Why an eSIM is Recommended for Nigeria?
When to Check Your Home Plan
Nigeria is not in the European Union, so free roaming does not automatically apply. International roaming to Nigeria is generally very expensive (several euros per MB). A local eSIM is almost always more economical.
When eSIM is Recommended
- Extended stay: international roaming is prohibitive, local eSIM is essential
- Heavy usage: streaming, video calls, hotspot
- Simplicity: no need to check conditions, immediate activation upon arrival
- Savings: local plans much cheaper than roaming
Network Coverage in Nigeria
Nigeria has 4G coverage in major cities, but variable in rural areas thanks to four major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Used by |
| MTN Nigeria |
Leader (major cities) |
Yes |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| Airtel Nigeria |
Good (major cities) |
Yes |
Saily |
| Globacom |
Fair (major cities) |
Yes |
Ubigi |
| 9mobile |
Limited (major cities) |
No |
- |
Coverage by destination
- Lagos: excellent 4G in the metropolis and central neighborhoods
- Abuja: good 4G coverage in the federal capital
- Kano: fair 4G coverage in the city, variable in peripheral areas
- Rural areas: variable coverage, often limited to 3G or 2G
How to Install Your Nigeria eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Nigeria (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Nigeria eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Nigeria eSIM 2026"
countryCode="NG"
countrySlug="nigeria"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader + MTN Nigeria network",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$9.90",
highlight: "MTN Nigeria network (best coverage)",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "5 days",
price: "$19",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "1 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$5.69",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "ubigi",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.99",
highlight: "Globacom network",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), MTN Nigeria network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- GoMoWorld: MTN Nigeria network (best national coverage), code ESIMP (-10%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users
- Saily: built-in NordVPN for secure public WiFi, code ESIMP (-5%)
- Ubigi: Globacom network, good urban alternative
Conclusion
Before buying an eSIM, know that international roaming to Nigeria is very expensive. A local eSIM is almost always more economical.
If you opt for an eSIM: Airalo 5 GB at $8.50 with code ESIMP15 offers the best value on the MTN Nigeria network.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any overage stress.
Nigeria eSIM FAQ