In This Article
Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency in the world. Most crypto exchanges across Nigeria list Bitcoin due to its popularity and market size. However, many first-time investors looking to buy Bitcoin may find it hard to choose the right platform with convenient payment methods in their journey. Therefore we have written this article to help you buy Bitcoin using your credit card, debit card and other common payment methods.
We will also cover the legality of Bitcoin and crypto exchanges in Nigeria, which is a crucial detail that all investors must keep in mind before they buy Bitcoin.
How to Buy Bitcoin in Nigeria: Summary
While Bitcoin is not accepted as an official currency in Nigeria, you can own and trade it on exchanges. To quickly buy Bitcoin in Nigeria, follow the steps below:
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Download a software wallet.
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Go to Luno and create an account.
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Choose how much Bitcoin you wish to buy.
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Enter your billing information and Bitcoin address.
If Luno doesn’t work out for you, here are some additional buying options for Bitcoin in Nigeria.
1. Is Bitcoin legal in Nigeria?
On October 25, 2021, Nigerian President Muhammad Buhari officially launched and activated Nigeria’s digital currency, known as the eNaira. This launch came with the slogan: “Same Naira, More Possibilities.”
The eNaira is a central bank digital currency (CBDC) backed in full by the Nigerian government and issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria as legal tender.
The eNaira is the digital form of the Nigerian Naira and functions like cash. The eNaira wallet acts as a digital holder for the eNaira, much like a crypto wallet. To obtain, store, and spend eNaira, you need an eNaira wallet.
The eNaira is the first central bank digital currency in Africa. To learn more about the eNaira, visit the official website.
2. Bitcoin’s Popularity in Nigeria
The Google Trends chart below displays the interest level in Bitcoin in Nigeria. This chart is interactive and gives real-time data directly from Google. When you search for ‘bitcoin,’ the chart shows how much people are interested in it on Google. A score of 100 means it’s very popular, while a score of 50 indicates it’s only half as popular. Not that Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash are two different cryptocurrencies.
3. Bitcoin communities in Nigeria
With the eNaira launching and Nigeria’s large population, there’s no doubt that Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and digital currency are popular topics of discussion in Nigeria. There are several Nigerian online communities geared toward these topics.
Meetup groups are also active in Nigeria, though not as popular as other countries. Here are some currently active groups:
Note: These support groups are meant for informational purposes only. There exist many scams, phony “support staff,” and fake tokens in most cryptocurrency-related groups. Never give anyone your seed phrase or private wallet keys.
4. Local Nigerian Bitcoin Exchange
NairaEX is the biggest Nigerian Bitcoin exchange and is a solid bet when it comes to Bitcoin exchanges headquartered in Nigeria.
NairaEX
NairaEX, launched in 2015, is the largest Bitcoin exchange in Nigeria. It claims to have over 130,000 users and makes buying and selling Bitcoin quick and easy.
Bitcoin can be purchased there with cash via bank deposit, as well as by bank transfer and Perfect Money. ID verification is required, but the process is simple.
While Nigerians can buy Bitcoin directly through P2P platforms and exchanges, holding BTC comes with challenges, such as wallet security, regulatory uncertainty, and potential scams in the P2P market. For traders who want exposure to Bitcoin’s price without these risks, futures trading is an appealing alternative. CoinFutures is one of the best futures trading platforms for beginners, allowing you to speculate on Bitcoin’s price movements safely and easily, without needing to hold the asset yourself. Besides BTC, users can also speculate on other cryptocurrencies such as ETH, LTC and TRX. A key advantage of using CoinFutures is the use of leverage, which allows users to borrow funds to take up large market positions despite their limited available funds. The platform also supports popular payment methods such as credit or debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and bank transfers, depending on your region. Learn more about this platform in our dedicated CoinFutures Review. If you want to know the step-by-step process of trading, head straight to our futures trading guide.5. Safer Way to Get Bitcoin Exposure in Nigeria
CEX.IO: Buy Cryptocurrencies in Nigeria
CEX.IO is a London-based exchange that allows you to buy and sell Bitcoin with a credit card, debit card, or wire transfer. Other advantages of CEX.IO include ease of use and quick customer support. However, fees charged for credit and debit card purchases are quite high.
You can read our complete CEX.IO review for more info.
Luno: Buy Bitcoin and Purchase Crypto With Low fees
Luno operates in many countries, including Nigeria. Originally founded as BitX, it was renamed in 2017. It has relatively low fees. To deposit NGN, there is a 2% fee, with a maximum of ₦2,000.00.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many payment methods available, with voucher deposit being the main option in Nigeria. Luno also offers a Bitcoin wallet, which is available for the web, Android, and iOS.
