In two weeks, October begins, and that means millions of South Africans will turn to digital systems to access their South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant payments. As new payment dates roll out in the coming month, it is crucial for recipients, especially older people and those in rural areas, to understand the digital tools for checking balances, updating banking details, and tracking grant disbursements.

SASSA grants are paid on specific dates to ensure a smooth process for recipients. For October 2025, the payment schedule is as follows:

• Older Persons Grant: October 2, 2025
  
• Disability Grant: October 3, 2025
  
• Children’s and Other Grants: October 6, 2025
  

The October 6 date covers key grants such as the child support, foster care, care dependency, and more. SASSA stresses that funds remain available for collection even after these official dates; beneficiaries do not need to rush on the exact day.

How to change banking details for SASSA

Postbank’s contract with SASSA officially ends on 30 September 2025. This termination date was confirmed by SASSA and communicated to Parliament, with assurance that grant payments will continue for all beneficiaries without disruption after the contract expires. SASSA cards, if still active, work at all ATMs, but a personal bank account is necessary as Postbank support phases out. SASSA urges beneficiaries to migrate to a preferred bank or retailer payment option and update records using secure official methods, which are explored in detail below.

Online update (SRD and general grants)

The online process works for the SRD grant and standard or general grants like Old Age, Disability, Child Support, Foster Child, and Care Dependency grants. Beneficiaries of these grants can change their banking details quickly using SASSA’s website or online portal.

• Go to the official SASSA portal: srd.sassa.gov.za 
• Select the relevant option: “change my banking details”
• Enter your South African ID number and registered mobile number.
• You will receive an SMS with a secure link. Use it to update your new bank account details (bank name, account number, branch code, account type), and confirm via OTP.
• Submit and wait for confirmation; future grant payments will be made to your new bank account.

In-person update (all grant types)

The in-person method at SASSA offices is available for every grant type, including those not covered by online systems or where special documentation or assistance is required. This method supports not only SRD and general grants, but also niche grants like Grant-in-Aid, War Veterans Grant, and cases where online channels cannot be used due to access, identity verification problems, or unique circumstances.

• Go to your nearest SASSA office.
• Take your ID, proof of your new bank account (stamped bank statement or letter from the bank), and complete the SASSA banking detail change form.
• Fill out the form at the office, attach your supporting documents, and submit to a SASSA official.
• The change will be processed, and you will receive confirmation; your next grant will be paid into your new account.

Verification for banking details typically takes 4 to 10 working days, and successful updates apply to future payments only.

How to check SASSA balance

Beneficiaries can check their SASSA grant balances using various methods. Also, now that Postbank will soon end its payment partnership, beneficiaries can use alternative methods. The most reliable options are:

USSD codes (mobile)

• Dial 1203210# or 12069277# from the mobile number registered with SASSA, and follow prompts to see the balance. This method works on any basic cellphone and does not require airtime or data.

SASSA online portal

• Log in at srd.sassa.gov.za or the official SASSA site, enter grant details, and view balance instantly if you have internet access.

WhatsApp support

• Save SASSA’s WhatsApp number (082 046 8553). Send “SASSA” and then “STATUS” to receive step-by-step prompts, after which the current balance will be provided.

ATM and retail stores

• If you have switched to a bank account or retailer card (e.g., Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers), use the card at any ATM or ask the cashier at participating retailers for a balance enquiry.

In-person at SASSA offices

• Visit the nearest SASSA office for personalised balance assistance, using your ID and grant card.

