Mobile data is the lifeblood of internet access in Nigeria. With over 150 million active mobile subscriptions and fixed broadband still limited outside major cities, most Nigerians depend entirely on their SIM card for browsing, streaming, remote work, and social media. The problem is that data prices vary wildly between networks and plan types, and picking the wrong bundle can mean paying two or three times more per gigabyte than you need to.
This guide compares every major data plan from MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile as of March 2026. We break down prices, data allocations, validity periods, and, most importantly, the cost per GB so you can find the cheapest data plan in Nigeria for your actual usage pattern. Whether you are a light user checking WhatsApp and email, a medium user on social media and YouTube, or a heavy user working from home on Zoom calls, there is a table here for you.
Nigeria's Data Networks at a Glance
Nigeria has four major mobile network operators. Each has different strengths depending on where you live and how you use data.
MTN Nigeria
MTN is the largest network in Nigeria by subscriber count, with over 80 million users. It has the widest 4G LTE coverage across all 36 states and the FCT, making it the default choice in many areas, especially outside Tier-1 cities. MTN's data plans tend to be priced slightly higher than competitors, but the coverage advantage means you actually get to use the data you buy. MTN also offers data rollover on select plans and has a strong USSD menu system for quick plan purchases.
Airtel Nigeria
Airtel is the second-largest network and has been aggressively expanding its 4G footprint since 2023. Airtel is known for its SmartConnect bonus system, which gives new and migrating subscribers double or even triple data on certain plans. In Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other major cities, Airtel's speeds often match or exceed MTN. Airtel also tends to run more promotional offers than any other network.
Globacom (Glo)
Glo has historically been the budget-friendly network, offering more data for less money than any competitor. If you live in an area with strong Glo coverage, it is almost always the cheapest option per gigabyte. The trade-off is that Glo's 4G coverage is less extensive than MTN or Airtel, and speeds can be inconsistent in congested areas. Glo also offers popular night browsing plans that give very cheap data between 12 AM and 5 AM.
9mobile (formerly Etisalat)
9mobile has the smallest subscriber base of the big four but maintains decent coverage in major urban areas. Its MoreData plans offer competitive pricing for medium users, and the network is less congested than MTN or Airtel in many locations, which can mean faster actual speeds during peak hours. However, 9mobile's rural coverage is limited, so it works best as a primary SIM only if you are based in a city.
Network Coverage Comparison
| Feature | MTN | Airtel | Glo | 9mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subscribers (est.) | 80M+ | 60M+ | 55M+ | 13M+ |
| 4G LTE Coverage | 36 states + FCT | 34 states + FCT | 30 states + FCT | 25 states + FCT |
| 5G Available | Lagos, Abuja, PH | Lagos, Abuja | Not yet | Not yet |
| Best For | Widest coverage | Urban speed, promos | Budget data | Less congestion |
MTN Data Plans 2026
MTN structures its data plans across daily, weekly, monthly, and mega (multi-month) categories. Here are the current plans available via USSD, the myMTN app, or by texting to 131.
Daily and Weekly Plans
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Cost / GB | USSD Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Light | 75MB | ₦100 | 1 day | ₦1,333 | *131*1*1# |
| Daily Medium | 200MB | ₦200 | 1 day | ₦1,000 | *131*1*2# |
| Daily Large | 350MB | ₦300 | 1 day | ₦857 | *131*1*3# |
| Daily 1GB | 1GB | ₦500 | 1 day | ₦500 | *131*1*4# |
| Weekly 750MB | 750MB | ₦500 | 7 days | ₦667 | *131*2*1# |
| Weekly 1.5GB | 1.5GB | ₦1,000 | 7 days | ₦667 | *131*2*2# |
| Weekly 3GB | 3GB | ₦1,500 | 7 days | ₦500 | *131*2*3# |
Monthly Plans
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Cost / GB | USSD Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Starter | 2GB | ₦1,200 | 30 days | ₦600 | *131*3*1# |
| Monthly Basic | 3.5GB | ₦2,000 | 30 days | ₦571 | *131*3*2# |
| Monthly Standard | 5GB | ₦2,500 | 30 days | ₦500 | *131*3*3# |
| Monthly Plus | 10GB | ₦3,500 | 30 days | ₦350 | *131*3*4# |
| Monthly Pro | 15GB | ₦5,000 | 30 days | ₦333 | *131*3*5# |
| Monthly Max | 25GB | ₦6,000 | 30 days | ₦240 | *131*3*6# |
| Monthly Ultra | 40GB | ₦10,000 | 30 days | ₦250 | *131*3*7# |
| Monthly Mega | 75GB | ₦15,000 | 30 days | ₦200 | *131*3*8# |
Best value picks: The 25GB for ₦6,000 plan stands out at ₦240/GB, the sweet spot for most medium-to-heavy users on MTN. The 75GB mega plan drops to ₦200/GB but requires a ₦15,000 upfront commitment. For light users, the 3.5GB plan at ₦2,000 gives reasonable value without overspending.