You can read our full review of Luno to learn more.
Changelly: Buy Crypto Seamlessly
Changelly is a quick crypto-only exchange that may ask for identity verification based on your purchase amount and payment method. Users can buy Bitcoin, sell it, or swap for other tokens directly on Changelly, which also provides an app for both iOS and Android. Changelly offers more than 500 coins.
You can read up on our Changelly review for more information.
6. How to Buy Bitcoin in Nigeria Through Crypto Wallets
Buying Bitcoin through a non-custodial wallet is usually very straightforward. Unlike centralized exchanges where a third party holds your crypto, non-custodial wallets let you own your private keys, meaning only you have access to your Bitcoin.
Best Wallet: Overall Best Non-Custodial Wallet To Buy Bitcoin
An alternative to buying on exchanges is Best Wallet, which I regard as the best non-custodial crypto wallet for buying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Best Wallet is an interesting option because it is essentially a one-stop solution for all your Bitcoin and cryptocurrency needs. Not only can you store your Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies in the wallet, but you can also seamlessly buy new crypto right through the wallet.
Additionally, since Best Wallet is non-custodial, nobody but the user has access to the private keys and backup passphrases. Users take full control of the crypto coins via a mobile app, browser extension, or desktop software.
The wallet features very liquid markets for thousands of tokens on over 60 blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Sui, Dogecoin, Uniswap, and many others.
When it comes to trading fees, Best Wallet charges none. The only fees you may encounter are blockchain fees. Read more about this versatile Bitcoin wallet in our Best Wallet Review.
How to Buy BTC on Best Wallet: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how you can buy the king coin on Best Wallet, the self-custodial wallet.
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Download Best Wallet
Install the Best Wallet app from the App Store or Google Play and tap Get Started to set up your wallet.
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Back Up Your Wallet
Save your recovery phrase securely and back up your wallet to iCloud or Google Drive. This is essential for restoring access if you lose your device.
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Buy Bitcoin
On your main wallet card, tap the Buy button to start the process.
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Select Bitcoin
From the list of tokens, choose Bitcoin as the cryptocurrency you want to purchase.
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Enter Purchase Amount
Type in how much Bitcoin you want to buy. You’ll see a price estimate in your selected currency.
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Choose a Payment Method To Buy Bitcoin
Select from available payment methods like credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or bank transfer. The availability of payment methods is subject to your region.
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Pick a Provider
Best Wallet suggests the best on-ramp provider automatically, but you can scroll to compare fees, speed, and KYC requirements.
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Complete the Purchase
After reviewing all the details, tap Buy Bitcoin. You’ll be redirected to the provider’s site to finalize payment.
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Confirm and Wait
Once the transaction is complete, your Bitcoin will be delivered directly into your wallet.
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View Transaction History
Go to the Trade tab, enter History to view the status and details of your purchase.
Best Wallet Pros & Cons
Pros
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Best Wallet is a non-custodial wallet that gives user full ownership of their Bitcoins.
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The platform supports multiple blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon, and BNB Chain.
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Best Wallet comes with an in-built DEX aggregator to buy crypto onchain.
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The platform supports multiple fiat onramping options in local fiat currency to buy Bitcoin.
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Interface is user-friendly, setup is simple, and it does not charge platform fees to buy Bitcoin.
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Users do not have to complete KYC processes.
Cons
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Only available as a smartphone application.
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The platform has limited customer support.
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Users are solely responsible for taking care of their holdings.
7. Bitcoin ATMs in Nigeria To Buy Bitcoin
As of 2026, there are two Bitcoin ATMs in Nigeria, according to CoinATMRadar. One is in Ikeja and the other is in Lekki. You can use them to purchase bitcoin in exchange for cash. The exchange rate at Bitcoin ATMs may vary compare to the market rate due to extra transaction fees involved.
8. Conclusion
Although Bitcoin’s legal status in Nigeria was once a little murky, it now seems that Bitcoin trading is progressing in a positive direction.
As both Nigerian and international exchanges are operating as normal and accepting bank deposits and withdrawals, it seems the de facto status of Bitcoin is that it’s acceptable to use within the country.
This is especially so with the launch and activation of the eNaire, which is backed by the Nigerian government and issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. It is considered legal tender. You can find out more about the eNaire digital currency by visiting the Central Bank of Nigeria.
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