How to Choose a Dating App in Nigeria: A Ten Point Checklist

Before you download another dating app, give it a quick audit. Most people don't, and that's how they end up with six apps, three subscriptions and no dates.

Here's the checklist we'd use ourselves.

1. Does it verify anyone?

Fake profiles are the number one complaint. Look for selfie checks, ID checks and a visible badge. If there's nothing, expect catfish. MyPerson has selfie and National ID verification with a badge for those who pass.

2. Are there real people near you?

Open it and look. If you see faces from the other side of the planet, or the same twenty profiles, move on. Check for active members in your state.

3. Can you filter for what matters to you?

Global apps give you age and distance. In Nigeria you may also care about state, tribe, religion and what someone wants. Those aren't extras here.

4. Is it safe?

Block and report buttons, a safety centre, a team that reviews. The MyPerson safety page shows what that looks like.

5. What is free and what isn't?

Some apps let you in free then lock the basics: seeing who liked you, replying to a message. Check before paying. On MyPerson joining is free and voice and video calls cost nothing. Premium and coins unlock extras.

6. Can you pay in Naira?

Dollar only apps cost you in exchange rates and failed cards. Look for local payment.

7. Does it help you meet in real life?

Matching is the easy bit. Events, hangouts, date venues and a meetup pledge help you leave the chat. See our events, venues and SafeDate.

8. Can you reach a human?

When something goes wrong you want support, not a dead email address.

9. Do people reply?

Send five honest messages and count the replies. Respectful, active communities reply.

10. Does it understand where you live?

Tribe, family, faith and marriage are not small topics here. If the app never asks, it wasn't built for you. Read what foreign dating apps get wrong about Nigeria.

Score them

One point per yes. Under six, keep your money. If you want a head start, our honest ranking of dating apps in Nigeria and the Tinder, Bumble and MyPerson comparison are useful.

Last bits

How many apps should I use? One or two. More than that and you stop replying to anyone.

Are free apps worth it? If the free version lets you chat and meet, yes. Be wary of ones that hide everything.