The Best VPNs for Nigeria in [June, 2024]

The Best VPNs for Nigeria in [June, 2021]

Why you need a VPN in Nigeria

The number of people using the internet in Nigeria has increased rapidly since 2005, from 5 million users to well over 67 million people recently. Nigeria’s constitution provides protection for freedom of speech, including freedom of the press for journalists. In actuality, though, it seems that the government does interfere or restrict these rights.

Militant groups in Nigeria have threatened media outlets and journalists, even killing members of the press. Because of this inherent risk, most journalists practice self-censorship instead of publicly criticizing the group or the Nigerian government’s seeming inability to stop the group. Reporting about political corruption is severely limited, too. In the last decade, several journalists have been arrested and charged for publishing information that criticizes the government. International watchdog Reporters Without Borders places Nigeria at 116th place out of all the countries in the world, in their 2016 World Press Freedom Index.

Beyond self-censorship, most people living in Nigeria are accessing the internet in public locales like cafes and schools. Using WiFi without reinforced protection is always an open invitation for cyber threats from hackers who are looking to obtain personal information easily. Further, because of the country’s corruption and place as a stronghold for militant groups, many websites may block their content from reaching users in the country.

Avoiding self-censorship and content blocking by using a VPN in Nigeria

Because many journalists, and indeed civilians and laypeople, may self-censor their thoughts or criticisms of local government in various media outlets, it’s vital for them to have a way to share unfiltered information with the world. The best way to do this is via the internet – though they must be careful.

Using software called a VPN, or virtual private network, is the best way to encrypt data. By encrypting data, the government isn’t able to tell where information came from because it’s much harder to trace.

VPNs work by changing the assigned IP address of a user. IP addresses indicate what country a user is currently in. Using a VPN, however, users are able to appear online as if they’re from another country. This allows internet users to access content that is otherwise blocked.

5 Best VPNs for Nigeria in 2024

Nigeria’s online freedom is uncertain. While the government maintains there is no censorship, journalists and bloggers got arrested for voicing conflicting political views in the past. A VPN with rock-solid privacy features and a global network can help you stay anonymous online.

After testing 82 VPNs, I finally discovered the best ones for Nigeria that are powerful enough to access content in and outside of Nigeria (including Netflix US and IROKOTV) without slowing down your connection. Not only that, but you can avoid government monitoring and protect your online privacy.

ExpressVPN is my top choice because of its military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and thousands of super-fast servers worldwide.You can try ExpressVPN with complete confidence as it’s supported by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Every device that browses the web has an IP address. This serves to identify the host or network and the approximate location. A VPN can protect your true IP address from being leaked, thus serving to disguise your location. Short for “virtual private network”, a VPN does this by encrypting your device’s web traffic and routing it through one of its servers.

It’s strongly recommended that you use a VPN in Nigeria for a number of reasons. In particular, using a quality paid VPN can improve online freedom without fear of being monitored by the state. Furthermore, a total of 21 sites were blocked in Nigeria in 2017, including the independent news outlet Naij.com. You’ll be able to unblock these by connecting to a VPN server located outside of Nigeria.

If you don’t want to wait any longer to find out the best VPNs for Nigeria in 2024, here’s a quick summary (but be sure to read on to find out more about each VPN):

  1. NordVPN: Our top choice for Nigeria. Vast network of servers worldwide. Extremely fast speeds and very strong security. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Surfshark: Best budget alternative. No connection limit, excellent at unblocking, and a suite of security extras.
  3. ExpressVPN: A great VPN for unblocking content in Nigeria. Lots of fast servers for high-quality streaming. Excellent apps and customer support.
  4. CyberGhost: Offers excellent overall security. Fast and consistent connections.
  5. IPVanish: Ideal for Kodi and Amazon Fire TV. Use on up to 10 devices.
  6. PrivateVPN: Super fast VPN for streaming Netflix. Strong security offering.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Nigeria in June 2024

  1. ExpressVPN — My #1 choice VPN has military-grade encryption and lightning-fast servers worldwide, so you can get around geo-restrictions while protecting your data from government eavesdropping. As a bonus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. IPVanish — Connect an Unlimited number of devices simultaneously, plus it can offer you a Nigerian IP address.
  3. CyberGhost — Easy-to-use VPN, with optimized servers for streaming content in and outside of Nigeria, but one-month plans are expensive.
  4. Private Internet Access — Thousands of servers worldwide, including Nigeria, for accessing local and global websites, but not all servers are reliable.
  5. PrivateVPN — Advanced security features for safe and private browsing, but no servers in Nigeria.

