“I Got Hacked at a Lagos Café”: Why VPNs Are Now a Must in Nigeria

Nigerian user connecting to public WiFi at Lagos cafe with VPN protection app on smartphone showing encrypted connection

Nigerians are huge internet lovers. As of 2025, Nigeria has over 103 million internet users according to Statista, which accounts for nearly half of the whole population. This means: one in every two people is an open target for cybercriminals. And yes, this includes you.

What makes Nigeria particularly vulnerable is the infrastructure. Many networks still use outdated routers with no-brainer passwords. Security updates are as rare as flying horses. Some networks run outdated security protocols that hackers can break in minutes. Others might be honeypots (fake networks set up specifically to steal data). 

This creates an environment where even basic hacking attempts can succeed. The most common attack is the man-in-the-middle, where criminals position themselves between you and the website you’re visiting, and steal all your data, which includes your credit card number 99% of the time.

Beyond criminal threats, there’s the issue of digital privacy. The Nigerian government wants to know who is doing what online and is utilizing agencies like the NCC to monitor all activity. While this might not concern everyone, journalists, activists, business owners, and anyone who values their privacy would be concerned. 

That’s why you need a VPN in Nigeria. A good VPN will protect your data against cybersecurity threats and provide you with air-tight privacy.

What Is a VPN and Why Does It Matter 

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and it is a software that creates a hidden connection between your machine and the internet. It takes your traffic before it connects to the internet, and puts it through its servers.

The result? Privacy. How your traffic is entering a VPN-owned server is visible. Where you go after that server is impossible to know, unless the VPN provider exposes it.

Best VPNs in Nigeria Right Now (Free & Paid)

Let’s get to the good part! Here are the top 5 VPNs that work best in Nigeria:

  1. Proton – Best free VPN for Android
  2. NordVPN – Fastest speeds on Nigerian networks
  3. ExpressVPN – Most reliable for banking apps
  4. Surfshark – Best value (unlimited devices)
  5. CyberGhost – Easiest for beginners

Each of these VPNs differs in terms of its unique value offers, but they all provide air-tight security, privacy, and speed!

1. Proton VPN – Best FREE VPN for Android

Proton VPN sets a new standard amongst free VPNs, because it gives unlimited data without ads or privacy compromises, and they are the only one in the market with this offer.

Proton has 11,048 servers across 122 countries, including 12 dedicated servers in Abuja for Nigerian users. Their VPN Accelerator technology can boost speeds up to 400%, crucial when the Nigerian internet is already struggling.

In terms of safety, Proton also includes NetShield, which is Proton’s built-in ad-blocker that stops malicious websites before they load, even when you are not connected to a server. They also offer Secure Core, which routes your traffic through multiple countries (Switzerland → Iceland → Nigeria), making tracking virtually impossible.

Proton VPN Pricing in Nigeria

The free tier offers unlimited data and is free forever. It will allow only one of your devices to connect to servers in the USA, Netherlands, and Japan (randomly assigned by the app), which is perfect for basic protection on Nigerian public WiFi. 

Speed is decent for a free service, though you might see some slowdowns during peak hours. 

The Plus plan increases device support up to 10, unlocks all servers, includes NetShield and Secure Core, all for ₦ 6,870/month with a 24-month commitment. Proton also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee

GET UNLIMITED DATA AND NO ADS WITH PROTON FREE

2. NordVPN – Fastest Speeds on Nigerian Networks

NordVPN dominates speed tests on Nigerian networks. Independent 2025 tests show that Nord’s NordLynx protocol (running on WireGuard) delivers up to 950 Mbps, while most VPNs struggle to break 100 Mbps on Nigerian infrastructure.

Nord offers 6,400 servers across 111 countries. While NordVPN doesn’t have Nigerian servers yet, their servers in Johannesburg and Tel Aviv consistently deliver sub-160ms latency to Nigeria. This proximity advantage means streaming, gaming, and video calls work flawlessly.

NordVPN also offers Double VPN, which routes your connection through two servers for enhanced privacy. While its Meshnet creates secure tunnels between your devices (perfect for accessing your home computer from anywhere), its Threat Protection Pro feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware before they reach your device.

Nord also deploys a strict no-log policy, and verified it through multiple independent audits. They’ve proven their commitment by shutting down servers in countries that demanded user data rather than compromising privacy.

Nigeria’s NordVPN Pricing

NordVPN offers three straightforward plans. The monthly plan with no commitment costs ₦19,880, but committing longer brings significant savings. 

The prices drop to ₦ 7,640month on the 1-year plan and to ₦ 5,190/month on their 2-year plan. All plans also include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

TRY BLAZING FAST SPEEDS OF NORDVPN RISK-FREE

3. Express VPN – Most Reliable for Banking Apps

ExpressVPN solves a critical Nigerian problem: banking apps blocking VPN connections. While there are no guarantees, Express VPN’s dedicated IP bypasses bank restrictions most of the time and ensures you’re never flagged as suspicious.

Express VPN has over 3,000 servers across 105 countries. Though they lack Nigerian servers, their Egypt and Kenya routes work seamlessly for Nigerian users. In addition, its Lightway protocol (running on WireGuard) was built from scratch for speed and reliability and maintains stable and fast connections. 

Like Proton and Nord, Express also underwent third-party audits confirming their no-logs policy. Their split-tunneling feature lets you route certain apps outside the VPN while protecting everything else (perfect when your bank requires your real IP). 

How Much Does ExpressVPN Cost in Nigeria

ExpressVPN positions itself as premium protection with prices to match. Monthly usage costs     ₦19,820 with no commitment. The prices drop to ₦10,210/month on 6-month plans. 

