Nigeria
NigeriaWhat this score means
- Extreme75 to 100
- Severe and systematic. Device search, interception and detention over online activity are documented rather than theoretical. Reconsider what you carry and what you say.
- High50 to 74
- Substantial and consistently evidenced measures. Device inspection, monitored networks or restricted services should be expected rather than treated as unlikely.
- Caution25 to 49
- Some risk, and manageable with precautions. Measures are evidenced but are narrow, inconsistently applied, or the picture is mixed.
- Low0 to 24
- Ordinary precautions. No systematic device search, network restriction or prosecution of visitors for online speech is evidenced.
Government travel advice is written for one citizenry, so the same country carries a different assessment depending on your passport. Change it in the header.
Showing the baseline, which weights every issuer equally. No government in our corpus publishes travel advice written for you, so this is not addressed to you specifically.
For United Kingdom nationals: 57 (high). This leans on advice written for British nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between United Kingdom and this destination.For most passports in this region, Nigeria requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Europe nationals: 59 (high). This leans on advice written for German nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Europe and this destination.For most passports in this region, Nigeria requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 43 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For United States nationals: 59 (high). This leans on advice written for US nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between United States and this destination.For most passports in this region, Nigeria requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Canada nationals: 60 (high). This leans on advice written for Canadian nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Canada and this destination.For most passports in this region, Nigeria requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Latin America and the Caribbean nationals: 58 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Latin America and the Caribbean, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Latin America and the Caribbean and this destination.For most passports in this region, Nigeria requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 33 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Africa nationals: 57 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Africa, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.
For Middle East nationals: 58 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Middle East, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Middle East and this destination.For most passports in this region, Nigeria requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 18 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For South Asia nationals: 58 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for South Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between South Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, Nigeria requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 14 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For East and South East Asia nationals: 58 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for East and South East Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between East and South East Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, Nigeria requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 19 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Oceania nationals: 58 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Oceania, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Oceania and this destination.For most passports in this region, Nigeria requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 14 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
Dimensions
Each dimension is scored independently, because the traveller who cares about legal exposure for what they have posted is often not the one carrying client data. Higher means more risk.
Speech and legal exposure
What legal risk attaches to what I have said online, or say while I am there?
good confidence11 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 65% of full strength.
Why this score (19 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored NGA 3 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
Freedom House 2026 scored NGA 2 of 4 on free and independent media.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored NGA 3.72 of 4 on how routinely the government censors political content on social media, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored NGA 1.01 of 4 on how often people are arrested for political content they posted online, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Nigeria - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-06-12 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Nigeria: avoid_all_travel_to_parts, avoid_all_but_essential_travel_to_parts.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-09-28 · written for GBR nationals
Nigeria: Avoid non-essential travel
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-15 · written for CAN nationals
Nigeria: Teilreisewarnung: partial travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-09-29 · written for DEU nationals
Since the amendment of the Cybercrime Act in 2024, Nigerian authorities at all levels have consistently used the provisions of the Cybercrime Act, including the provisions of section 24 on “cyberstalking” to harass, intimidate, arbitrarily arrest and detain and unfairly prosecute users of social media, activists, and journalists.
Premium Times feed · observed 2025-05-04 · extracted by language model
The Act criminalises the knowing transmission of false messages through computer systems for purposes such as causing annoyance, insult, hatred, ill will, or injury to another person.
Premium Times feed · observed 2025-12-23 · extracted by language model
At least three journalists in Nigeria have been detained since August on allegations of violating the country’s Cybercrime Act, despite last year’s reform of the law, highlighting its ongoing use to harass the media.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-11-14 · extracted by language model
On 6th September 2025, the Department of State Services in Nigeria requested that X Corp (formerly Twitter) remove a post and deactivate the account of Omoyele Sowore, veteran journalist and activist (see Expression).
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2025-10-30 · extracted by language model
It cited Section 51 of the Criminal Code Act, which prohibits the publication of false information likely to disturb public peace, as well as Sections 19, 22 and 24 of the Cybercrimes Act 2025, which criminalise spreading fake news, harassment and offensive online content.