Best VPNs for Nigeria — Full Analysis (Updated in June 2024)

Few VPNs can avoid government surveillance without compromising your speed. To find the ones that do, I spent weeks researching and testing the best providers on the market.

My list of best VPNs for Nigeria hides your actual location and online activity by encrypting your traffic and routing it through a network of secure servers. What makes these VPNs stand out from all the rest is their ability to anonymously access international services and apps without slowing you down. Plus, all the VPNs on my list offer money-back guarantees and are easy to use.

1. ExpressVPN — Military-Grade Encryption to Protect Your Online Privacy

  • Server speed and location: The fastest VPN for Nigeria that I tested. 3,000 servers in 90 countries.
  • Security capability: AES 256-bit encryption and private DNS on every server
  • Data privacy: Strict no-logs policy and Network Lock kill switch
  • Money-back guarantee: 30 days
  • Can stream local and global content: Netflix (US), IROKOTV, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, and BBC iPlayer
  • Compatible with: Android, Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, and more
ExpressVPN’s latest deal June 2024: Get 3 months completely free on your annual subscription with this current offer! It’s not for certain when this deal will end so it’s best to check the deals page to see if it’s still available.

ExpressVPN is the most secure VPN I’ve ever tested and my top recommendation for keeping your personal information safe from government surveillance. The VPN uses obfuscated technology and military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to mask your actual location and online activity. Its kill switch (Network Lock) will automatically block all internet traffic from leaving your device if your VPN connection suddenly drops (although VPN failure is rare).

With ExpressVPN, your identity and DNS requests remain private. ExpressVPN directly controls your DNS requests, so hackers and marketers won’t know the type of information you’re looking for on the internet. Besides that, the VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands (not part of the global surveillance network), follows a strict no-logs policy, and has DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak protection. So, you can be confident that your browsing activity and identity won’t be compromised.

Bypass geo-restrictions and stream almost any content (from Netflix US to the latest Yoruba film on IROKOTV) with ExpressVPN’s 3,000 servers in 90 countries, including Algeria, and Egypt. Plus, with unlimited bandwidth and no data caps, you can avoid ISP throttling and seamlessly stream 1080p content.

Even though the VPN doesn’t have servers in Nigeria, it has many throughout Africa (Kenya and South Africa) for accessing your favorite streaming services when traveling abroad, like CGTN Africa, 3 Stones TV, Akili Kids! TV, and A24 news channel.

For the ultimate streaming experience, you need a VPN that won’t slow you down. I put ExpressVPN through some tough speed tests and was amazed at how fast it was. While visiting Nigeria, I could live stream sports on ESPN in HD without buffering. Even when connecting multiple devices at the same time, my speed remained consistently fast.

You can use ExpressVPN on up to 5 devices simultaneously, It’s also compatible with most operating systems, including Amazon Fire TV, and offers browser extensions for Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. ExpressVPN even has an app for manual installation on specific routers.

With so many advanced features, ExpressVPN is still super easy to use. It took me about 5 minutes to install, and when I clicked its Smart Location feature, I was immediately connected to the fastest server based on my location. If you do hit a snag, the VPN’s 24/7 live chat support is there to help.

Try ExpressVPN for yourself risk-free. If you don’t feel it’s the right service for you, you can get a full refund within the 30-day money-back guarantee period. I wanted to test the legitimacy of this guarantee, so I canceled my subscription via email after using the VPN for a few weeks. I received an almost immediate response that my request was processed and got my refund 3 days after that.

