Please note
Belmadeng is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile or any network. Data prices and bundles change constantly — every price here is indicative only. Always confirm the current plan by dialling the official code (the unified *312#) or using the network’s own app before buying. USSD codes can also change — verify on the network’s official channel.
Night bundles
Night data gives lots of data at a low price, usable only within a time window (typically late night to early morning). Perfect for big downloads, updates and backups you can schedule for those hours.
Social/app bundles
Social bundles give cheap data restricted to specific apps — e.g. YouTube-only or WhatsApp/chat bundles. If most of your usage is one app, these are excellent value; found under the Social/Special section of the *312# menu.
Why they're cheap
Networks discount off-peak (night) and app-siloed (social) data because it uses spare capacity or locks you to a service — so you get more GB per naira in exchange for the restriction.
Mind the rules
Read the time window (night data won't work in the day) and app scope (a YouTube bundle won't browse the web). Using data outside the rules falls back to your main bundle. They also expire, so don't over-buy.
Using them well
Queue large downloads/updates for the night window; put your streaming or chat on the matching social bundle; keep a small general bundle for everything else. This mix can slash your data spend.
By network
All majors run night/social options (e.g. Airtel is well known for cheap night data). Check the current offers on MTN, Airtel and Glo.
Tips
- Schedule big downloads for night data.
- Match a social bundle to your top app.
- Respect the window/app rules.
What night plans are
Night plans are cheap data bundles usable only during off-peak hours — roughly late night to early morning (windows vary by network, e.g. 11pm/12am to 5am/6am). Because networks are less congested then, they sell this data cheaply to spread load. The catch is the time window: the data only works within those hours and usually doesn't roll over — anything unused expires in the morning. Used deliberately, though, night plans are one of the cheapest ways to get large amounts of data.
Night plans by network
Each network runs its own, often tied to a specific tariff:
- MTN — Nightlife bundle on the Pulse tariff (dial *406#), usable ~11pm–6am, repurchasable up to a nightly cap.
- Airtel — night bundle on SmartTRYBE (via *312#), repurchasable through the night.
- Glo & 9mobile — night bundles via their menus, generally available across tariffs.
You often need to be on (or migrate to) the right tariff first, and have airtime to buy.
Using night plans well
Night plans shine for large, deferrable tasks: OS and app updates, big downloads, backups, and off-peak streaming/binge-watching. Queue those jobs for the night window and let them run. What night plans aren't good for is daytime use — the data simply won't work outside the window — so don't rely on them for browsing during the day. Pair a night plan for heavy lifting with a small daytime bundle for everyday use, and your total data cost drops. Confirm current codes and windows on your network's app.
Frequently asked questions
What is a night data bundle?
A cheap bundle giving lots of data usable only within a night-time window (typically late night to early morning) — ideal for downloads, updates and backups scheduled for those hours.
What is a social data bundle?
A cheap bundle restricted to specific apps (e.g. YouTube-only or WhatsApp/chat) — excellent value if most of your usage is one app; found under the Social/Special section of the *312# menu.
Why are night and social bundles cheaper?
Networks discount off-peak night data (spare capacity) and app-siloed social data (it locks you to a service), so you get more GB per naira in exchange for the restriction.
Can I use night data during the day?
No — it only works within its time window; usage outside the rules falls back to your main bundle.
Which network has the best night data?
All majors offer it and Airtel is well known for cheap night data — compare the current night/social offers across MTN, Airtel and Glo.
What is a night plan?
A cheap data bundle usable only during off-peak hours — roughly late night to early morning (windows vary by network). Networks sell it cheaply because they're less congested then. The data only works within the window and usually doesn't roll over.
What is the MTN night plan code?
The Nightlife bundle on the MTN Pulse tariff, dialled via *406#, usable roughly 11pm–6am and repurchasable up to a nightly cap. You need to be on (or migrate to) Pulse.
What are night plans good for?
Large, deferrable tasks — OS and app updates, big downloads, backups, and off-peak streaming or binge-watching. Queue those jobs for the night window. They're not for daytime browsing, since the data won't work outside the window.
Do night plans work during the day?
No — night-plan data only works within the off-peak window (e.g. ~11pm–6am). Don't rely on it for daytime use; pair a night plan for heavy tasks with a small daytime bundle for everyday browsing.
Which networks offer night plans?
MTN (Nightlife on Pulse, *406#), Airtel (on SmartTRYBE, via *312#), and Glo and 9mobile via their own menus. You often need the right tariff and some airtime to buy — confirm current codes and windows on your network's app.