Finding the right data plan in Nigeria can be challenging, prices continue to rise, and network quality varies across different locations. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

In this piece, we compare the best data plans in Nigeria, examining closely the price, value for your money, and overall network quality, based on what people are experiencing. Here are our top picks:

• Best budget monthly plan – Glo 3.9GB for ₦1,000: This plan offers a great price, but as Ugochukwu, a consultant who recently relocated to Lagos from Abuja, found, Glo’s network strength can be inconsistent, depending on exactly where you are. He noted, “Glo was good in my specific area in Abuja, but I’m still figuring out if it holds up where I am now in Lagos.”
• Best for heavy mobile users – Airtel 200GB for ₦20,000: This is a solid choice for those who consume a large amount of data. However, as Jennifer, who just returned from the UK, quickly learned, “You really have to make sure Airtel’s signal is strong in your specific area; there’s nothing worse than paying for big data you can’t properly use.”
• Best weekly plan – 9mobile 7GB + 100MB for ₦1,500: This plan offers good value, but some users, including Favour in Abuja, mentioned that 9mobile’s service can be weak in specific locations. “It’s a good price,” she said, “but if the signal isn’t there, it’s useless for my business.”
• Best unlimited home WiFi – FibreOne 30Mbps for ₦16,914: This option offers no data limits, a huge plus for someone like Moses, an HR professional at a digital marketing agency, who needs constant connectivity for video calls and file transfers. He said, “No data limits is a dream, but you need to check if it’s available in your city and watch out for setup fees.”

Daily data plans

Daily plans are great if you need data for just a short time, maybe to reply to messages, check a few things online, or hold you until payday. They don’t offer the best value per MB, but they help when you’re low on cash or just need a quick top-up.

What the networks are offering (as of July 2025):

MTN

• 75MB for ₦75
• 110MB for ₦100
• 230MB for ₦200
• 1GB for ₦500
• 2.5GB for ₦750
• Social bundles: Facebook (20MB for ₦25), WhatsApp (40MB for ₦50), TikTok (150MB for ₦50)
• 2-Day options: 3.2GB for ₦1,000, 2GB for ₦750

Glo

• 45MB for ₦50
• 105MB for ₦100
• 235MB for ₦200 (2 days)
• 1GB for ₦350
• 2GB for ₦500 (includes bonus night data usable from 12 AM to 5 AM)

Airtel

• 75MB for ₦75
• 100MB for ₦100
• 200MB for ₦200 (2 days)
• 300MB for ₦300 (2 days)

Note: Airtel no longer offers weekend bundles. Their current plans are priced at ₦1 per MB.

9mobile

• 40MB for ₦50
• 83MB + 50MB for social apps at ₦100
• 150MB + 100MB night data for ₦150
• 1GB + 100MB social for ₦300
• 3-day plan: 2GB + 100MB social for ₦500

What people are saying

We spoke to many users across different cities who consistently highlight how easy it is to quickly grab these small daily bundles, especially when their budget is tight. 

“It’s not about getting the most data, it’s about staying connected when you need to,” explained Tomiwa, who sometimes buys a daily plan if his main bundle runs out unexpectedly.

The social media bundles, particularly WhatsApp for ₦50, are incredibly popular for quick chats and updates. “I just need to keep up with family messages and a few group chats, so ₦50 for WhatsApp is perfect for me when I’m on the go,” shared Favour, stressing how vital quick social access is for her thrift business. 

Even with the low data limits, most customers continue to buy these plans because they are genuinely affordable and offer the much-needed flexibility. It’s all about meeting immediate needs without overspending.

Weekly data plans in Nigeria (July 2025)

Weekly data plans are a wise choice if you don’t want to commit to a monthly bundle or spend money on daily top-ups. They provide more data for your money and are ideal when your usage fluctuates week to week, such as when you have projects, travel plans, or simply want to manage your spending.

Best weekly plans right now

MTN

• 1.2GB for ₦700 (MTN Pulse only)
• 1.5GB for ₦1,000
• 11GB for ₦3,500
• MTN also offers ₦50 bundles for Facebook, WhatsApp, or Ayoba (40MB), as well as a free 300MB education plan.

Glo

• 1.5GB for ₦500
• 3.5GB for ₦1,000 (includes 2GB bonus night data)
• 8.5GB for ₦2,000, 20.5GB for ₦5,000
• Bonus: 1.1GB for ₦750, valid for 14 days.

