for a VPN with a wide global server network covering many countries, including Nigeria. This will ensure you can get a Nigeria IP.
• Performance and Speed – It’s important to find a VPN that has consistently high speeds, stable connections, and reliable performance. This will help minimize ping and keep latency in check. 
• Ability to Unblock Geo-Restricted Services – Your chosen VPN should have Nigerian servers for unblocking local sites like Nairaland and Legit. It should also be able to access global geo-restricted content, such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix libraries.
• Obfuscated Servers – In order to bypass online censorship and geo-restrictions, you need a VPN with obfuscated servers that will hide your VPN traffic and mask it as regular HTTP traffic. 
• Kill Switch Mechanism – A kill switch feature immediately cuts your connection if the VPN or the server you’re using fails so that your data and true location are never exposed.
• Privacy and Security – A suitable VPN should offer military-grade encryption, an audited no-logs policy, and strong VPN protocols to ensure maximum privacy and security levels.
• Simultaneous Connections – Having a provider with numerous simultaneous connections is a must if you want to connect multiple devices to the same VPN account.
• Supported Devices – You need to find a VPN compatible with PCs, laptops, mobiles, tablets, routers, and even gaming consoles, so you can safely enjoy any online activity.
• Money-Back Guarantee – Before committing to a VPN long term, it would help to test its services. A money-back period of at least 30 days is ideal. 
• Customer Support – The VPN you choose must provide knowledgeable customer support available 24/7 via live chat to assist you with any potential issue.

Can You Use a Free VPN in Nigeria?

Yes, you can use a free VPN in Nigeria, although we don’t recommend it. Even the best free VPNs can pose some severe risks. Their server fleets are usually limited, so they may not unblock all websites and platforms you want to visit. Additionally, they lack advanced security features and can reveal your location. 

Another reason not to use a free VPN is that they often sell data to third parties and cause data leaks. Besides this, free VPN providers are slow, so they can increase ping rates. Moreover, you won’t find a free VPN with Nigeria servers, so you won’t be able to use one to get a Nigeria IP address.

Therefore, we recommend utilizing a paid premium VPN. You can check out our article about the best VPN services for some excellent choices that offer vast server networks, effective bypassing of online censorship, access to local and global services, and incredible speeds. 

Final Thoughts

Nigeria has partial Internet freedom due to government surveillance and censorship. Besides this, you may have trouble accessing global websites due to geo-restrictions, and local content is usually unavailable outside the country. Moreover, Nigerians don’t have the best online security. Luckily, you can use a VPN to overcome all these frustrations. 

We recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for Nigeria. Although it doesn’t offer Nigerian servers, you can connect to servers in nearby African countries and gain access to local content. Its massive global fleet also lets you access any international websites. What makes ExpressVPN even better are its security features and lightning-fast speeds. 

That’s all for our guide on the best VPN for Nigeria. If you have any questions, please provide them in our comment section below. Thank you for reading!