Best Data Plans in Nigeria (2026): MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile Compared
Data is the new currency in Nigeria. Whether you are streaming, working, or just browsing, your choice of network and plan can save you thousands of naira monthly. Here is the definitive comparison for 2026.
Quick Summary: Best Network by Use Case
| Use Case | Best Network | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Value (GB per Naira) | Glo | Cheapest per GB across most plans |
| Speed and Reliability | MTN | Best 4G/5G coverage nationwide |
| Night Browsing | Airtel | Cheapest night plans with good speed |
| Rural Coverage | MTN | Widest coverage in remote areas |
| Budget Users | Glo | Most affordable entry-level plans |
MTN Data Plans
MTN has the best network coverage in Nigeria, with the widest 4G and growing 5G coverage. You pay a premium for reliability.
Daily Plans
| Plan | Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | N100 | 100MB | 1 day |
| Daily | N200 | 250MB | 1 day |
| Daily | N350 | 600MB | 1 day |
Weekly Plans
| Plan | Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly | N500 | 750MB | 7 days |
| Weekly | N1,000 | 1.5GB | 7 days |
Monthly Plans
| Plan | Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | N1,000 | 1.5GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N1,500 | 3GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N2,000 | 4.5GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N3,000 | 8GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N5,000 | 15GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N10,000 | 40GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N15,000 | 75GB | 30 days |
How to subscribe: Dial *131# or use the myMTN app.
Airtel Data Plans
Airtel offers competitive pricing and consistently good speeds in urban areas. Their night plans are the best value in the market.
Monthly Plans
| Plan | Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | N1,000 | 2GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N1,500 | 3GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N2,000 | 4.5GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N3,000 | 8GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N5,000 | 18GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N10,000 | 40GB | 30 days |
Night Plans (11pm - 6am)
| Plan | Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night | N200 | 1.5GB | 1 night |
| Night | N500 | 4GB | 7 nights |
How to subscribe: Dial *141# or use the Airtel app.
Glo Data Plans
Glo consistently offers the most data per naira. Coverage is weaker in some areas, but in cities, it is a solid budget choice.
Monthly Plans
| Plan | Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | N1,000 | 2.5GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N1,500 | 4GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N2,000 | 5.8GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N3,000 | 10GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N5,000 | 18GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N10,000 | 46GB | 30 days |
How to subscribe: Dial *127*0# or use the Glo app.
9mobile Data Plans
9mobile has been repositioning since its ownership transition. Plans are competitive in some tiers.
Monthly Plans
| Plan | Price | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | N1,000 | 1.5GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N2,000 | 4.5GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N3,000 | 8GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N5,000 | 15GB | 30 days |
| Monthly | N10,000 | 40GB | 30 days |
How to subscribe: Dial *200# or use the 9mobile app.
Value Analysis: Cost Per GB
At the N3,000 price point (the most popular tier):
| Network | Data | Cost Per GB |
|---|---|---|
| Glo | 10GB | N300/GB |
| Airtel | 8GB | N375/GB |
| MTN | 8GB | N375/GB |
| 9mobile | 8GB | N375/GB |
Glo wins on pure value. MTN and Airtel tie but MTN has better coverage.
Pro Tips for Saving on Data
- **Use Wi-Fi when available** -- do not waste mobile data at home or office.
- **Download for offline** -- Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube all support offline mode. Download on Wi-Fi.
- **Disable auto-play** -- social media apps auto-play videos and consume massive data.
- **Use data-saving browsers** -- Opera Mini and Google Chrome Lite compress web pages.
- **Monitor your usage** -- all four networks have apps that show real-time data consumption.
- **Stack plans strategically** -- buy a night plan for heavy downloads and a day plan for browsing.
- **Check for special offers** -- networks frequently run promotions with bonus data. Follow their social media pages.
Our Take
For pure value, Glo remains the cheapest. For reliability and speed, MTN is worth the small premium. Airtel offers the best balance of price and quality. Our recommendation: keep two SIMs -- MTN for reliability and Glo or Airtel for heavy data use.