Premium Times feed · observed 2025-09-07 · extracted by language model
Since Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act became law, it has been used to arrest and prosecute journalists, and these arrests emphasize that the recent reforms to the law have not reversed that trend.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-10-03 · extracted by language model
On July 14, an Abuja court charged Ugagbe and Oliver on six counts over their June investigation into a Central Bank of Nigeria executive’s involvement in alleged corruption and infidelity , according to a copy of the charge sheet, reviewed by CPJ.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-07-15 · extracted by language model
A recent example was the arrest of social media influencer and activist, Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, by the Nigerian Army, over videos alleging poor feeding and welfare conditions of troops fighting insurgency in Maiduguri.
Premium Times feed · observed 2026-05-18 · extracted by language model
In fact, despite the erasure of certain repressive passages, this article still allows for heavy penalties: up to three years imprisonment for “any person who knowingly or intentionally sends a message or other matter by means of computer systems or network that [...] he knows to be false, for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order, posing a threat to life or causing such messages to be sent.”
Reporters Without Borders, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-09-09 · extracted by language model
Journalists are often threatened , arrested , or even killed for their reporting, and media outlets are sometimes shut down.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2023-09-27 · extracted by language model
It wasn’t a vague warning.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2026-04-30 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
7 excluded sources
- Paradigm Initiative, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-03-19: aged out after 3 years.
- Premium Times feed, observed 2023-10-24: aged out after 3 years.
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-10-23: aged out after 3 years.
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-07-09: aged out after 2 years.
- Premium Times feed, observed 2024-07-08: aged out after 2 years.
- Premium Times feed, observed 2023-10-04: aged out after 3 years.
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-10-03: aged out after 3 years.
Surveillance and interception
How comprehensively are communications intercepted, retained, and monitored, and is commercial spyware in use?
good confidence8 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 54% of full strength.
Why this score (11 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored NGA 3 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored NGA 2.04 of 4 on how comprehensively the government monitors social media and private online communication, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored NGA 2.90 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer. This measures what privacy law permits rather than what monitoring is practised, so it is read here as a constraint on interception rather than a measurement of it.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2025 scored NGA 0.29 of 1 on whether freedom from arbitrary interference with privacy is effectively guaranteed, a measure built from expert assessments of warrantless interception of communications.
World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6 · observed 2025-01-01
A 2023 report by CIPESA highlights how state-sponsored digital attacks have escalated in Uganda, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, where authorities monitor journalists’ online activity, intercept communications, and impose website restrictions to suppress critical reporting.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-02-08 · extracted by language model
When direct approaches failed, the police allegedly began targeting those connected to her.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-11-27 · extracted by language model
Already, the privacy of millions of people in Nigeria has been put at risk since the government started collecting personal and biometric information for SIM registration more than a decade ago, with millions more at risk of being excluded from many aspects of public life, including access to public services, for failing to provide this information.
Paradigm Initiative, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-03-12 · extracted by language model
Nigerian passengers will register with their NIN and facial biometric capture, while foreign passengers will enrol using international passports through OCR and biometric authentication.
Premium Times feed · observed 2026-07-16 · extracted by language model
Furthermore, Nigeria’s communications regulations permit police and a range of other authorities to obtain telecom subscribers’ call data, including the location, time, and numbers used in regular phone calls and SMS messages, without a judicial warrant.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2023-08-29 · extracted by language model
Mr Hamzat said surveillance cameras had helped authorities identify and arrest people who stop luxury vehicles along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
Premium Times feed · observed 2026-08-13 · extracted by language model
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) said concerns over Temu's data-processing practices - including online surveillance, opaque handling, cross-border transfers and possible breaches of data-minimisation rules, triggered the investigation.
Daily Maverick feed · observed 2026-02-18 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
1 excluded source
- Premium Times feed, observed 2024-04-03: aged out after 3 years.
Network threat
How hostile is the network environment to a foreign visitor, from state actors and criminals alike?
good confidence6 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 66% of full strength.
Why this score (9 sources)
ITU Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, Technical pillar: 18.88 of 20.
International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index · observed 2024-12-31
Freedom House scored Nigeria 17 of 25 on obstacles to access in Freedom on the Net, a category covering state control over internet infrastructure and gateways, regulatory and ownership control over service providers, and the independence of the regulator.
Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access · observed 2025-01-01
A 2023 report by CIPESA highlights how state-sponsored digital attacks have escalated in Uganda, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, where authorities monitor journalists’ online activity, intercept communications, and impose website restrictions to suppress critical reporting.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-02-08 · extracted by language model
Overall, Kaspersky security tools blocked more than 4 million online attack attempts on users in Nigeria in 2025.
