Best VPNs for Nigeria to bypass censorship in 2024

Nigeria has a history of online censorship, and according to Freedom House, the country’s digital surveillance apparatus has repeatedly been used to locate and arrest journalists. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the easiest way to protect against such surveillance and keep your online activities private. Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to use a VPN in Nigeria. They’ll also allow you to stay safe on public Wi-Fi networks or access streaming platforms and local sites from back home.

Whatever your reason for wanting a VPN, we’ve got you covered. We’ve used our years of hands-on experience to identify the best VPN providers for people in Nigeria. We’ll explain how to use them, answer some common VPN questions, and give you detailed reviews of each provider’s features, pros, and cons. However, in case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a short summary.

The best VPNs for Nigeria in 2024:

1. NordVPN: Our #1 choice for Nigeria. Has a large server network, particularly high speeds, and the ability to beat just about any online restrictions. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly.
2. Surfshark: Best low-cost VPN for Nigeria. Allows unlimited connections and makes it easy to get a Nigerian IP address. Impressive download speeds.
3. ExpressVPN: Offers access to 90+ server locations, including Kenya and South Africa. Provides user-friendly apps, a solid privacy policy, and very fast speeds.
4. CyberGhost: An easy-to-use VPN with 10+ Nigerian servers and strong encryption. Ideal for boosting online privacy as you travel.
5. IPVanish: Faster than many other VPNs, with a zero-logs policy and a good set of security features. Connect as many devices as you like.
6. PrivateVPN: A no-logs service with decent speeds and exceptional privacy. Has a server in Lagos, Nigeria, and a stealth mode that works nearly anywhere.

How we chose the top Nigeria VPNs

There are hundreds of VPN services, but choosing the right one can be tricky. We’ve searched high and low to find the best VPNs for Nigeria in 2024. In order to do this, we narrowed down the options to those that met the following non-negotiable criteria:

• Servers all over the world, and preferably in Nigeria or nearby countries
• Strong security with encryption and a user-first privacy policy
• Able to access popular geo-restricted streaming services
• Suitable for any day-to-day online activities
• User-friendly apps for desktop and mobile devices
• Free customer support, ideally available around the clock
• Money-back guarantee

This is just an overview, but you can read more detail about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in the methodology section below.

Best VPNs for Nigeria- at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Nigeria.

Best VPNs for Nigeria

At Comparitech, we personally use and test every VPN before recommending them to you. The following reviews are based on those first-hand experiences.

Here’s our list of the highest-quality VPNs for Nigeria:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is our top pick for VPN users in Nigeria. It’s fast, reliable, and offers more than 5,500 servers in 60 countries around the world. Further, it’s able to securely access a huge range of content, from Netflix to BBC iPlayer. There are even special obfuscated servers created to beat the world’s strictest digital censorship. In other words, you don’t have to worry about any new online restrictions that are introduced during your visit.

This service keeps you safe using 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, but that’s just the start. NordVPN can also block ads, trackers, and malware outright, and its MeshNet feature securely connects your devices to one another even if they’re on different networks. Mobile users even get built-in tapjacking protection. Most importantly, NordVPN keeps no logs and has had its privacy policy audited by experts multiple times.

NordVPN supports desktop PCs (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile devices (iOS, Android). You can even manually install it on routers if you’d prefer.

BEST VPN FOR NIGERIA:NordVPN is our first choice. It works with popular streaming sites, and has a huge network of servers, superfast speeds, and plenty of security features. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee making it a risk-free option.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great budget VPN. Its Nigerian servers are reliable, but you can also try those in Ghana, South Africa, Algeria, or 90+ other countries. Additionally, this is one of the quickest services on the market and doesn’t limit the number of simultaneous VPN connections you can have. Surfshark even works in places like China, so accessing streaming platforms like fuboTV or Peacock is child’s play.

This provider is one of the best for online privacy. As well as uncrackable encryption, it offers a stealth mode, kill switch, leak protection, tracker-blocker, and automatic wifi protection. It’s even able to switch your IP address regularly to make you harder to track! Surfshark’s privacy policy is very clear: no logs, ever. If you have any problems, support staff are ready to help 24/7 over live chat.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can manually configure the VPN on some routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an affordable VPN with plenty of privacy features. It’s fast and reliable, keeps no logs, and great for anyone in Nigeria. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN users can choose from 94 server locations, including a couple that are reasonably close to Nigeria. This service provides secure, uninterrupted access to plenty of popular streaming sites, so whether you want to watch Netflix or just browse Twitter, it’ll get the job done. What’s more, ExpressVPN’s download speeds are extremely fast, making it a great choice for data-intensive tasks like torrenting.

This VPN has a solid security toolkit with 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch (which it calls Network Lock). There aren’t too many options in the apps, but behind the scenes, its Threat Manager is blocking trackers automatically, and obfuscation will kick in whenever you need it. Further, ExpressVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and has proven it with several audits.

ExpressVPN apps are available for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. It also offers custom router firmware so you can more easily protect all of your devices at the same time.

GREAT UNBLOCKER:ExpressVPN is very versatile and boasts fast enough speeds for streaming, torrenting, or gaming. Great for streaming. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is an outstanding VPN service that offers high enough speeds for streaming and a larger network than most of its competitors. Users can quickly get a Nigerian IP address or choose one of the 90 other locations on offer. There are even some optimized for P2P traffic, using popular streaming services and gaming. This VPN allows up to seven simultaneous connections and offers 24/7 customer support.