Airtel

• ₦1,000: 1.5GB + 2GB YouTube Night + 200MB for YouTube, IG, TikTok
• ₦1,500: 3.5GB + bonuses
• ₦2,500: 6GB + bonuses
• ₦3,000: 10GB + bonuses
• ₦5,000: 18GB + bonuses

9mobile

• 7GB + 100MB Social for ₦1,500 – One of the best weekly options based on value.
• 2GB for ₦500 – Valid for 14 days.
  

What people think

When we spoke to people who prefer weekly bundles, Glo often came up as an offering that provides solid value, especially for heavy users. 

“Glo’s weekly plans feel like you get more for your money, especially with the night bonuses,” Ugochukwu mentioned, thinking of how he might use a weekly plan when visiting family outside Lagos. 

Airtel’s plans were a big hit among YouTube and TikTok fans, who specifically mentioned the video bonuses. “I burn through data watching tutorials and creating content,” said Nkem, the online business owner, “and Airtel’s bonuses for YouTube and Instagram are really helpful.”

Monthly data plans in Nigeria (July 2025)

Monthly data plans are a solid choice if your internet usage remains consistent each month. They usually give you more data for less money per MB and are ideal if you work from home, study online, stream content, or share data with your household.

Top monthly plans right now

MTN

• 2GB for ₦1,500
• 7GB for ₦2,000
• 10GB for ₦4,500
• You can roll over unused data if you renew your plan before it expires.
• MTN also has 120MB for Facebook or WhatsApp at ₦150 (valid for 30 days).

Glo

• 2.6GB for ₦1,000
• 10GB for ₦2,500
• 50GB for ₦10,000
• 107GB for ₦20,000
• Mega options: 135GB (₦25,000), 165GB (₦30,000), 220GB (₦40,000), and even 1TB (₦150,000 for 1 year)
• Many plans come with bonus night data.

Airtel

• 8GB for ₦3,000
• 10GB for ₦4,000
• 13GB for ₦5,000
• 18GB for ₦6,000
• Mega plans: 23GB for ₦6,000, 45GB for ₦6,000 (with daily usage caps)
• Most come with bonus night data or platform-specific bonuses.

9mobile

• 1GB for ₦1,000
• 5GB Night Plan for ₦2,000
• Up to 27.5GB for ₦18,000
• Get bonus data for 12 months when you buy a monthly plan of ₦ 1,500 or more with a new smartphone.
  

What people are saying

From our conversations, users value the stability that comes with monthly plans, especially if they are already familiar with their data usage. Moses said, “It’s just less stress when you know your internet is sorted for the whole month.” MTN is frequently praised for its reliable speed in many locations. 

“MTN just works for me; the speed is consistent, which is crucial for my video calls,” Ugochukwu confirmed. On the other hand, Glo was often picked for its bigger bundles at lower prices. Nkem said, “For the amount of data I need for my business, Glo gives me the most value for money, even if I have to manage the network sometimes.” 

Some heavy internet users, like Moses’s colleagues in digital marketing, mentioned spending as much as ₦90,000 a month just to stay online for demanding tasks.

While prices have gone up, many people we spoke to acknowledged that network providers are also working hard behind the scenes to improve their services, building new data centres, expanding 4G and 5G coverage, and upgrading their infrastructure. That’s part of why plans are more expensive. Still, people are hoping these investments will lead to even better deals down the line.

Unlimited monthly data plans in Nigeria

When a provider says “unlimited data” in Nigeria, it usually doesn’t mean you can browse freely without limits. Most of the time, there’s a Fair Usage Policy (FUP). This means that once you use a certain amount of data, your internet speed may slow down, sometimes to the point where it’s difficult to stream or browse smoothly. It’s a common frustration, as many users, including Jennifer, shared after returning from the UK, where “unlimited” often truly means unlimited.

