How to get a Nigerian IP address from anywhere

Going abroad is great. You know what isn’t? Losing access to all of your favorite shows. Many services (including Netflix and Prime Video) change their content depending on your location, and some content isn’t available outside of Nigeria at all. The good news is that it’s easy to spoof your location and regain access to Nigerian content while traveling.

All you have to do is pick a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that has Nigerian servers. A VPN changes your IP address, making it seem like you’re still in Nigeria, even when you’re somewhere else entirely. Better yet, VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, which stops wifi hotspots, your ISP, and the government from seeing what you do online.

Here’s a brief rundown of the top VPNs for getting a Nigerian IP address. Scroll down for more details if any catch your eye:

1. CyberGhost: Our first choice VPN for a Nigerian IP. More than a dozen ultra-fast Nigerian servers and a great set of security tools. Includes a 45-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
2. Surfshark: The best low-cost option. Speedy and privacy conscious, with no connection limit. A great choice for anyone looking to stream or torrent.
3. PrivateVPN: A no-logs provider with a very limited presence in Africa. Still, it delivers steady speeds and allows you to connect up to 10 devices at a time.
4. ProtonVPN: This privacy-focused VPN boasts very high speeds, 24/7 customer support, and strong streaming ability. Connect its Nigerian server on the paid plan.
5. Private Internet Access: Quick and reliable, with plenty of customizable security features. Works with IBAKATV and Africa Magic, among other services. Protects every device you own.

How to access Nigerian services while traveling

It’s easier than you might expect to change your IP address when you travel abroad. If you follow the steps below, you can get an IP address from Nigeria in a matter of minutes.

1. Begin by choosing a reputable VPN provider. We recommend CyberGhost, but Surfshark and PrivateVPN are great alternatives.
2. Download and install the app onto any device you use regularly. Most VPNs let you connect at least five devices simultaneously.
3. Log in and select one of the available servers in Nigeria.
4. Wait a few seconds until the VPN is fully connected. From this point on, all of your traffic is encrypted and you should be able to use Nigeria-only services from anywhere. The VPN stays connected in the background until you turn it off.
5. Having issues? In that case, we’d suggest clearing your browser’s cache and cookies to get rid of any old location data that might be causing problems. Alternatively, contact your VPN’s customer support team for one-on-one assistance.

Finding the best VPNs for the job

Commercial VPNs tend to focus on providing as many European or North American servers as possible. Africa is almost always under-represented, and very few VPNs operate servers in Nigeria specifically. On top of that, the VPNs we recommend must meet our security and performance standards. Here are a few key features our top picks share:

• Operates at least one server in Nigeria (though ideally more)
• High speeds in our latest tests
• Capable of streaming, torrenting, and handling other day-to-day activities
• Keeps you safe with uncrackable encryption and a no-logs policy
• Has apps for all popular operating systems
• Offers live chat-based customer support

The best VPNs for getting an IP address from Nigeria

Let’s dive right in with a closer look at our top pick, CyberGhost:

1. CyberGhost

Jul 2024

CyberGhost is our top pick. It offers access to more than 10,000 servers in 100 countries, with around a dozen in Nigeria. The VPN is lightning-fast, making it extremely well-suited to tasks like torrenting or streaming. You’ll be able to watch DStv, Africa Magic, and more. In the unlikely event that you run into trouble, support staff are ready to help, day or night, over live chat.

When it comes to security, CyberGhost doesn’t disappoint. It uses 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, automatic tracker-blocking, and a kill switch to make sure that your activities can’t be revealed under any circumstances. This company also has a no-logs policy and has been audited multiple times to prove it. If you’d like a little more control over your privacy, you can create custom smart rules that govern what the VPN does in specific situations.

CyberGhost has its own Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Linux apps. Alternatively, you can manually install it on most home routers to bypass the seven-connection limit.

BEST VPN FOR A NIGERIAN IP:CyberGhost is the best way to get a Nigerian IP address. It’s speedy, secure, and capable of accessing a huge range of geo-blocked sites. It offers around-the-clock customer support and a risk-free 45-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our detailed CyberGhost review.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best way to get a Nigerian IP address on a budget. Despite its low price, it offers exceptionally high speeds and allows you to connect as many devices as you like. Further, Surfshark has a larger presence in this part of the world than many of its rivals, with servers in Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Algeria, and South Africa. We were able to use platforms like DStv and SuperSport without any issues, although we couldn’t access Nigerian Netflix.

This VPN keeps your online activities hidden using uncrackable encryption, leak protection, and an independently-verified zero-logs policy. It has built-in ad and tracker-blocking, an option to periodically change your IP address, and a NoBorders mode. These features help you browse safely in countries with strict digital censorship. Customer support staff are on-hand 24/7 over live chat and email.

