Cheapest Data Plans in Nigeria Right Now
Looking for the cheapest data in Nigeria? Here’s a clear comparison of the most affordable MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile data plans in 2026.

Kolawole S.
Data costs matter more than ever in Nigeria. Whether you’re a student, streamer, or remote worker, choosing the cheapest data plan can save you thousands monthly. This guide ranks the most affordable data plans in Nigeria in 2026, comparing prices, validity, and real world value across networks.

How Data Pricing Works in Nigeria
Nigerian telecom operators price data based on validity period, volume, and network incentives. This means the cheapest plan isn’t always the biggest bundle.
Key factors that affect data pricing include:
Validity (daily, weekly, monthly)
Time based bonuses (night or off-peak data)
Network congestion
VTU vs direct purchase
Understanding this helps you avoid paying more for data you won’t fully use.
Cheapest Daily Data Plans in Nigeria (2026)
Daily plans are ideal for light users, emergency browsing, or short-term needs. They usually offer the lowest entry cost, but expire quickly.
Most affordable daily plans:
MTN
100MB daily plan
Affordable for WhatsApp & light browsing
Strong nationwide coverage
Airtel
100MB / 200MB daily options
Slightly cheaper than MTN
Better speed consistency in cities
Glo
Bonus-heavy daily bundles
Cheapest per MB in many cases
Slower speeds in congested areas
Best daily value: Glo (for price), Airtel (for speed)
Cheapest Monthly Data Bundles in Nigeria
Monthly bundles give the best long term value, especially for students, workers, and streamers.
Cheapest monthly options ranked:
Glo
5GB+ bundles at very low rates
Long validity
Best for heavy downloads
Airtel
Balanced pricing and speed
Reliable for YouTube and Zoom
Strong urban coverage
MTN
Slightly more expensive
Most reliable nationwide
Best for business users
9mobile
Competitive bonuses
Smaller coverage footprint
Good for select locations
Best monthly value: Glo
Best reliability: MTN
Network Comparison (Quick Overview)
Here’s how the major networks stack up in real usage:
MTN
Strongest coverage
Higher pricing
Best for rural + business use
Airtel
Best speed to price balance
Good urban performance
Popular with streamers
Glo
Cheapest overall data
Heavy bonuses
Speed varies by location
9mobile
Niche but stable
Limited reach
Best where coverage is strong
Best Option Overall in 2026
Choosing the cheapest data plan depends on how you use data:
For cheapest data overall: Glo
For speed + affordability: Airtel
For reliability everywhere: MTN
For selective locations: 9mobile
For even cheaper rates, many Nigerians now buy data via VTU platforms, which often offer:
Discounted bundles
SME data plans
Reseller pricing