Top “Unlimited” internet options in July 2025

Truly unlimited options (No FUP):

• MTN FibreX – MTN clearly states there’s no fair usage policy on its FibreX plans. Speeds don’t drop after heavy usage, even during busy hours. You also get free installation and a router.
• FibreOne – Plans like 30Mbps for ₦16,914 come with no speed limits or usage caps. Very popular in cities.
• Tizeti – ₦12,500 for 30 days. Also claims to have no data caps or limits, but setup costs ₦57,000.

Unlimited with fair usage limits (Speeds drop after a point):

• Airtel – Offers “Unlimited” plans like 20Mbps for ₦20,000 or 60Mbps for ₦50,000, but they apply FUP. Speeds drop after crossing certain limits (often not stated clearly).
• Spectranet –
  • Gold Plan: ₦18,999/month with a 125GB FUP.
  • Platinum Plan: ₦26,000/month with a 300GB FUP.
    After this, speeds are reduced to 512 kbps or 1 Mbps.
• Starlink – Ideal for remote areas where fibre isn’t available. However, the setup costs ₦590,000, and the monthly cost is ₦38,000. Users also complain about price hikes and speed drops during peak times.

What you should know

Many users feel disappointed after purchasing so-called “unlimited” plans, especially for 5G, only to find that they are throttled. If you stream a lot, work online, or have a family sharing an internet connection, these speed drops can be frustrating.

People we spoke with and discussions online often recommend MTN FibreX and FibreOne because they tend to stay fast even with heavy use. “If you need truly consistent internet for work or a family, these are the ones people keep suggesting,” Tomiwa noted. Starlink is often seen as more of a last resort for places where fibre isn’t an option. If you’re paying ₦30,000 or more per month, you deserve to know exactly what you’re getting. Always take the time to read the fine print before making a purchase.

Final thoughts: 

Choosing the best data plan depends on how much internet you use, your budget, and the quality of network coverage in your area. There’s no one-size-fits-all plan, but here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• For light or emergency use, daily plans from MTN, Glo, and 9mobile are affordable. Just note that the cost per MB is usually higher.
• For short-term flexibility, weekly plans are a good middle ground. 9mobile’s 7GB for ₦1,500 and Airtel’s video-friendly bonuses are solid picks.
• For stable, everyday use, monthly bundles offer the best value. Glo is often the cheapest per GB, and MTN adds rollover if you renew on time.
• For unlimited home or office internet, fixed broadband is your best bet. MTN FibreX, FibreOne, and Tizeti offer no speed limits. Starlink is another option if you live in an area where fibre isn’t available, but it’s more expensive.

Not long ago, giant video streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video were hailed as the future of television in Nigeria. They offered an escape from the limitations of cable television and promised premium on-demand content. But today, they face a powerful competitor: YouTube.

While Netflix, Showmax, and Prime Video chase audiences with sleek Nigerian originals and aggressive pricing strategies, many Nigerians are opting for YouTube for movies and series.

The reasons are economic, infrastructural, and technological.

YouTube is practical

Streaming services are getting more expensive. Netflix recently raised its Nigerian subscription prices for the third time in less than a year.  According to Punch, the increase follows similar hikes in April and July 2024.

Under the new price, Netflix’s premium plan now costs ₦8,500 a month, up from ₦7,000 ($5.3).The Standard plan jumped to ₦6,500 ($4.1) from ₦5,500 ($3.4).The Basic plan rose to ₦4,000 ($2.5) from ₦3,500($2.2), and the Mobile plan now costs ₦2,500 ($1.6), up from ₦2,200 ($1.4).

Showmax’s subscription starts at ₦3,200 ($2), and its full version at ₦2,500($1.6). Prime Video’s subscription  is ₦2,300, but now shows ads unless users pay more.

In a country where the minimum wage is ₦70,000 and some people spend up to ₦40,000 ($25) on data, these prices are unaffordable for many. According to the World Bank, over half of Nigeria’s 230 million people live in poverty. Streaming, for many, is a luxury.