Airtel Data Plans 2026
Airtel's data plans are available via *141#, the Airtel app, or by texting GO to 141. Airtel frequently runs SmartConnect promotions that double data on selected plans, check if your SIM qualifies by dialing *144#.
Daily and Weekly Plans
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Cost / GB | USSD Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Quick | 100MB | ₦100 | 1 day | ₦1,000 | *141*1*1# |
| Daily 200MB | 200MB | ₦200 | 1 day | ₦1,000 | *141*1*2# |
| Daily 350MB | 350MB | ₦300 | 3 days | ₦857 | *141*1*3# |
| Daily 1GB | 1GB | ₦500 | 1 day | ₦500 | *141*1*4# |
| Weekly 1.5GB | 1.5GB | ₦500 | 7 days | ₦333 | *141*2*1# |
| Weekly 3GB | 3GB | ₦1,000 | 7 days | ₦333 | *141*2*2# |
| Weekly 6GB | 6GB | ₦1,500 | 7 days | ₦250 | *141*2*3# |
Monthly Plans
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Cost / GB | USSD Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Starter | 2GB | ₦1,000 | 30 days | ₦500 | *141*3*1# |
| Monthly Basic | 3.5GB | ₦1,500 | 30 days | ₦429 | *141*3*2# |
| Monthly Value | 5GB | ₦2,000 | 30 days | ₦400 | *141*3*3# |
| Monthly Plus | 10GB | ₦3,000 | 30 days | ₦300 | *141*3*4# |
| Monthly Pro | 15GB | ₦5,000 | 30 days | ₦333 | *141*3*5# |
| Monthly Max | 25GB | ₦6,000 | 30 days | ₦240 | *141*3*6# |
| Monthly Ultra | 40GB | ₦8,000 | 30 days | ₦200 | *141*3*7# |
| Monthly Mega | 75GB | ₦15,000 | 30 days | ₦200 | *141*3*8# |
SmartConnect bonuses: If you migrate to Airtel SmartConnect 2.0 (dial *144#), you may receive double data on the 2GB, 3.5GB, and 5GB monthly plans. This effectively halves the cost per GB, making the 5GB plan deliver 10GB for ₦2,000 (₦200/GB), one of the best deals available on any network.
Best value picks: The 40GB for ₦8,000 plan at ₦200/GB matches Glo's pricing and comes with better 4G coverage in most cities. For budget users, the 2GB plan at ₦1,000 is ₦200 cheaper than MTN's equivalent.
Glo Data Plans 2026
Glo has long positioned itself as the data-friendly network, and its 2026 plans continue that trend. Purchase via *127#, the Glo Cafe app, or by sending a text to 127.
Daily and Weekly Plans
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Cost / GB | USSD Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily 150MB | 150MB | ₦100 | 1 day | ₦667 | *127*1*1# |
| Daily 350MB | 350MB | ₦200 | 1 day | ₦571 | *127*1*2# |
| Daily 1GB | 1GB | ₦300 | 1 day | ₦300 | *127*1*3# |
| Daily 1.5GB | 1.5GB | ₦500 | 2 days | ₦333 | *127*1*4# |
| Weekly 2.5GB | 2.5GB | ₦500 | 7 days | ₦200 | *127*2*1# |
| Weekly 4.5GB | 4.5GB | ₦1,000 | 7 days | ₦222 | *127*2*2# |
| Weekly 7GB | 7GB | ₦1,500 | 7 days | ₦214 | *127*2*3# |
Monthly Plans
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Cost / GB | USSD Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Starter | 3.5GB | ₦1,000 | 30 days | ₦286 | *127*3*1# |
| Monthly Basic | 5.8GB | ₦1,500 | 30 days | ₦259 | *127*3*2# |
| Monthly Value | 7.5GB | ₦2,000 | 30 days | ₦267 | *127*3*3# |
| Monthly Plus | 7.5GB | ₦2,500 | 30 days | ₦333 | *127*3*4# |
| Monthly Standard | 10GB | ₦3,000 | 30 days | ₦300 | *127*3*5# |
| Monthly Pro | 13.25GB | ₦4,000 | 30 days | ₦302 | *127*3*6# |
| Monthly Max | 18.25GB | ₦5,000 | 30 days | ₦274 | *127*3*7# |
| Monthly Super | 29.5GB | ₦8,000 | 30 days | ₦271 | *127*3*8# |
| Monthly Mega | 50GB | ₦10,000 | 30 days | ₦200 | *127*3*9# |
| Monthly Ultra | 93GB | ₦15,000 | 30 days | ₦161 | *127*3*10# |
Night Plans and Special Offers
Glo's night browsing plans are valid between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM and offer extremely cheap data for downloads and updates:
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | USSD Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Night 250MB | 250MB | ₦25 | 1 night | *127*60# |
| Night 500MB | 500MB | ₦50 | 1 night | *127*61# |
| Night 1GB | 1GB | ₦100 | 1 night | *127*62# |
Best value picks: Glo wins on raw price per GB at almost every tier. The 3.5GB for ₦1,000 plan (₦286/GB) is the cheapest entry-level monthly plan across all networks. For heavy users, the 93GB for ₦15,000 plan at ₦161/GB is unmatched. The only question is whether Glo coverage is strong enough in your area to make these savings real.