Premium Times feed · observed 2026-03-16 · extracted by language model
Criminals can compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal personal data or credit information.
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-16 · written for CAN nationals · extracted by language model
Nigerian banks have moved swiftly to contain the effects of a sophisticated global cyber campaign sweeping across sectors and continents, with industry sources assuring the public that the nation’s financial system remains strong, resilient and secure.
Premium Times feed · observed 2026-08-05 · extracted by language model
However, this digital transformation has also exposed organisations to growing cybersecurity threats, with public and private institutions reportedly experiencing cyber incidents in recent months.
Premium Times feed · observed 2026-07-24 · extracted by language model
“The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is currently reviewing a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorised access to limited aspects of its information systems,” the CAC stated.
Premium Times feed · observed 2026-04-17 · extracted by language model
Under the partnership, Webguard delivers real-time protection at the Domain Name System (DNS) level, blocking malicious websites, phishing attempts and online scams before they reach users.
TechAfrica News, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-07-08 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
5 excluded sources
- Reporters Without Borders, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-09-09: aged out after 2 years.
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-04-16: aged out after 3 years.
- Premium Times feed, observed 2023-10-04: aged out after 3 years.
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-10-03: aged out after 3 years.
- Premium Times feed, observed 2023-09-08: aged out after 3 years.
Connectivity continuity
How likely am I to lose access to the internet, or to the specific tools I depend on?
good confidence9 independent sources
Why this score (68 sources)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored NGA 3.83 of 4 on how often the government shuts down domestic access to the internet, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored NGA 1.73 of 4 on how routinely the government filters internet content in practice, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
OONI recorded 0 confirmed and 2,015 anomalous results across 34,254 web connectivity measurements in NGA over the 30 days to 2026-10-16, a confirmed blocking rate of 0.00 percent.
Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data · observed 2026-10-16
Nigeria - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-06-12 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Nigeria: avoid_all_travel_to_parts, avoid_all_but_essential_travel_to_parts.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-09-28 · written for GBR nationals
Nigeria: Avoid non-essential travel
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-15 · written for CAN nationals
Nigeria: Teilreisewarnung: partial travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-09-29 · written for DEU nationals
A 2023 report by CIPESA highlights how state-sponsored digital attacks have escalated in Uganda, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, where authorities monitor journalists’ online activity, intercept communications, and impose website restrictions to suppress critical reporting.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-02-08 · extracted by language model
While some stakeholders said that requiring social media platforms to establish physical offices in Nigeria could lead to the withdrawal or shutdown of some platforms, others supported the proposal, saying it would create employment opportunities, promote technology transfer and strengthen corporate social responsibility.
Premium Times feed · observed 2026-07-24 · extracted by language model
If passed, the bill would also be used to ban major social media platforms—including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and independent bloggers if they ‘continuously fail to establish/register and maintain physical offices in Nigeria for a period of 30 days.’
Premium Times feed · observed 2025-04-13 · extracted by language model
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-10-10, with an aggregate disruption score of 35,124.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-10
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-10-09, with an aggregate disruption score of 33,495.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-09
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-10-08, with an aggregate disruption score of 31,834.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-08
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-10-07, with an aggregate disruption score of 30,147.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-07
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-10-06, with an aggregate disruption score of 28,477.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-06
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-10-05, with an aggregate disruption score of 26,864.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-05
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-10-04, with an aggregate disruption score of 25,053.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-04
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-10-03, with an aggregate disruption score of 23,330.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-03
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-10-02, with an aggregate disruption score of 21,707.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-02
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-10-01, with an aggregate disruption score of 20,071.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-01
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-30, with an aggregate disruption score of 18,356.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-30
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-29, with an aggregate disruption score of 16,695.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-29
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-28, with an aggregate disruption score of 15,076.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-28
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-27, with an aggregate disruption score of 13,290.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-27
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-26, with an aggregate disruption score of 12,967.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-26
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-25, with an aggregate disruption score of 11,317.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-25
IODA detected 3 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-24, with an aggregate disruption score of 10,738.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-24
IODA detected 4 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-23, with an aggregate disruption score of 10,108.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-23
IODA detected 6 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-22, with an aggregate disruption score of 9,413.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-22
IODA detected 7 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-21, with an aggregate disruption score of 8,716.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-21
IODA detected 10 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-20, with an aggregate disruption score of 20,551.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-20
IODA detected 9 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-19, with an aggregate disruption score of 18,906.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-19
