15 Top Online Newspapers in Nigeria

Nigeria’s news space has rapidly shifted to digital platforms, with millions of readers now turning to the internet for breaking stories and analysis.

With constant connectivity, online newspapers in Nigeria now serve a huge audience. This has given birth to a lot of online newspaper sites in Nigeria competing for audience.

As you browse through this writing, you will get answers on the top Online Newspapers in Nigeria, which of them is the most influential news outlet and which has the highest circulation in Nigeria.

Which is the most-read online newspaper in Nigeria?

According to the latest research, Legit.ng holds the top spot. A 2024 Reuters Institute Digital News Report notes that “Legit.ng has the most read online media organization” in Nigeria.

In fact, survey data shows 45% of Nigerian online news readers visit Legit.ng weekly, making it the number one digital news source. It was founded in 2012 and quickly grew into a powerhouse, reaching 208 million site visits in 2023 alone.

Legit.ng covers news and entertainment, and has won multiple awards for online journalism. Its content is tailored to what Nigerians want to read, which helps explain its massive audience.

Which newspaper has the highest circulation in Nigeria?

When it comes to print circulation, Punch Newspapers is often cited as the leader. Punch’s data claims an average daily print run of 80,000 copies, with an estimated one million readers per month. Its print edition “commands the highest circulation in Nigeria”.

The same source also notes Punch Online is the second most visited news site (with 176 million online visits in 2023), reflecting the brand’s broad reach.

Historically, the Sun newspaper also had a huge print presence; in 2011 it ran about 130,000 copies daily, making it “the highest selling newspaper in Nigeria at the time”.

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What is the oldest newspaper in Nigeria?

The title of oldest surviving newspaper in Nigeria goes to the Nigerian Tribune. Launched by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in Ibadan in 1949, the Tribune remains in publication to this day. Its publisher, African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, proudly notes that the Tribune is “the oldest surviving newspaper in Nigeria”.

Over seven decades old, the Nigerian Tribune has a legacy of independent reporting. (For the record, the very first newspaper ever printed in Nigeria was the Yoruba-language Iwe Irohin in 1859, but that title no longer publishes.) Today the Tribune still commands respect, especially in the South-West, with an estimated 490,000 monthly readers.

Top Online Newspapers in Nigeria

Each of these Top Online Newspapers in Nigeria has a robust online presence and a strong following among Nigerian readers. They represent a mix of legacy print brands going digital.

Collectively, they show the diversity of Nigeria’s digital media space – from mainstream broadsheets to citizen-journalism sites – all vying for the attention of an ever-growing online audience. Here are the 15 leading online newspapers that Nigerian audiences visit most.

1. Legit.ng
2. Punch Online
3. Vanguard Online
4. Daily Post
5. TheCable
6. Premium Times
7. The Guardian Nigeria Online
8. Sahara Reporters
9. The Nation Online
10. Daily Trust
11. The Sun Online
12. Nigerian Tribune
13. Leadership Online
14. THISDAY Live
15. Daily Times Nigeria

1. Legit.ng

Nigeria’s largest digital-born news platform. Founded in 2012, Legit.ng has rapidly grown to be the most popular online news site in the country. According to media rankings, Legit.ng attracted about 208 million visits in 2023.

It covers a wide range of topics – politics, economy, entertainment, and more – all in clear, engaging English. Legit.ng is cited in the Reuters Digital News Report as Nigeria’s most-read news website. Its high traffic and mobile-friendly design make it the go-to source for many Nigerians.

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2. Punch Online

Digital edition of The Punch, one of Nigeria’s best-known dailies. The Punch newspaper, established in 1970, boasts an extensive readership. Its online portal Punch Online is immensely popular, ranking second in site visits for Nigerian news.

In 2023, Punch Online saw over 176 million visits. The Punch brand is trusted: a survey found 83% of Nigerians trust Punch as a news source. Punch Online covers politics, business, sports, and more. Remember, while the online site is huge, Punch’s print edition itself also claims the highest circulation in Nigeria.

3. Vanguard Online

The internet portal of Vanguard Newspaper, founded in 1984 by Sam Amuka-Pemu. Vanguard is a respected newspaper brand; its online site is ranked the third most visited news site in Nigeria.

Vanguard online generated about 150 million visits in 2023. It covers national news, politics, business, and sports. (Notably, Vanguard is said to have “the most read online newspaper in Nigeria” and over 800,000 monthly print readers.) The online Vanguard.ng continues the legacy of its print version with breaking news and analysis.

4. Daily Post

Founded in 2015, Daily Post Nigeria is a young but influential online news outlet. It produces content in English on politics, business, entertainment, and general news. In 2023 Daily Post ranked as the fourth most visited news platform in Nigeria, pulling in over 126 million visits.

Daily Post’s strength is timely updates and scoop stories. Though its print edition is small, the online audience is very large, especially among younger readers.

5. TheCable

A leading digital newspaper known for news and investigative journalism. Launched in 2014, TheCable is the most visited online news platform of its parent TV station, Channels, but is itself branded as a standalone news website. It is ranked among the top digital news sites and is noted for reliability.

TheCable attracted over 78 million visits in 2023. It offers in-depth analysis and runs a popular news app. Despite being online-only, its reach rivals legacy publishers – it’s praised for quick reporting of politics, business, and Nigerian news.

6. Premium Times

Nigeria’s premier investigative news website. Since its founding in 2011, Premium Times has built a reputation for exposés and in-depth reporting. By late 2023 it had generated 65 million visits, making it the seventh most popular news site in Nigeria.