We really like that this service caters to different levels of experience. Novices can just connect as normal to take advantage of uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, but there’s also a smart rules option for more advanced users. This lets you connect automatically when on public Wi-Fi networks or even launch a specific app when the VPN activates. CyberGhost doesn’t keep any logs and isn’t afraid to prove it with third-party audits.

CyberGhost apps are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. This VPN also offers apps for Amazon TV and Fire Stick. Routers can be set up manually.

EXCELLENT VALUE:CyberGhost has thousands of servers worldwide. Features high speeds, live chat support and an excellent security offering. Has a 14-day money-back guarantee on monthly plans and a 45-day money-back guarantee on anything longer.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish is something very uncommon: a security-conscious VPN with outstanding server speeds and no connection limit. We’ve always found it to be a great option for accessing popular streaming sites, though it has been known to struggle with less common ones. There aren’t many nearby servers, but with a network spanning 60 countries, you have plenty of options when it comes to getting a foreign IP address.

This provider boasts strong security tools and a true no-logs policy, so there’s no need to worry about your privacy. Its apps keep you safe using a combination of 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. Users can also scramble their traffic to hide the fact that they’re using a VPN at all (though this only works with OpenVPN). Support staff are on hand 24/7 to help in the unlikely event of any problems.

IPVanish apps can be installed on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Linux and routers require manual configuration.

PERFECT FOR FAMILIES:IPVanish has fast and consistent speeds. Lets you secure every device you own and works great with most streaming platforms. Annual plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN can get you a Nigerian IP address in seconds. It also has servers in another 62 locations, though there’s a real lack of options in African countries. On the plus side, it has quick enough speeds for streaming and works with just about any geo-blocked service you can think of. On that note, this VPN is one of the few that still works in China, so it’s not likely to be stopped by Nigerian blocking any time soon.

This VPN provider is actually its own server host and ISP, which means there’s minimal chance of any outside interference with your data. The apps themselves keep you safe with 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. PrivateVPN maintains your online anonymity by refusing to log anything at all, but we’d like to see it undergo an audit all the same.

PrivateVPN offers apps for Windows and Mac as well as for mobile users on Android and iOS. However, you’ll need to configure this service manually for Linux and routers.

IDEAL FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN has fast servers and a high connection limit which makes it ideal for almost any online activities. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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How to use a VPN in Nigeria

VPNs are one of the easiest ways to enhance your online privacy, though they can be a little confusing at first. Don’t worry, follow the simple steps below, and you’ll be browsing and streaming securely in a matter of minutes.

Here’s how to connect to a VPN in Nigeria:

1. Decide which VPN is right for you – NordVPN is our top recommendation.
2. Download and install the VPN software, then log in.
3. Now, let’s connect. In our experience, nearby servers provide the fastest speeds. However, there may be times when you need a server in a distant location (for instance, an American tourist may want to use a US server to gain a Us IP address and stream TV from back home).
4. After a moment, the VPN will let you know if everything has worked properly. From this point on, all of your internet traffic is encrypted and hidden from your ISP and anyone else who might be watching.
5. If you’re trying to access geo-restricted content, you may need to clear your cookies and reload the page for any changes to take effect.

Finding the best VPNs for Nigeria: Our methodology

Not every VPN service has what it takes to get you a Nigerian IP address, beat online censorship, or keep you safe online. Our methodology involved looking for the following in each of the best VPNs for Nigeria:

• Large server network: More locations mean a higher chance of having a fast server nearby. It also increases the amount of content you can access. We also looked for those with servers in Nigeria since a Nigerian IP address is required to use many of your usual services when you go abroad.
  
• Server speed: We regularly run hundreds of speed tests to ensure we only recommend the fastest VPNs. This way, we know that our top services are quick enough for data-intensive tasks like torrenting and 4K streaming.
• Unblocking: Plenty of sites aren’t accessible in Nigeria, so we looked for VPN services capable of evading detection and getting around strict online restrictions. This way, you won’t be left without a way to communicate with friends and family if the Nigerian government blocks social media again.
• Security and privacy: The best VPNs for Nigeria use high-end encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. We also look for a no-logs policy and, ideally, evidence of prior audits.
• Ease of use: We look for multi-platform support, top-tier customer service, and anything else that makes a VPN more welcoming to newcomers. This might be task-specific servers or simply a lack of connection limits
  
• Value: Despite offering all of the above, the best VPNs for Nigeria must remain affordable. Be sure to take advantage of our VPN discount coupons which allow you to save even more. Additionally, every VPN above offers a money-back guarantee.

Want to know more? Our VPN testing methodology post explains thoroughly how we test and analyze each VPN against criteria such as speed and security.

The status of internet freedom and censorship in Nigeria

According to Freedom House’s Freedom on the Net 2023 report, the internet in Nigeria has improved in recent years. Despite this, it remains only partly free. One particular concern is the approval of the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms. This code mandates that all internet intermediaries remove content that’s deemed to be unlawful within 48 hours of a request from authorities.

The concern here is that this will be used as a tool to limit freedom of expression and a way to censor the media as well as political opponents. Another issue with internet freedom in Nigeria is that journalists and regular internet users continue to face criminal charges for what they post online. This includes criticism of powerful individuals, such as those in government.

When it comes to online censorship in Nigeria, the Nigerian government has blocked some social media platforms in recent years. However, this situation has improved, particularly over the last year. As of 2024, there are few websites and services that are actually blocked in Nigeria.

VPNs in Nigeria: FAQs