Surfshark apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. It’s possible to manually configure the VPN on routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an affordable, zero-logs VPN with speedy Nigerian servers and 24/7 support. Doesn’t compromise on security and works with a huge range of international streaming services. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more details, read our complete Surfshark review.

3. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has a fairly small network, with roughly 200 servers in 63 countries. Of these, there’s just one in Nigeria and one in South Africa. However, it’d be a mistake to write this provider off so soon. Not only is it fast, it works with a huge range of streaming services including Prime Video, DStv, and more. There’s a high connection limit too, allowing you to secure your whole household with a single subscription.

By default, PrivateVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol, which is currently considered uncrackable. Additionally, it prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks, and has a customizable kill switch so that you can close certain programs when your connection drops. The VPN boasts a stealth mode, which allows you to browse without alerting your ISP and other snoops that the VPN is in use. PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any logs and offers live chat-based support at most times of the day.

PrivateVPN offers apps for MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. If you’d like to use it on Linux systems or your wireless router, you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions.

PRIVACY FIRST:PrivateVPN goes the extra mile to keep your data secure. Only has a couple of African servers, but delivers decent speeds and works with most streaming platforms. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Still have questions? Find answers in our PrivateVPN review.

4. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN offers access to 3,000+ servers in around 70 countries. One server is in Nigeria, though it routes your traffic via Sweden first. This ensures that your activities can’t be exposed even if the Nigerian government seizes the server, but as a tradeoff, you can expect slightly slower speeds. Up to 10 simultaneous connections are permitted and if you’re having trouble, you can contact support staff at any time via live chat.

Proton is known for its strong commitment to security. Connections are protected by the WireGuard protocol, 256-bit encryption, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. The VPN apps include a kill switch, automatic tracker-blocking, and accelerator feature that claims to speed up your connection. Crucially, ProtonVPN refuses to store any data that could identify you, a fact that has been repeatedly verified by independent auditors.

ProtonVPN customers can install its apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, or Linux. You could also choose to manually configure it for use with certain routers.

BROWSE SAFELY:ProtonVPN is a reliable service with plenty of advanced security tools. It’s quick, versatile, and able to beat governmental censorship in Nigeria. It could benefit from more servers in Africa. On the plus side, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why not take a look at our comprehensive ProtonVPN review?

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access has servers in 91 countries including Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa. With high speeds and no bandwidth limits, you shouldn’t notice any performance issues even during peak times. Further, PIA works with plenty of international streaming platforms including DStv, meaning you’ll never be short of something to watch. Customer support staff are available 24/7 and users can protect every device they own simultaneously.

This VPN is perfect for anyone who likes to tinker. It offers adjustable encryption levels, customizable DNS and remote port tools, and built-in tracker-blocking. Naturally, there’s a kill switch, no-logs policy, and leak protection as well. Private Internet Access doesn’t have a stealth mode, though, so it may be a less reliable option if you’re visiting a country with extreme censorship, like China.

Private Internet Access has apps for iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. Manual configuration is required for routers.

SPEEDY NIGERIAN SERVERS:Private Internet Access is quick enough for any day-to-day task and has all the tools you’ll need to stay secure. Multiple servers in Nigeria, as well as 24/7 live chat and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our full Private Internet Access review.

Methodology: How we chose the top VPNs for getting a Nigerian IP address

There are surprisingly few VPNs with Nigerian servers. Finding them is just the first step. We make sure they’re capable of providing a high level of security and reliable connections. Here’s a quick rundown of our must-have criteria:

• Servers in Nigeria: Without these, you can’t get a Nigerian IP address. Ideally, there’d be several to choose from, plus servers in another 60 or so countries. We also looked into whether these servers were virtual or physical, since this determines which country’s laws apply to your data.
• Consistent speeds: Slow speeds can prevent websites from loading properly and may even see your VPN connection drop, which can reveal your activities to anyone monitoring the network. We perform regular speed testing to make sure we only recommend the quickest VPNs on the market.
• Usability: If you’re trying to access Nigeria-only services, you’ll need a VPN that can avoid detection; access platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and SuperSport; bypass blocks on video-calling; and protect you while torrenting.
• Security and privacy: Nigeria’s government spends more on surveillance tech than any other African country. Our top VPNs must offer uncrackable encryption, leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy (preferably one that’s verified by third-party auditors).
• Customer support: When something goes wrong, a good support team makes all the difference. We strongly prefer VPNs with live chat-based assistance, extensive help sections on their websites, and manual connection guides for users in censorship-heavy countries.

This is actually just one small part of our process. If you’d like to learn more, take a look at our VPN testing methodology post.

VPNs and Nigeria: Frequently Asked Questions