Gay and lesbian dating in Nigeria: the law comes first

What London says in September 2026

The British government writes: "Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Nigeria with penalties of up to 14 years in prison". It adds that northern states applying Sharia law may impose the death penalty. The page was updated on 28 September 2026.

Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act: a very wide scope

According to the FCDO, this law imposes long sentences on anyone involved in a same-sex marriage, including organising or attending a ceremony perceived as such. It also punishes helping to register gay associations and the public promotion of such relationships.

Washington's version, June 2026

The US Department of State (25 June 2026) confirms that consensual relations are illegal and specifies that public displays of affection between people of the same sex can carry up to 10 years in prison. It also mentions the death penalty in the North under Sharia law.

Marriage and civil union: banned and unrecognised

For Washington, marriage contracts and civil unions between people of the same sex are illegal in Nigeria. GOV.UK (Living in Nigeria, December 2025) confirms that no same-sex marriage or civil partnership is legally recognised there.

Supporters and associations also at risk

Both governments report possible prosecution of those who support gay organisations. The FCDO also cites helping to register groups and publicly promoting these relationships, with possible criminal consequences for residents and visitors alike.

Fake profiles and ambushes in Lagos or Abuja

The FCDO reports entrapment campaigns via dating apps in some countries; Washington notes that criminals may use these apps to rob, kidnap or assault. A meeting with a stranger remains the riskiest scenario.

Blackmail: never pay

A contact obtains photos or an address, then threatens to report you to your family, your employer or the police. Paying almost never stops them. Keep the evidence, block the number and seek help from someone you trust.

Digital hygiene for LGBT+ Nigerians

Use a strong lock code, a dedicated email address and a pseudonym unconnected to your name. Turn off precise location in apps and delete sensitive conversations. A phone searched at a checkpoint can be enough to constitute evidence.

No recognisable photo, even in private

Avoid any face, tattoo, uniform, view of your street or recognisable interior of your home in Port Harcourt, Ibadan or elsewhere. A screenshot circulates within seconds and can resurface years later as a means of pressure.

Taimi and the question of discretion

Taimi, the only LGBTQ+ app verified by our team, is restricted to over-18s and free in its basic version. In Nigeria, using it does not cancel out the criminal law: a profile with no identifiable photo, video verification and never a meeting in a private place.

Travellers: a trusted contact and the embassy

Before your stay, leave your itinerary with someone close and agree on a daily check-in message. Note your embassy's contact details. If arrested, Washington advises asking for it to be notified; the FCDO states that its consular staff do not judge.

Neighbours and other guides

Neighbouring Niger also bans these relationships: see LGBT+ dating in Niger. For the general Nigerian context, including platforms and figures, read our guide to Nigeria, and for a separation after a heterosexual marriage, divorce in Nigeria.

Official sources for LGBT+ people in Nigeria

• FCDO, sécurité au Nigeria: British advice updated in September 2026 on the criminal law, Sharia in the North and the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act.
• Département d'État américain, fiche Nigeria: Sets out the penalties for public displays of affection and the ban on civil unions.
• FCDO, conseils LGBT+ aux voyageurs: General advice on entrapment via apps, discretion in public and consular support.
• Taimi: LGBTQ+ app restricted to over-18s, free in its basic version, present in 138 countries according to its site.

Before any LGBT+ meeting in Nigeria

1. Read the latest FCDO and Department of State advice on Nigeria before making any contact.
2. Create an anonymous profile, with no identifiable photo, real name or clue to your neighbourhood or job.
3. Insist on a short video call before any meeting, and decline if the person avoids it.
4. Arrange the first date in a neutral public place, with no display of affection, and tell a trusted friend.
5. If threatened or asked for money, cut contact, keep the evidence and do not pay.
6. If travelling, save your embassy's details and sign up for consular alerts.

Nigerian law and same-sex relationships

What to plan for a stay in Nigeria

• Valid passport and visa
• Contact details of your country's embassy or high commission
• Number of a trusted contact
• Travel insurance certificate with assistance cover
• STEP registration for Americans

Major risks for LGBT+ people in Nigeria

• Going alone to the home of a contact met on an app, when Washington reports robberies, kidnappings and assaults linked to these apps.
• Paying a blackmailer who threatens to reveal your orientation: the demand almost always returns, and higher.
• Showing affection in public, which can carry up to 10 years in prison according to the Department of State.
• Attending a same-sex union ceremony, which is also punished under the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act.
• Leaving your phone without a code, holding sensitive conversations or photos, during a police check.

Information up to date as of October 2026. AfriqueRencontres.com does not arrange meetings and never asks for money: never transfer money to someone you know only online.