9mobile Data Plans 2026
9mobile's data plans are available via *229#, the 9mobile app, or by texting to 229. The MoreData tariff plan gives extra data on selected bundles.
Daily and Weekly Plans
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Cost / GB | USSD Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily 100MB | 100MB | ₦100 | 1 day | ₦1,000 | *229*1*1# |
| Daily 250MB | 250MB | ₦200 | 1 day | ₦800 | *229*1*2# |
| Daily 500MB | 500MB | ₦300 | 1 day | ₦600 | *229*1*3# |
| Daily 1GB | 1GB | ₦500 | 1 day | ₦500 | *229*1*4# |
| Weekly 1.5GB | 1.5GB | ₦500 | 7 days | ₦333 | *229*2*1# |
| Weekly 3GB | 3GB | ₦1,000 | 7 days | ₦333 | *229*2*2# |
| Weekly 5GB | 5GB | ₦1,500 | 7 days | ₦300 | *229*2*3# |
Monthly Plans
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Cost / GB | USSD Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Starter | 1.5GB | ₦1,000 | 30 days | ₦667 | *229*3*1# |
| Monthly Basic | 2.5GB | ₦1,200 | 30 days | ₦480 | *229*3*2# |
| Monthly Value | 4GB | ₦2,000 | 30 days | ₦500 | *229*3*3# |
| Monthly Plus | 11GB | ₦4,000 | 30 days | ₦364 | *229*3*4# |
| Monthly Pro | 15GB | ₦5,000 | 30 days | ₦333 | *229*3*5# |
| Monthly Max | 25GB | ₦6,000 | 30 days | ₦240 | *229*3*6# |
| Monthly Ultra | 40GB | ₦10,000 | 30 days | ₦250 | *229*3*7# |
MoreData and Special Bundles
9mobile's MoreData tariff plan gives you additional data when you buy specific bundles. To activate, dial *244*1#. On MoreData, the 1.5GB monthly plan becomes 2GB, and the 4GB plan becomes 5.5GB. This effectively reduces your cost per GB by 25% to 35% on eligible plans. 9mobile also offers Heavyweight data plans for longer validity, including 30GB for ₦8,000 valid for 30 days and 100GB for ₦20,000 valid for 60 days.
Best value picks: The 25GB for ₦6,000 (₦240/GB) matches MTN and Airtel at the same tier. With the MoreData bonus active, 9mobile's mid-range plans become quite competitive. The 100GB for ₦20,000 over 60 days is worth considering for heavy users who want a longer validity period.
Price Per GB Comparison
This master table compares the best-value monthly plan from each network at three usage levels: light (under 5GB), medium (5GB to 20GB), and heavy (20GB and above).
Light Users (Under 5GB/month)
| Network | Best Plan | Data | Price | Cost / GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTN | Monthly Basic | 3.5GB | ₦2,000 | ₦571 |
| Airtel | Monthly Starter | 2GB | ₦1,000 | ₦500 |
| Glo | Monthly Starter | 3.5GB | ₦1,000 | ₦286 |
| 9mobile | Monthly Value | 4GB | ₦2,000 | ₦500 |
Winner: Glo, 3.5GB for ₦1,000 is nearly half the price of any competitor at this tier.
Medium Users (5GB to 20GB/month)
| Network | Best Plan | Data | Price | Cost / GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTN | Monthly Plus | 10GB | ₦3,500 | ₦350 |
| Airtel | Monthly Plus | 10GB | ₦3,000 | ₦300 |
| Glo | Monthly Max | 18.25GB | ₦5,000 | ₦274 |
| 9mobile | Monthly Plus | 11GB | ₦4,000 | ₦364 |
Winner: Glo, 18.25GB for ₦5,000 gives the most data and lowest cost per GB. Airtel is the runner-up with 10GB for ₦3,000.
Heavy Users (20GB+ per month)
| Network | Best Plan | Data | Price | Cost / GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTN | Monthly Mega | 75GB | ₦15,000 | ₦200 |
| Airtel | Monthly Ultra | 40GB | ₦8,000 | ₦200 |
| Glo | Monthly Ultra | 93GB | ₦15,000 | ₦161 |
| 9mobile | Monthly Max | 25GB | ₦6,000 | ₦240 |
Winner: Glo, 93GB for ₦15,000 at ₦161/GB is the cheapest data plan in Nigeria for heavy users. MTN and Airtel tie at ₦200/GB, but MTN's 75GB plan gives more data per purchase than Airtel's 40GB offering at the same per-GB rate.
