Cheap Data in Nigeria: How to Beat the 50% NCC Price Hike and Still Stay Connected
Looking for cheap data in Nigeria amidst rising costs? You’re not alone. Recently, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a sudden 50% increase in data prices across various telecom providers. It feels like the cost of internet access has gone through the roof, making it harder for the average Nigerian to stay connected.
This recent hike has left many wondering if staying online will now become a luxury. But the good news is — you don’t have to break the bank to stay connected. There are still legit ways to get cheap data in Nigeria even after this price increase. Whether you use your phone for work, social media, school, or just to vibe on TikTok, saving on data is now a survival skill.
What Exactly Happened?
While the NCC claimed that the price adjustment was necessary due to inflation and rising operational costs, many Nigerians see it as yet another burden placed on the people. Before now, we were already battling poor service, disappearing data, and unreliable networks so now this again where we can no longer get cheap data?
Let’s face it — it’s frustrating to pay more for less. You recharge with high expectations and get hit with low results. This hike feels like a double blow when you consider that the service itself hasn’t even improved.
The worst part? It was done with little or no warning. One day, you recharge N1,000 expecting 1.5GB, and boom you only get 750MB.
Why Should We Be Worried?
Digital life is now essential: From remote work to online learning, social media, and small business operations, data is life.
Nigerians already pay more for data relative to income than people in many other countries.
No significant improvement in service quality to match the price hike.
In a country where smartphones are lifelines and data is as necessary as food, these changes affect not just leisure, but livelihoods. People running small businesses on Instagram or selling via WhatsApp now need to think twice about data usage. Students attending online lectures, remote workers logging into Zoom — everyone feels the pinch.
But don’t worry. All hope is not lost. Did you know you can get 1.5GB for just 200 naira? Yes it’s possible that’s why you need to keep reading this post to the end to know how to get that amazing cheap data.
You just need to know where to look. The telcos might not be advertising these hidden gems loudly, but they exist. And I’ve done the digging for you.
While we wait and hope for things to get better, I’ve compiled 5 codes to dial to still enjoy affordable data in Nigeria.
NOTE: Most of this code work for MTN but if you use another network like Airtel and all this code can still work for you. All you just need to do is to read till need to know which can work for your network
5 Ways to Get Cheap Data Despite the 50% Hike
- 31288# you will be charged 200 naira to purchase this 1.5gig data with a month validation and you can even accumulate this if you know it won’t be enough for you. Maybe you do 200 five times which is 1000 naira that will give you 7.5gb in a month – a sweet cheap data move.
This code is one of the best cheap data secrets right now. The fact that it’s stackable makes it a go-to for heavy users who want flexibility without subscribing to big bundles.
If that one is still not available for you as I said initially that some of these codes may not be available to you this another one
- 31210# if you do this 20 for 75mb and If you spend 500 Naira, you will get 1,875MB valid for 7 days. If you spend 200 Naira, you will get 750MB valid for 7 days. if you still don’t want this it is not available to you the next is
Though this one gives weekly bundles, it’s still part of the cheap data family — especially when you spread usage across multiple devices or SIMs.
- You can get 1.5gb for 200 valid for 30 days. Dial *312# click data plans and next then “always on” you can see the bundle but we are going for the second one which is 9000 for 45gb for 30 days but you will only be given part of it 1.5gb daily for 30 days so the only down part is that you will only be given 1.5gb daily for 30 days after purchasing the 9k own so if you are someone that doesn’t consume much data this for you and if you didn’t finish it it will rollover the next day.
This one is a long-term investment for light users. If your daily usage is minimal (social media, light browsing), you’ll love this consistent 1.5GB daily drop. It keeps you online without worrying about sudden exhaustion.
- 31286#. This is like the previous but as you can see you will be given extra 75mb to it so you can do 200 which is about 1.5gb valid for a week
Another reliable cheap data hack. The extra 75MB might seem small, but it comes in handy for emergency YouTube searches or last-minute downloads.
- 3121*10# this may not available to all people but try it.
Even if it doesn’t work now, keep checking back from time to time. Sometimes these offers rotate or return for select users. Never delete your old SIM — you never know when one will become your cheap data SIM.
Final Thoughts
The NCC data hike may have caught us off guard, but you don’t have to keep struggling and spending ridiculous amounts on data in this economy. Use these 5 codes and smart options to beat the system at least for now and get cheap data.
Don’t Just Complain, Be Smart.
Check your network’s hidden offers regularly. Use Wi-Fi where possible. Compress your app background data. And stay informed by following blogs like this one.
Also, try tools like Opera Mini, Lite apps (e.g., Facebook Lite), and restrict background data for apps like Instagram or YouTube. Every MB counts.
Watch the Full Video Explanation
Want to see how I explained this on YouTube?
Watch it here:
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