Nigeria’s leading news websites attract millions of readers with breaking news, politics, business, entertainment, and social issues. These platforms drive civic engagement and public discourse. Based on RANKED2025 by SquirrelPR, here are the 16 most powerful news websites in Nigeria with over 10 million annual visits.

1. Vanguard Online: Vanguard Online is Nigeria’s most influential news website in Nigeria, attracting a staggering 156.2 million visits. As the digital arm of Vanguard Newspaper, it delivers timely news and expert analysis across politics, business, entertainment, and global affairs. Founded by Sam Amuka, the platform upholds integrity, fairness, and excellence, ensuring credibility in journalism.

Its roster of renowned columnists, including Kola Animasuan, Dele Sobowale, Pini Jason, and Bunmi Sofola makes it a must-read for discerning minds. Vanguard's impact goes beyond reporting and shaping national conversations and policy debates.

Driven by innovation, advanced technology, and a dedicated team, Vanguard has built a powerful digital presence, boasting over 5 million followers across social media.

2. Punch Online: Founded in 1970 by Chief James Aboderin, Punch Online is one of Nigeria’s most widely read news platforms. Known as “the lively paper for lively minds,” it was created to challenge the shortcomings of established newspapers with sharp journalism and social responsibility. Over the years, Punch has built a reputation for investigative reporting and extensive coverage of politics, business, metro affairs, sports, and entertainment.

Its commitment to accountability led to multiple shutdowns and crackdowns by military regimes, with employees facing harassment and detention. Despite this, Punch remained steadfast, growing into a trusted voice in Nigerian journalism.

Under the editorial leadership of Adeyeye Joseph, the platform attracted 145.2 million web visits in 2024, according to RANKED2025 by SquirrelPR.

3. Daily Post: With a traffic volume of 84.9 million, Daily Post ranks as the third most powerful news website in Nigeria. The platform prioritizes clarity and content that is both informative and engaging. It covers everything from politics and business to entertainment, appealing to a diverse audience. It has received multiple recognitions, particularly for its coverage of the Boko Haram insurgency. Emmanuel Uzodinma currently serves as the editor of the Daily Post.

4. Legit.ng: Legit.ng, formerly known as Naij.com, is a digital news platform that has seen substantial growth over the years. In 2024, it recorded 80.3 million visits, according to RANKED. It has been recognized for its engaging and timely coverage of politics, entertainment, business, and human-interest stories. 

5. Sahara Reporters: Founded in 2006 by Omoyele Sowore, Sahara Reporters is widely regarded as Nigeria’s leading investigative news website. Since its establishment, the platform has been dedicated to exposing corruption, human rights abuses, and political misconduct. It has earned a reputation for breaking major stories that challenge government narratives, often highlighting stories overlooked by mainstream outlets. Despite facing government pushback, cyberattacks, and funding challenges, Sahara Reporters continues to attract millions of readers. Per RANKED, it recorded 51.2 million visits in 2024.

6. The Nation Online: Under Sunday Oguntola's leadership, The Nation Online ranks among Nigeria’s most influential news portals. It provides comprehensive news coverage, focusing on politics, business, and society. The Nation Online uses its platform to hold those in power accountable and advocate for federalism as a unifying force in Nigeria’s diverse society. With 37.7 million web visits, it remains a top choice for policymakers, business leaders, and discerning readers.

7. Premium Times: Premium Times is a Nigeria-based news website widely known for its investigative journalism. Founded in 2011 by Dapo Olorunyomi, it covers current affairs, business, culture, and more. It focuses on using its publications to “nudge Nigeria along the path of development and social reengineering”.

Premium Times has earned honours at the CJID Excellence in Journalism Awards, the Wole Soyinka Investigative Reporting Awards, and the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence, among others.  

8. Channels TV Online: Channels TV Online extends the reach of Channels Television, one of Nigeria's leading news stations. The website attracted millions of visits in 2024, offering live streaming, news articles, and exclusive interviews, thereby maintaining its status as a reputable news source.

Since its launch in 1995 by John Momoh, Channels TV has become a household name in Nigerian broadcasting. Its digital platform, Channels TV Online, provides live news streaming, breaking updates, and in-depth coverage of politics, business, and security. Renowned for its investigative journalism and exclusive interviews, Channels TV has earned multiple awards, including the Nigerian Media Merit Award.

According to RANKED, the platform attracted 26.2 million web visits in 2024. 

Also, read 15 Most Popular News Websites In South Africa – Ranked By Influence

9. Tribune Online: Tribune Online serves as the digital extension of Nigerian Tribune, one of Nigeria’s oldest newspapers. It delivers timely reports on governance, the economy, lifestyle and human interest stories. Drawing over 26 million visits, the platform continues to drive civic engagement.

10. Naija News: Launched in 2016 by Opemipo Olawale Adeniyi, Naija News provides 24/7 coverage of politics, the economy, entertainment, and sports. Its 24.7 million visits in 2024 reflect its growing popularity among readers seeking concise and up-to-date information.

11. The Guardian Online: The Guardian Online offers in-depth news coverage and analysis of national and international events. With 23.9 million visits in 2024, the platform ranks among Nigeria’s most prominent news sources. 

12. TheCable: TheCable was launched on April 29, 2014, by Simon Kolawole. It is a digital-first Nigerian news platform known for breaking exclusive stories and offering detailed reports on governance, the economy, and security. With a strong emphasis on digital engagement, TheCable reaches a broad audience, as seen in its large social media following (1.2 million+) and high website traffic.

13. ThisDay Online: ThisDay Online is the digital extension of ThisDay, a leading Nigerian newspaper founded in 1995 by Nduka Obaigbena. Dedicated to truth and reason, it upholds a commitment to insightful journalism and public trust. The platform provides up-to-the-minute updates on politics, markets, arts, sports, and more. 

ThisDay Online continues to strengthen its status as the go-to source for reliable information in Africa.

14. Pulse.ng: Since its launch in 2011 by Ringier Africa Digital Publishing (RADP), Pulse.ng has grown into one of Nigeria’s most-visited online platforms. It caters largely to a younger audience with its blend of news, entertainment, and lifestyle content. 

15. Daily Trust Online: Daily Trust Online is a leading Nigerian news platform with a strong focus on politics, business, and social issues. It is published by Media Trust Limited, which also owns Aminiya, a Hausa-language newspaper. Over the years, it has built credibility through its commitment to fact-based news and analysis. 

16. Leadership Online: Leadership Online is the digital arm of Leadership newspaper, a national daily founded in 2004 by Sam Nda-Isaiah. It covers politics, business, and national affairs. With a mission to defend the interests of Nigeria and advocate for what is right, Leadership Online has grown into a trusted news source. Under the editorial leadership of Azubuike Ishiekwene, the platform continues to grow in influence.

These 16 news portals shape public opinion and keep Nigerians informed. With millions of annual visits, they remain top sources for reliable news and analysis. 

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