Keep in mind that the cheapest plan on paper does not always deliver the best experience. A Glo plan at ₦161/GB is worthless if your area gets poor Glo signal. Always test coverage in your primary locations before committing to a network based purely on price.
Tips to Save on Data in Nigeria
Beyond choosing the right plan, there are several practical ways to reduce your data consumption and stretch your bundle further.
1. Use USSD Codes for Cheaper Plans
Networks frequently offer hidden or promotional plans that only appear via USSD menus, not on their websites. Dial the main data USSD code (*131# for MTN, *141# for Airtel, *127# for Glo, *229# for 9mobile) and browse through all sub-menus. You may find plans that offer better value than what is advertised on the app or website. Some plans are also cheaper when purchased via USSD because there are no app processing fees.
2. Activate Night Browsing Plans
If you regularly download large files, update apps, or stream content you can watch later, night plans are an excellent way to save. Glo offers 1GB for just ₦100 between midnight and 5 AM. MTN and Airtel have similar late-night offers, though they change frequently. Schedule your downloads, many phones and apps let you set download times, and save your daytime data for browsing and communication.
3. Take Advantage of Data Rollover
MTN's data rollover feature lets you carry unused data into your next plan cycle, as long as you renew your plan before it expires. Airtel offers rollover on SmartConnect 2.0 plans. This means you do not lose data you have already paid for, but you must renew on time. Set a reminder to rebuy your plan a day before it expires to trigger the rollover.
4. Use Wi-Fi Whenever Available
This sounds obvious, but many people leave Wi-Fi off by default on their phones. If your workplace, school, or home has a Wi-Fi connection, make sure your phone connects automatically. Configure your phone to only download app updates and large files over Wi-Fi. On Android, go to Settings, then Network, then Data usage, and enable the restrict background data option for apps you do not need online at all times.
5. Enable Data-Saving Features in Your Browser
Chrome's Lite Mode (now called Data Saver) compresses web pages and can reduce data usage by 30% to 60% on text-heavy sites. Opera Mini has built-in compression that is even more aggressive. For social media, enable data-saving modes in the app settings: Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook, and TikTok all have options to reduce image quality and stop auto-playing videos, which are the biggest data consumers.
6. Monitor Your Usage in Real Time
Use your network's balance check code regularly, not just when data runs out. MTN users can dial *461#, Airtel users *140#, Glo users *127*0#, and 9mobile users *228#. Knowing how much data you use daily helps you choose the right plan size. If you consistently use only 8GB of a 15GB plan, switch to a 10GB plan and save the difference.
7. Consider Dual-SIM Strategy
Most smartphones sold in Nigeria are dual-SIM. Use your primary SIM (with the best coverage) for calls and light browsing, and a secondary Glo SIM dedicated to data. This way you get MTN or Airtel's voice reliability with Glo's cheap data pricing. Many heavy users in Nigeria already do this, it is one of the most effective ways to reduce your monthly data bill without sacrificing connectivity.
Compare Your Actual Data Costs
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Data Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Glo generally offers the lowest cost per GB across all plan sizes. For heavy users, Glo's 93GB for ₦15,000 works out to about ₦161 per GB. For lighter users, Airtel's SmartConnect bonus plans can deliver double data, effectively making them the cheapest option in some cases. Always compare based on your actual monthly usage rather than headline prices.
Dial *461# on MTN, *140# on Airtel, *127*0# on Glo, or *228# on 9mobile. Each network also has a self-service app (myMTN, Airtel Thanks, Glo Cafe, my9mobile) where you can check your balance, view usage history, and manage your plan subscriptions.
MTN allows data rollover on selected plans if you renew before your current plan expires. Airtel rolls over unused data for SmartConnect 2.0 subscribers. Glo and 9mobile do not currently offer automatic data rollover on their standard plans, any unused data is lost when the validity period ends.
Remote work typically requires 20GB to 50GB per month, depending on how much video conferencing you do. Glo's 18.25GB for ₦5,000 or MTN's 25GB for ₦6,000 are solid starting points. If you use Zoom or Google Meet for several hours daily, consider a 40GB or larger plan. A dual-SIM setup with Glo for data and MTN for voice is also a cost-effective approach.
Yes, especially for downloading large files, app updates, or streaming content to watch offline. Glo's night plans offer up to 1GB for ₦100 between midnight and 5 AM, far cheaper per gigabyte than any standard daytime plan. The key is scheduling your downloads to run automatically during those hours. Most smartphones let you set download schedules in settings or individual app settings.