Their best value comes with the annual plan at ₦7,640/month, and includes 3 bonus months (15 months total). All plans offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ACCESS YOUR BANKING APPS SAFELY WITH EXPRESSVPN

4. Surfshark – Best Value (Unlimited Devices)

Surfshark offers unlimited device connections even in the cheapest tier, which is where it shines the most. It is also the only VPN “on a budget” that includes a server in Nigeria.  This local presence means faster connections to Nigerian services while maintaining your privacy. 

The provider has over 3,200 servers across 100 countries, all with built-in obfuscation, perfect for bypassing network restrictions, providing full privacy and great performance.

Surfshark also includes premium features at its budget prices. Their CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware across all your devices. The Alternative ID feature generates burner emails and phone numbers for online registrations. 

Surfshark Pricing for Nigeria

Surfshark offers the best long-term value in the VPN market. Monthly usage costs ₦19,820, but their 12-month plan drops to ₦ 4,580/month, and includes 3 bonus months. 

The 24-month plan offers the best value at just ₦ 4,580/month, while also including 3 bonus months. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

PROTECT ALL YOUR DEVICES WITH SURFSHARK FOR ₦ 4,580

5. CyberGhost – Easiest for beginners

CyberGhost is the best VPN for non-tech-savvy users in Nigeria. Their app labels servers “For Streaming,” “For Banking,” and “For Gaming.” You click what you want to do, and CyberGhost handles the rest.

They have around 10,000 servers across 100 countries, including dedicated servers in Lagos and Abuja for Nigerian users to benefit from. CyberGhost’s no-logs policy has been approved by Deloitte, and the company openly publishes all its reports.

Prices of CyberGhost VPN for Nigeria

CyberGhost’s no-commitment monthly subscription costs ₦19,880, while the 6-month commitment plan drops the price to ₦10,700/month. Their best deal is the 2-year plan, which comes to ₦3,350/month.

CyberGhost’s confidence also shows in their industry-leading 45-day money-back guarantee, which is 15 days longer than competitors.

EASIEST ONLINE PROTECTION COSTS ₦3,350 WITH CYBERGHOST

Other VPN Apps and VPN Extensions Worth Trying

Beyond our top 5, several other VPN services work well for Nigerian users with specific needs. Here are other alternatives if you want to explore more options:

  • Windscribe stands out with a generous free tier offering 10GB monthly data, which is more than most competitors, but still less than Proton. Their browser extension works independently from the desktop app, letting you protect just your browsing while keeping other apps on your real connection. 
  • Private Internet Access (PIA) offers the largest server network at 35,000 servers worldwide, though none in Nigeria. They excel at customization and allow you to fine-tune encryption levels, protocols, and connection settings.

How to Choose the Best VPN for Public WiFi in Nigeria

Choosing a VPN for Nigerian public WiFi requires balancing several factors:

  • Local server availability and ISP compatibility: VPNs with servers in Lagos, Abuja, or nearby African countries deliver better speeds than those routing through Europe.
  • Look for VPNs offering adjustable encryption levels or fast protocols like WireGuard.
  • VPN app features to prioritize should include a kill switch (cuts internet if VPN drops), auto-connect for public WiFi, and split tunneling (choose which apps use VPN). Also, make sure there is a solid malware protection feature.

Are Free VPNs Safe to Use?

Let us be very clear. Privacy and safety are not the same thing. A VPN provider gives you privacy (especially towards third parties who want to see what you are up to). But, keep in mind that the VPN company will still have access to your movements, since you are using their infrastructure to hide.


Now, the safety part is concerned with what the VPN company does with the information it has. In other words, knowing where you go after leaving their servers.

Free VPN services seem attractive, and they all promise privacy with big shiny letters, with no word of security. Many free providers save your movements (this is called “logging your data”) and make money by selling it to advertisers, which defeats the entire purpose of using a VPN for privacy. 

What Is My IP Address and How Is It Exposed?

The IP address is the unique number of your device when you connect to the internet. Just like how your house has an address. Your IP address is very important because it includes information like your approximate location and internet provider.

When it leaks, your IP address will broadcast your digital identity to potential attackers. Hackers can use your IP to launch targeted attacks, track which sites you visit, and build a profile of your online behavior. Without VPN protection, your IP address is like leaving your house address and daily schedule posted on a public board.

Protect Your Data with the Best VPN for Nigeria

Public WiFi in Nigeria isn’t getting safer, while cybercriminals are getting smarter, and the increasing reliance on digital banking makes us bigger targets. 

Don’t wait until you become another “I got hacked at Shoprite” story. Pick a VPN that fits your needs and budget, install it on all your devices, and make turning it on as automatic as entering a WiFi password. Your bank account, private messages, and digital life will thank you.

FAQ

H3: What is a free VPN for Android? 

Proton VPN provides the only truly free, unlimited, best VPN for Android without ads or data selling. Other free options like Windscribe (10GB/month) and Atlas VPN (5GB/month) work well but have data limits.

How do I know what my IP address is? 

Visit whatismyipaddress.com or simply Google “what is my IP” to see your current IP address. When connected to a VPN, this should show the VPN server’s location, not your real location in Nigeria.

Can I use VPN for PC and mobile simultaneously? 

Yes, most paid VPNs allow multiple simultaneous connections. While Surfshark offers unlimited devices, the industry standard is usually 10 devices.

Is Windscribe VPN good for beginners? 

Windscribe is moderately beginner-friendly with a simple interface and a generous 10GB free tier. However, CyberGhost’s labeled servers (“For Banking,” “For Streaming”) make it easier for complete beginners.

Are free VPN for PC safe on public networks? 

Only reputable free VPNs like Proton VPN, Windscribe, and Hide.me are safe. 

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