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This guide offers suggestions from residents on where to buy a SIM card in Abuja for reasonably priced mobile internet access.
How to Get Mobile internet in Nigeria for Travelers: What Option to Choose?
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For tourists who require regular connectivity, finding dependable mobile internet in Nigeria can be essential.
This post is for travelers to Nigeria who might run into issues related to mobile internet in Nigeria like expensive roaming fees, spotty Wi-Fi, and the difficulty of finding the best internet providers. You will learn about the costs of mobile internet in Nigeria, its features, and how to connect to different networks. You will also discover which merchant is ideal for Nigeria eSIM.
In this article
I. Mobile Internet in Nigeria- Coverage and Speed
To help you choose the best network for your frustration, it will analyze the coverage and speed of mobile internet in Nigeria. Let’s see how good the signal is in different areas and how fast the internet can be.
1. Nigeria Mobile Internet Coverage
This comprehensive guide explains all you need to know, based on a recent Nigerian Mobile Quality Report (July 2024).
Here are some key points about the current state of mobile internet coverage in Nigeria:
| Provider | Coverage Strength | Focus | Best for | 5G Availability |
| MTN | Strongest, especially in cities | Reliability | Prioritize extensive coverage and reliable service | Limited rollout in major cities |
| Airtel | Extensive network | Urban areas | Faster 4G speeds (potential) | No launch yet |
| Glo | Competitive in cities, spotty in rural areas | Affordability | Focused operator with attractive data offers. | No launch yet |
| 9mobile | Primarily urban | Urban data plans | Urban areas short stays, looking for quality service and innovative products | No launch yet |
► Recommendation: For optimal mobile internet experience in Nigeria, MTN Nigeria is generally the best choice due to its extensive coverage and reliable service. However, Airtel Nigeria offers competitive pricing and is also a strong contender, especially in urban areas.
2. Nigeria Mobile Internet Speed
You can get important details about it by reading the most recent information from the Nigeria Speed Report (June 2024).
Here are some results:
- Nigeria ranked 92nd in the world for mobile speeds and 132nd for fixed broadband speeds during June 2024.
- The average download speed is 21.96Mbps, the average upload speed is 11.18Mbps, and the latency is 30ms.
- Large cities like Lagos may move more slowly than the capitals of other African countries.
► Recommendation: Nigeria is making progress, but its mobile internet speed is still less than the world average. Although there isn’t much data on specific cities, it’s feasible that urban areas have marginally faster speeds than rural ones. Since MTN is the biggest mobile network provider in Nigeria, you should have decent coverage from their network.
II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists to Nigeria?
Maintaining a connection is crucial when visiting Nigeria. The following are the primary tourist mobile internet connectivity options:
- Nigeria SIM Card
- Nigeria eSIM
- Roaming with Nigeria Operators
- Public WiFi
- Pocket WiFi
Here is the table to compare the connectivity option:
| Feature | Nigeria SIM Card | Nigeria eSIM | Roaming with Nigeria Operators | Public WiFi | Pocket WiFi |
| How it works | Purchase a physical SIM card, insert into phone, activate plan | Digital SIM activated on compatible device | Use your home network provider’s roaming services | Connect to available hotspots | Portable device with internet connection |
| Price Range | $5-20 for starter pack + data top-ups | $10-30 for data pack | Varies greatly by carrier, often hundreds of USD | Free | $10-50 per day |
| Where to buy | Airports, phone stores, convenience stores | Online purchase, activated digitally | Not applicable | Available at public places (hotels, cafes, airports) | Rental companies, airports |
| Convenience | Requires physical visit to purchase and activate | Convenient, no physical SIM needed | Easy to use, but expensive | Widely available but inconsistent reliability | Portable, but additional device to carry |
| Pros | Cost-effective, local number, access to full range of services | Convenient, secure, multiple profiles | Familiar network, no new SIM needed | Free access to internet in public places | Portable, multiple devices can connect |
| Cons | Requires physical SIM registration process, limited data plans | Device compatibility, limited plan options, potential activation issues | High costs, slow speeds, data caps | Inconsistent availability, security concerns | Rental fees, battery life, additional device |
► Recommendation: In Nigeria, a local SIM card and eSIM is essential for tourists. It’s the most cost-effective connection option, providing a lot of data for your money.
The ideal choice is to use an eSIM if your phone is compatible with them, as they are simple to activate, don’t require a physical card, and can be set up online in advance of your trip. In Nigeria, renowned eSIM providers and SIM cards include MTN and Airtel. You can buy in advance through a reputable retailer like Gigago that sells sim cards from these major networks.
III. Internet Rates in Nigeria
Internet rates in Nigeria vary depending on the service provider, data plan, and type of internet connection (mobile data vs. fixed broadband).
Here’s a general overview of internet rates in Nigeria as of the most recent data:
| Option | Rate (USD) |
| Nigeria SIM card | range from $5 – $50 with package 1 – 125+ (unlimited with FUP) |
| Nigeria eSIM | Gigago offers plans of MTN starting from $9.50 – $37.50 for 1, 2, 3, 5GB high speed data |
| Roaming with Nigeria operators | Can be very high, often around $0.007 to $0.04 per MB |
| Public wifi | Free |
| Pocket wifi | range from $10-50 per day |
Note: The prices shown above are merely guidelines. To get the most updated information, get in touch with the supplier.
► Recommendation: For visitors to Nigeria, eSIM and traditional SIM cards are the best options. Major telecom companies like MTN and Airtel sell SIM cards, or you may purchase a Nigerian eSIM from Gigago, a reliable eSIM supplier offering the most cost-effective and versatile eSIM plans for Nigeria and many other nations.
IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Nigeria
A physical SIM card with data for Nigeria is strongly advised for visitors to this country. Several operators offer reliable services with various data plans tailored to different needs. Here’s is the table about data SIM card for mobile internet in Nigeria and the available options from major operators:
| Provider | Package | Price (USD) | Data/Minutes |
| Airtel | 1.5 GB, 30 days | $2.17 | 1.5 GB data |
| Airtel | 2 GB, 30 days | $2.61 | 2 GB data |
| Airtel | 3 GB, 30 days | $3.26 | 3 GB data |
| Airtel | 4.5 GB, 30 days | $4.34 | 4.5 GB data |
| Airtel | 6 GB, 30 days | $5.43 | 6 GB data |
| Airtel | 10 GB, 30 days | $6.51 | 10 GB data |
| Glo | 3.9 GB, 30 days | $2.17 | 3.9 GB data |
| Glo | 7.5 GB, 30 days | $3.26 | 7.5 GB data |
| Glo | 9.2 GB, 30 days | $4.34 | 9.2 GB data |
| Glo | 10.8 GB, 30 days | $5.43 | 10.8 GB data |
| Glo | 14 GB, 30 days | $6.51 | 14 GB data |
| MTN | 1.5 GB, 30 days | $2.17 | 1.5 GB data |
| MTN | 2 GB, 30 days | $2.61 | 2 GB data |
| MTN | 3 GB, 30 days | $3.26 | 3 GB data |
| MTN | 4.5 GB, 30 days | $4.34 | 4.5 GB data |
| MTN | 6 GB, 30 days | $5.43 | 6 GB data |
| MTN | 10 GB, 30 days | $6.51 | 10 GB data |
V. Data eSIM for Nigeria – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists
Quick activation, flexibility and a range of data plan options are the advantages of eSIM technology. You can enjoy mobile internet in Nigeria without worrying about swapping SIM cards. You can purchase Nigeria eSIM either from a Nigeria mobile operator or through a travel eSIM retailer online.
1. Buy eSIM from Nigeria Operators
Nigeria’s major mobile networks, MTN, Airtel, and Glo, now offer eSIM services, providing a convenient internet option for visitors.
How to buy: To get an eSIM from these operators, visit their official websites or physical stores in Nigeria. You’ll need a valid passport or ID for verification.
Below are some Nigeria eSIM plan from the three biggest operators in this country:
| Provider | Validity | Data | Voice Minutes | SMS | Price |
| MTN | 30 days | 100MB + 100MB bonus data | 100 minutes | 100 | $0.50 |
| 30 days | 500MB + 500MB bonus data | 500 minutes | 500 | $1.70 | |
| 30 days | 1GB + 1GB bonus data | 1000 minutes | 1000 | $5 | |
| 30 days | 3GB + 3GB bonus data | 3000 minutes | 3000 | $12 | |
| 30 days | 6GB + 6GB bonus data | 6000 minutes | 6000 | $21 | |
| 30 days | 12GB + 12GB bonus data | 12000 minutes | 12000 | $37 | |
| Airtel | 7 days | 600MB + 50 SMS | 50 mins | 50 | $0.50 |
| 30 days | 2GB + 100 SMS | 150 mins | 100 | $1.20 | |
| 30 days | 4GB + 200 SMS | 300 mins | 200 | $2.30 | |
| 30 days | 8GB + 300 SMS | 600 mins | 300 | $4.70 | |
| 30 days | 20GB + 500 SMS | 1500 mins | 500 | $11.80 | |
| Glo | 7 days | 150MB data + social media bundles | 30 minutes | 30 | $1.71 |
| 14 days | 500MB data + social media bundles | 60 minutes | 60 SMS | $3.43 | |
| 30 days | 1GB data + social media bundles | 120 minutes | 120 SMS | $6.86 | |
| 60 days | 2.5GB data + social media bundles | 300 minutes | 300 SMS | $13.71 |
Pros: Purchase your eSIM conveniently online on the Nigeria operators website or app before your trip to Nigeria, saving you time upon arrival.
Cons: The registration process for Nigeria eSIM directly from mobile operators might require extra steps, such as providing ID or passport information.
2. Buy eSIM from Gigago
Buying Nigeria eSIM from retailers like Gigago is simpler and faster than getting one from mobile carriers. Enjoy the convenience of purchasing and activating online without showing your ID for verification.
How Gigago Nigeria eSIM works:
- Choose your plan: Select the perfect data package on Gigago’s website.
- Quick checkout: Pay online.
- Instant eSIM: Receive a QR code of the Nigeria eSIM via email.
- Scan and go: Activate your eSIM by scanning the QR code and enabling data roaming.
Gigago has a wide range of Nigeria eSIM plans to cater to every traveler’s needs and budget. Gigago Nigeria eSIM plans start from around $9.50 – $37.50 , with the cheapest option offering 1GB for 7 days at $9.50 .
VI. FAQs about Mobile internet in Nigeria
What are the major mobile network providers in Nigeria?
MTN, Airtel and Glo are the primary providers in Nigeria.
How fast is the mobile internet in Nigeria?
Internet speeds vary depending on location, network provider, and data plan. Urban areas and touristy areas generally have better coverage and speeds.
Can I use mobile internet in Nigeria?
Of course Yes. Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with Nigerian network frequencies. In addition, buy prepaid mobile data plans to access the internet during your travel.
VII. Conclusion
Mobile internet in Nigeria plays a crucial role in keeping locals and tourists connected across the country’s diverse landscapes. For tourists, the best option for seamless connectivity depends on device compatibility: opting for a local SIM card offers affordability and flexibility, while eSIMs provide convenience for travelers with compatible devices. Whether navigating bustling cities or exploring remote regions, ensuring access to mobile internet enhances communication and enriches travel experiences throughout Nigeria.
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