2. IPVanish — Protect All Your Devices Simultaneously With Unlimited Connections

  • Server speed and location: I achieved great results during my speed tests. 1,600 servers in 75 countries, including 5 in Nigeria, Lagos.
  • Security capability: Robust encryption and obfuscated technology
  • Data privacy: DNS leak protection and a kill switch
  • Money-back guarantee: 30 days
  • Can stream local and global content: Netflix (US & Nigeria), HBO Max, ESPN, and Kodi
  • Compatible with: Android, Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, and more
IPVanish Deal June 2024: It’s hard to find active IPVanish offers so I was really surprised to find this one! Click here to get 25% off your IPVanish subscription today! Discount automatically applied (no code required).

With IPVanish, you can connect an Unlimited number of devices simultaneously and only pay for one subscription. I wanted to test if this generous offer will affect the VPN’s efficiency, so I connected 20 devices (including my Amazon Fire TV) at once. The VPN’s overall network performance was just as good when connecting multiple devices as when only connected to one.

All your digital devices will be safe from hackers as IPVanish uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is virtually impossible to crack. Such protection is essential when using public WiFi networks, especially considering that Nigeria is one of the most scam-prone countries in the world.

Even though IPVanish is based in the US, your data won’t be shared with the Nigerian government or other third parties because none gets collected in the first place — the VPN follows a strict no-logs policy. IPVanish also has a kill switch and DNS/Pv6 leak protection to protect your personal information from accidental exposure. I didn’t detect any leaks during my tests, and my connection remained secure at all times.

With IPVanish’s 1,600 obfuscated servers in 75 countries, international services and apps are easily accessible. I could unblock my HBO Max account and use Kodi while in Nigeria. Plus, the VPN has 5 servers in Lagos, so you can get a Nigerian IP address and watch Silverbird Television and Fortis TVwhen traveling outside the country.

IPVanish provides the highest speed required for your favorite online activities. Its Best Server option (on the Quick Connect Screen) automatically connected me to the fastest available server. I could quickly download large files, game, and stream without delays.

You can try out all IPVanish features risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested it out, and after exchanging a couple of messages with a support agent, my money was back in my account within 5 working days.

3. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Streaming International and Nigerian Content

  • Server speed and location: Fast speeds for streaming. 7,400 servers in 91 countries, including 11 servers in Nigeria, Lagos
  • Security capability: AES 256-bit encryption and NoSpy servers
  • Data privacy: Automatic kill switch and leak-proof apps
  • Money-back guarantee: 45 days
  • Can stream local and global content: Netflix (US & Nigeria), IROKOTV, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, and BBC iPlayer
  • Compatible with: Android, Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, and more
June 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

CyberGhost is great for beginners because it’s easy to use and comes with 24/7 live chat support. I especially like its optimized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Choose a service from the left-hand menu (I selected ‘For streaming’), and a list of streaming platforms with their respective countries will appear on the right-hand side. Just click your preferred option (for example, United States Optimized for Amazon Prime) and start streaming.

With 7,400 servers in 91 countries, you’ll be spoilt for choice. CyberGhost also has servers in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria. So, you can access your local e-banking services and watch IROKOTV, Plus TV Africa, and TVC News while abroad.

While testing CyberGhost’s speed, I found that the VPN is super fast. I could watch Netflix US in HD without interruptions. Plus, the VPN doesn’t limit your bandwidth, so you can binge-watch as much as you want.

CyberGhost does more than provide a great streaming experience; it comes with strong security features. Its AES 256-bit encryption, DNS/IP leak protection, and kill switch keep you anonymous online. At the same time, your data is kept private with a zero-logs policy. Plus, the VPN is based in Romania, outside the 5/9/14 eyes alliance, and thus not subject to data retention laws. You can upgrade to the VPN’s NoSpy servers independently operated by the CyberGhost team for additional protection.

CyberGhost allows up to 7 connections at the same time and is compatible with most major operating systems and devices (including Amazon TV, Fire Stick, and routers). The VPN also comes with an ad-blocker that filters out annoying ads that zap your data. On mobile devices, you can activate its data compression tool to help further reduce data wastage.

Don’t be put off by CyberGhost’s expensive monthly subscriptions. The VPN offers a very affordable yearly plan and an extended money-back guarantee that provides you with about two additional weeks of testing.