IODA detected 7 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-17, with an aggregate disruption score of 16,554.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-17
IODA detected 6 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-16, with an aggregate disruption score of 15,484.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-16
IODA detected 5 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-15, with an aggregate disruption score of 21,461.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-15
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-13, with an aggregate disruption score of 19,923.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-13
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-12, with an aggregate disruption score of 18,037.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-12
IODA detected 4 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-10, with an aggregate disruption score of 13,299.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-10
IODA detected 7 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-09, with an aggregate disruption score of 11,261.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-09
IODA detected 7 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-08, with an aggregate disruption score of 9,613.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-08
IODA detected 9 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-07, with an aggregate disruption score of 8,647.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-07
IODA detected 12 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-06, with an aggregate disruption score of 9,110.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-06
IODA detected 13 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-05, with an aggregate disruption score of 9,117.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-05
IODA detected 14 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-04, with an aggregate disruption score of 12,891.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-04
IODA detected 13 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-03, with an aggregate disruption score of 12,224.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-03
IODA detected 12 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-02, with an aggregate disruption score of 12,918.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-02
IODA detected 12 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-09-01, with an aggregate disruption score of 12,264.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-01
IODA detected 11 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-31, with an aggregate disruption score of 18,197.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-31
IODA detected 9 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-30, with an aggregate disruption score of 16,802.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-30
IODA detected 8 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-29, with an aggregate disruption score of 15,574.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-29
IODA detected 8 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-28, with an aggregate disruption score of 14,910.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-28
IODA detected 8 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-27, with an aggregate disruption score of 14,581.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-27
IODA detected 9 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-26, with an aggregate disruption score of 12,907.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-26
IODA detected 10 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-25, with an aggregate disruption score of 12,816.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-25
IODA detected 13 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-24, with an aggregate disruption score of 15,358.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-24
IODA detected 13 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-23, with an aggregate disruption score of 13,190.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-23
IODA detected 12 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-22, with an aggregate disruption score of 11,056.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-22
IODA detected 13 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-21, with an aggregate disruption score of 11,722.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-21
IODA detected 13 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-20, with an aggregate disruption score of 10,477.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-20
IODA detected 14 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-19, with an aggregate disruption score of 15,149.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-19
IODA detected 11 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-18, with an aggregate disruption score of 13,940.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-18
IODA detected 8 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-17, with an aggregate disruption score of 12,765.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-17
IODA detected 8 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-16, with an aggregate disruption score of 10,774.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-16
IODA detected 9 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-15, with an aggregate disruption score of 10,800.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-15
IODA detected 11 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-13, with an aggregate disruption score of 12,344.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-13
IODA detected 10 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-12, with an aggregate disruption score of 12,498.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-12
IODA detected 11 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-11, with an aggregate disruption score of 12,288.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-11
IODA detected 13 internet outage events affecting Nigeria in the 7 days to 2026-08-10, with an aggregate disruption score of 12,154.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-10
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
4 excluded sources
- Paradigm Initiative, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-08-19: aged out after 2 years.
- Premium Times feed, observed 2024-08-02: aged out after 2 years.
- Paradigm Initiative, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-08-02: aged out after 2 years.
- Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search, observed 2023-08-28: aged out after 3 years.
Data jurisdiction
What happens to corporate or client data I carry into the jurisdiction?
good confidence5 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 47% of full strength.
Why this score (9 sources)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored NGA 2.90 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Under the settlement agreement, Nigeria consented to freeing Meta of all liabilities regarding the alleged violations, letting the company get away without any fine.
Premium Times feed · observed 2026-04-26 · extracted by language model
Babatunde Bamigboye, head of legal at the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), said the penalty follows an investigation initiated a year ago, prompted by suspected breaches of subscribers’ privacy rights and illegal cross-border transfer of personal data.
MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-07-08 · extracted by language model
The commission also discovered that MultiChoice engaged in the illegal cross-border transfer of personal data belonging to Nigerian data subjects.
Premium Times feed · observed 2025-07-07 · extracted by language model
The commission found that Meta engaged in multiple and repeated infringements, including denying Nigerians control over their data, transferring user data without authorisation, and discriminating against Nigerian users.