Premium Times is run by The Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ). It is widely cited and has won awards for investigative pieces on corruption, human rights, and politics. Its readership appreciates the fearless approach; it “offers comprehensive coverage of news, analysis, and features” with journalistic integrity.

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7. The Guardian Nigeria Online

The digital arm of The Guardian, a flagship broadsheet founded in 1983. The Guardian is known for high-quality, analytical journalism. Its website, guardian.ng, had about 65 million visits in 2023, ranking it among the top 10 news sites.

The site features Nigerian and world news, plus finance, lifestyle, and culture. Guardian.ng is valued for thoughtful reporting and commentary.

According to industry sources, its balanced coverage and multimedia-friendly layout make it a “trusted source of information” for Nigerians.

8. Sahara Reporters

A unique online news platform focused on citizen journalism and anti-corruption. Founded in 2006 by Omoyele Sowore (from New York), Sahara Reporters publishes tips, leaks, and critical reporting on Nigeria’s government and society. It has millions of readers, particularly among Nigerians at home and abroad.

In 2023 it had roughly 50 million visits, ranking ninth nationally. The outlet is controversial but influential – known for breaking stories about official corruption. Despite publishing from abroad, it remains widely read in Nigeria, exemplifying an alternative voice in Nigerian media.

9. The Nation Online

Online version of The Nation newspaper (est. 2006). The Nation targets business, political, and upwardly mobile readers. Its website provides news in politics, economy, sports, and culture. In 2023 The Nation Online attracted about 50 million visits, making it one of Nigeria’s top ten news sites.

It has three printing plants nationwide and was one of the first papers to distribute in all 36 states. The Nation is known for slick presentation and urban-focused news coverage.

10. Daily Trust

The leading newspaper of Northern Nigeria, with a strong online presence. Founded in 2001 by Kabiru Yusuf, Daily Trust publishes in both English and Hausa (as Aminiya). Its website delivers news across Nigeria, but its core audience is in the North.

Daily Trust is often cited for its large readership: its group “commands the largest readership in northern Nigeria”. As of 2020 it had over 530,000 monthly readers nationally. On the web, dailytrust.com is among the most visited regional news sites.

Daily Trust covers local news, security, business, and social issues with a voice that resonates in the northern states.

11. The Sun Online

The digital edition of The Sun, a popular tabloid-style daily founded in 2003. The Sun built a large circulation (130,000 daily at its peak) through bold, sensational headlines. Its online site continues that lively style with entertainment, sports, and general news, targeting younger readers.

As of a 2020 survey it had around 700,000 monthly print readers across Nigeria. While primarily known as a print tabloid (“Nigeria’s king of the tabloids”), sunnewsonline.com attracts significant traffic thanks to celebrity news and bold commentary.

12. Nigerian Tribune

The oldest surviving newspaper in Nigeria, launched in 1949 by Obafemi Awolowo. Its website extends that storied legacy into the digital age. Tribune Online offers news, opinion, and analysis, with coverage of Southwest Nigeria in particular.

It is the digital arm of African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, which manages Nigerian Tribune, Saturday Tribune, and Sunday Tribune. The Tribune was “the oldest surviving private newspaper” and still exists in print and online. As of 2020, the online and print editions had about 490,000 readers a month. It remains influential, especially in politics and business commentary.

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13. Leadership Online

The website of Leadership Newspaper, founded on October 1, 2004. Leadership is a national daily known for bold headlines and a wide reporting network. Its online site covers politics, business, entertainment, sports, and more, often with a pro-business slant.

Sam Nda-Isaiah founded it and has offices in multiple states. While specific traffic stats are scarce, Leadership.ng is consistently ranked among Nigeria’s notable news sites. It often breaks political stories and maintains active social media channels.

14. THISDAY Live

Digital portal of THISDAY, a Lagos-based newspaper launched in 1995 by Nduka Obaigbena. THISDAY positioned itself as a paper for the elite and professionals, with high-quality color printing and in-depth content. Its online site covers news, opinion, and business extensively.

ThisDay made headlines historically (even being targeted by terrorism in 2012). Its readership remains significant among decision-makers. According to company records, THISDAY was founded January 22, 1995. The website supplements the print edition, offering archives and real-time news.

15. Daily Times Nigeria

The website of Daily Times, Nigeria’s historic oldest surviving media house. Founded in 1925, Daily Times was once Africa’s most successful business. After decades of decline and ownership changes, it was relaunched online.

Today, DailyTimesNG.com provides news and retrospectives, maintaining the brand’s legacy. Although its current readership is modest, the site connects Nigerians to the storied “Daily Times” masthead. (Daily Times never fully recovered its former glory, but its name is still recognized from its pre-independence era.)

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FAQs

Conclusion

Nigeria’s media scene is evolving fast, and online news platforms are at the forefront. While the legacy dailies still matter, digital-born sites like Legit.ng and TheCable are now among the most influential.

For Nigerian readers, these online newspapers are primary sources of news, analysis, and opinion. Each offers a unique perspective or specialty, whether it’s the investigative rigor, the business focus, or the regional voice.

By knowing which sites are most trusted and widely read, one can better navigate Nigeria’s information landscape. As internet access grows, expect these top platforms (and perhaps new entrants) to remain key for anyone looking to follow Nigerian news.

References

• squirrelpr.com/Online Newspapers in Nigeria
• en.wikipedia.org/Online Newspapers in Nigeria
• tribuneonlineng.com/Top leading Online Newspapers in Nigeria
• virtuall.nln.gov.ng/Online Newspapers in Nigeria

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