You can try CyberGhost risk-free for 45 days, using its money-back guarantee. I was anticipating some attempt at conservation when I canceled my policy, but it was pretty straightforward. My refund got immediately processed, and the funds were back in my account after a few days.

4. Private Internet Access — Global Network to Access Websites in and Outside of Nigeria

  • Server speed and location: Fast speeds. 35,550 servers in 78 countries, including 26 in Nigeria
  • Security capability: Customizable encryption algorithm and MACE
  • Data privacy: Zero-logs policy and a kill switch
  • Money-back guarantee: 30 days
  • Can stream local and global content: Netflix (US & Nigeria), IROKOTV, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, and BBC iPlayer
  • Compatible with: Android, Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, and more
June 2024 Update: PIA doesn’t usually have deals or discounts (it’s already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 78% off!

Private Internet Access (PIA) has over 35,550 servers worldwide to give you access to almost any website and app. As Netflix US is notorious for blocking VPN traffic, I wanted to test PIA’s abilities. While not every US server I tried worked, with over 18,000 to choose from, it didn’t take me long to find one that gave me access.

The VPN can also offer you a Nigerian IP address, with 26 servers in the country. With so many servers in Nigeria, you don’t have to worry about congestion issues. If one server is slow, disconnect and connect to another one in the same region. PIA’s speed tests showed it to be fast enough for smooth browsing and streaming. Not only that, but all its servers work for P2P sharing and offer port forwarding for fast torrenting speeds.

Other than the standard no-logs policy, kill switch, and DNS leak protection, PIA security settings are fully customizable to suit your needs. For example, you can choose between AES 128 and 256 data encryption, or no encryption, depending on what you want to use the VPN for. However, if you’re not particularly interested in exploring different security methods, its default settings will keep your IP address hidden from government snoops and hackers. PIA also has an ad/tracker blocking tool (MACE) that you can switch on or off.

You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with one PIA account, which should be enough to safeguard all our devices. If you have more than 10 devices, you can manually install the VPN on your compatible router and protect every device connected to your home WiFi network. PIA offers a vast support portal (step-by-step guides, knowledgebase, and live chat) if you need assistance.

You can check if PIA provides everything you need, by using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. PrivateVPN — Strong Privacy Features for Safe and Anonymous Browsing

  • Server speed and location: Extremely fast connections. 86 servers in 63 countries
  • Security capability: Stealth mode and strong encryption
  • Data privacy: No-logs policy, kill switch, and DNS leak protection
  • Money-back guarantee: 30 days
  • Can stream local and global content: Netflix (US), Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, and BBC iPlayer
  • Compatible with: Android, Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, and more

With PrivateVPN’s Stealth mode, you can fly under the radar and avoid government restrictions. It further protects your privacy with the same level of encryption (AES 256-bit) used by powerful government agencies. And, despite the VPN being based in Sweden, PrivateVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy — none of your personally identifiable information will be collected or shared. You can even pay for your subscription using Bitcoin for an additional layer of anonymity.

Additionally, your privacy is kept safe from leaks by a kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. Take note that PrivateVPN only has a built-in kill switch for Windows, but you can set up a manual kill switch for your other devices by following the VPN’s step-by-step instructions.

PivateVPN’s network might be small, but its 86 servers are spread out all over the world in 63 countries and growing. While testing PrivateVPN, it found to be very reliable for getting around geo-restrictions. I could easily access my favorite streaming accounts, including Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

PrivateVPN proved itself fast enough for buffer-free streaming in HD. While the VPN doesn’t have servers in Nigeria, it has servers located in South Africa with which you can stream IROKOTV and Showtime. My speed barely decreased when connecting to a South African server from Nigeria.

The VPN allows up to 6 simultaneous connections, so you can use it on all your devices at once and even share it with family or friends. Plus, the VPN is compatible with most operating systems, so you can install it on your Mac or Windows computer, as well as any smartphone you own. This way, all your devices can remain secure.

You can try PrivateVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s a great way to test all its features without committing to a long-term purchase.