YouTube works better with Nigeria’s internet reality

In contrast, YouTube meets users where they are by offering what many see as a more adaptive solution. It is free, widely accessible, and critically, allows users to control video quality, download videos for offline viewing, and stream using data-saving options. 

Streaming platforms often load in HD or 4K by default, quietly draining viewers’ data. While both streaming platforms and YouTube require data, YouTube allows users to drop resolution, turn off autoplay, or use data-saving browsers like Opera Mini. Most Nigerians know the drill: download videos overnight using midnight bundles, then watch offline during the day. YouTube supports that. Most streaming  platforms don’t.

To watch videos on YouTube, users only need internet access and data, which is relatively affordable compared to subscription-based services. In a country where mobile is the dominant mode of access, that control makes a difference. Statista reports that Nigeria had 103 million active internet users as of January 2024, with most of them on  mobile, and 107 million users as of February 2025. YouTube’s mobile-first features give it a native advantage. 

Beyond affordability, YouTube offers users vast access to videos. Unlike paid streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Showmax, YouTube offers free access to an array of content, from Nollywood films to music, comedy skits, and more. In essence, people pay less for more in contrast with the abundant but still limited content bank of most streaming platforms.

Local content plus local relevance 

Another reason YouTube wins? Relevance.

Where paid platforms lead with Western and high-gloss African content, YouTube gives users content at different quality levels but which, importantly, offer more chances for relatability. 

Additionally, filmmakers and other creators on YouTube publish faster and more frequently than streamers. This is attributed to the fact that the platform gives them direct control over their content, production timelines, and distribution strategies. Unlike streaming services that require lengthy approval processes, high-budget production standards, and executive sign-offs, YouTube removes these barriers, allowing filmmakers and creators to shoot, edit, and upload content at their own pace.

It’s a business, not a bet

Streaming platforms like Netflix often buy out Nollywood creators’ work, offering upfront money but little long-term payoff. YouTube, by contrast, offers Nigerian filmmakers recurring income through its monetisation features. 

Monetisation methods include AdSense revenue, Super Thanks, Super Chat, and channel Memberships, YouTube Shorts Fund, brand partnerships and affiliate marketing. Consistent viewership can lead to sustainable income, especially for those with dedicated audiences.

Streaming activities, including YouTube, have driven record increases in internet spending and data usage in Nigeria. Also, the number of Nigerian YouTube channels earning significant revenue has doubled in recent years, encouraging even more filmmakers and creators to put their content on the platform.

Many Nollywood production houses now use YouTube as both a distribution platform and a marketing funnel, leading fans to paid platforms, merchandise, or exclusive content. It also gives them full control over release schedules, audience engagement, and monetisation strategies, which is something most streamers do not offer.

Production costs are lower, too. Unlike cinema or streaming, YouTube doesn’t require expensive cameras, costumes, or elite production values. As filmmaker Olatunbosun Amao put it in ThisDay: “On YouTube, anyone—literally anyone—can make a film. If it’s good and people like it, you can make way more than you spent.” 

Filmmaker and co-founder of iBAKATV YouTube Channel, Kazeem Adeoti, said the number of full-length movies on YouTube had grown tremendously. Several top actors own YouTube channels to directly distribute their movies to consumers, he said.

Seun Oloketuyi, film producer and founder of the Best of Nollywood (BON) awards, said YouTube had become more appealing to filmmakers as there were no specifications on the types of cameras to be used, the quality of costumes or the language mixes.

So, is YouTube a viable alternative to streaming?

For millions of Nigerians, it already is.

It’s not just about affordability. YouTube offers a tech experience that matches Nigerian habits: offline viewing, lower-res options, platform-agnostic access, and relatable content. It’s entertainment on your terms, not a Silicon Valley subscription trap.

Will streamers disappear? Probably not. But unless they rethink their pricing, data consumption, and distribution models, they may become premium outposts.

*Exchange rate used is $1 to  ₦1,600.