Premium Times feed · observed 2025-05-04 · extracted by language model
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Nigeria Data Protection Bill, 2023 into law, providing the country with a concrete legal framework for the protection and processing of personal information.
TechAfrica News, via a site scoped search · observed 2023-06-28 · extracted by language model
The system complies with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), and passenger data will not be stored on kiosks or handheld devices.
Premium Times feed · observed 2026-07-16 · extracted by language model
The probe was prompted by concerns over online surveillance practices, personal data processing, accountability, data minimization requirements, transparency, duty of care, and cross-border data transfers.
TechAfrica News, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-02-19 · extracted by language model
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) said concerns over Temu's data-processing practices - including online surveillance, opaque handling, cross-border transfers and possible breaches of data-minimisation rules, triggered the investigation.
Daily Maverick feed · observed 2026-02-18 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
4 excluded sources
- Paradigm Initiative, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-08-19: aged out after 2 years.
- Premium Times feed, observed 2023-07-01: aged out after 3 years.
- Premium Times feed, observed 2024-07-19: aged out after 2 years.
- Paradigm Initiative, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-06-11: aged out after 2 years.
Border device risk
How likely is my device to be searched, imaged, or seized at the border, and can I be compelled to unlock it?
good confidence5 independent sources
No reports were found of devices being searched, imaged or seized at this border, or of travellers being compelled to unlock them. The score below is drawn from general indicators for this country rather than from anything observed about this risk, so it describes an absence of reports rather than evidence that the risk is absent.
What the score rests on (5 indirect sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored NGA 1 of 4 on due process in civil and criminal matters.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
Nigeria - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2026-06-12 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Nigeria: avoid_all_travel_to_parts, avoid_all_but_essential_travel_to_parts.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-09-28 · written for GBR nationals
Nigeria: Avoid non-essential travel
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-15 · written for CAN nationals
Nigeria: Teilreisewarnung: partial travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-09-29 · written for DEU nationals
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Encryption and VPN legality
Are VPNs and strong encryption lawful, and can I be required to install an application or hand over keys?
moderate confidence2 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 60% of full strength.
Why this score (2 sources)
Some restrictions. In Nigeria, the law sets out the conditions for the interception of encrypted communications including the powers to require licensees to provide relevant security agencies with the key, code or access to the protected or encrypted communication. Wilfully obstructing any law enforcement officer in the exercise of any powers conferred by the law or failing to comply with any lawful inquiry or requests made by any law enforcement agency is a criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment and/or a fine. This could be interpreted as including a request to assist in the decryption of data.
Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies · observed 2019-06-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored NGA 3.79 of 4 on whether the government regulates the internet in a way consistent with international human rights standards, where higher is freer. This does not establish whether encryption or VPN use is lawful. It measures internet regulation in general, and is used as indirect evidence because the only survey that reads encryption law directly was published in 2019.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Trend
The overall score is up 10.9 points over 61 days, from 46.4 to 57.3. Most movement is the event overlay decaying rather than anything happening: a news signal loses half its weight every three weeks, so a score drifts back toward its structural baseline on its own. A step that holds is the one worth reading.
Check this yourself
These are not inputs to the score for Nigeria. They are where to look if you want to test what is above against something we did not use.
- OONI ExplorerMeasured tests of website and app blocking, updated continuously by volunteers running probes in country. Not used in our scores: its licence forbids commercial use.
- IODA outage recordThe full outage history behind any continuity events shown above, including the measurement methods that detected them.
- FCDO travel adviceThe UK government view, written for UK nationals.
- US State Department travel advisoriesThe US government view, written for US nationals.
Sources
This assessment draws on 21 sources: Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise; CIVICUS Monitor country updates; Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search; Daily Maverick feed; Freedom House, Freedom in the World; Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access; Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis; Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories; Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies; Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search; International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index; MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search; Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data; Paradigm Initiative, via a site scoped search; Premium Times feed; Reporters Without Borders, via a site scoped search; TechAfrica News, via a site scoped search; UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice; US Department of State, Travel Advisories; V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project; World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6. Every contributing claim is quoted with its origin and date above. Model version 0.12.0, computed 2026-10-16.
If something here is wrong, say so. Corrections are handled in public, and we correct because the evidence is wrong, not because someone objects.