Quick Guide: How to Set Up a VPN for Nigeria

  1. Download a VPN that can securely bypass geo-restrictions with lightning-fast speeds. I recommend ExpressVPN for its global network of servers and military-grade encryption.
  2. Connect to a server of the country which content you want to access. For example, connect to a US server to stream shows from your Hulu account when visiting Nigeria.
  3. Start Browsing! Your identity and online activity are now protected while you enjoy the free internet.

Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Nigeria

I conducted numerous tests to find the best VPNs for Nigeria. All the VPNs I chose are highly secure and reliable, so you can surf the web without anyone tracking your activity. To find the best VPN that suits your requirements, you can use my checklist below:

  • Strong security. To ensure your personal information never falls into the wrong hands, I suggest using a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection.
  • Doesn’t keep logs. When using a VPN, you’ll want peace of mind knowing it doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, like your IP address, DNS requests, or even timestamps. All the VPNs on my list have strict no-logs policies, so they don’t have any of your information to hand over — even if requested to by the government.
  • Global network. To bypass geo-restrictions and access global content, like Netflix US, you need a VPN with servers worldwide. All the VPNs on my list can get around geoblocks; most also employ obfuscation (hides the fact that you’re using a VPN by making your traffic appear “normal”) to bypass VPN blocks.
  • Servers in Nigeria. Few VPNs can offer you a Nigerian IP address, which you’ll need to access Nigerian sites and apps when living or traveling abroad. I made sure to include VPNs with servers in Nigeria to access local services from anywhere.
  • Fast speeds. Avoid video buffering, slow downloads, and gaming lag by choosing a VPN that won’t slow down your connection. All my recommended VPNs are fast enough for uninterrupted streaming, torrenting, and gaming, even when connected to servers in faraway countries.
  • Money-back guarantee. To save yourself any risks when choosing a VPN, go for one with a money-back guarantee that lets you claim a refund if you’re not 100% satisfied. All the VPNs on my list have money-back guarantees of 30 days or more.

FAQs on VPNs in Nigeria

Are VPNs legal in Nigeria?

Yes, using a VPN in Nigeria is perfectly legal. In fact, it’s a great way to avoid being monitored by the government and other third parties. I suggest using one of the VPNs from my list, as they will all keep your online activity and identity private.

Why do you need a VPN for Nigeria?

If you want to avoid government surveillance and bypass geoblocks when visiting Nigeria, you need a VPN. In the past, the Nigerian government blocked many websites, including the popular news outlet Naij. On top of that, ISPs in the country must retain user data for up to 12 months and then hand it over to authorities upon request.

All the VPNs on my list include AES 25-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy that can help keep your online activity private.

What’s the best VPN for Facebook in Nigeria?

I recommend ExpressVPN, because it’s the fastest VPN for desktop and mobile devices. Plus, with thousands of secure servers in 90 countries, you’ll alway have access to Facebook in Nigeria. You can also rest easy knowing your information will remain private with ExpressVPN’s military-grade encryption, strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch.

Which VPN for Nigeria is the best for Android?

My top Android VPN recommendation is ExpressVPN. Not only does the VPN have a super easy-to-use Android app, but it’s also compatible with all Android devices (including Android TV) and offers a secure APK install. You can safely connect to any public WiFI network in Nigeria with ExpressVPN’s military-grade encryption. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it with confidence.

Can I use a free VPN in Nigeria?

Yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. To make money, free VPNs usually either sell your data to third parties or limit features, forcing you to upgrade and pay for the full version. There are also very few free VPNs that can unblock streaming services such as Netflix US and Hulu. To remain safe online and enjoy unlimited access to the internet, take advantage of the money-back guarantees provided by the VPNs from my list.

How can I get a Nigerian IP address?

By choosing a VPN with servers in Nigeria and connecting to such a server, you can get a Nigerian IP address. I suggest Private Internet Access (PIA), as it has 26 servers in Nigeria.

The Bottom Line

If you want to avoid online monitoring by the Nigerian government and get around geo-restrictions, choose a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption, obfuscated technology, and servers worldwide. I recommend ExpressVPN because of its powerful unblocking capabilities and high-level security features. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

 

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