Airtime is often the most useful thing you can send to someone in Nigeria: it pays for calls, data bundles and texts, and it never needs collecting from an agent. Here is how to order a Nigeria mobile top-up from the UK, one stage at a time, so the naira reach the right line.
Which mobile networks in Nigeria can receive a top-up?
Our Nigeria page covers MTN, Airtel, Glo and T2. T2 is the name now used by the network many people still call 9mobile. Each operator has its own list of naira amounts and its own prices, so begin by confirming which network the recipient’s SIM is on, then select that network before choosing a value.
Plenty of people in Nigeria carry two SIMs from different operators, and numbers can be ported, so a short message asking “which line should I credit?” saves confusion. Make sure it is a prepaid line. Postpaid accounts are not covered.
How should I enter a Nigerian number with +234?
Nigeria’s country code is +234. Locally, mobile numbers have eleven digits and begin with a zero, such as 080x xxx xxxx or 070x xxx xxxx. For an international top-up, remove that first zero and add 234, giving +234 80x xxx xxxx. After the 234 you should always have ten digits.
- Local style: 080x xxx xxxx, 081x xxx xxxx, 090x xxx xxxx and similar
- International style for the Nigeria Mobile Number box: +234 80x xxx xxxx
The single most common error is leaving the zero in place, as in +234 080. That produces eleven digits after the code and will not match a real line. The second is typing 234 twice when the saved contact already contains it.
How many naira can I send, and at what price in pounds?
Values run from 100 NGN on Airtel to 45,000 NGN on T2. Airtel offers the smallest amounts, from £0.19. Glo and MTN both start at 1,100 NGN for £1.09, topping out at 11,250 NGN (£10.59) on Glo and 11,000 NGN (£10.49) on MTN. T2 has the widest spread, from £3.59 up to £45.19. The product page confirms each exact figure.
| Network | Amounts (NGN) | Price range (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Airtel | 100, 200, 300, 500, 1,000, 1,500 | £0.19 to £1.49 |
| Glo | 1,100, 2,250, 4,500, 6,750, 9,000, 11,250 | £1.09 to £10.59 |
| MTN | 1,100, 2,200, 4,400, 6,600, 8,800, 11,000 | £1.09 to £10.49 |
| T2 | 3,500, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, 45,000 | £3.59 to £45.19 |
As the table shows, the naira steps are different on each network, so an amount you remember sending on MTN may not exist on Glo. Pick from the values listed once the network is selected.
How the recipient spends the airtime, whether on calls or on a data bundle bought from their network, is up to them and to the operator’s current offers.
What should I confirm before sending payment?
Before you pay, look again at the network, the ten digits after 234, the naira value and your email address. A wrong network choice can cause the order to fail, and a wrong digit can send airtime to a stranger. Comparing the number with a text or chat from the recipient is the most dependable check you can make.
- Select MTN, Airtel, Glo or T2 to match the SIM.
- Enter 234 plus ten digits, without the local zero.
- Choose the naira amount the person needs.
- Confirm your email so our order updates reach you.
How do I pay by bank transfer for a Nigeria top-up?
Bank transfer from a UK account is our only payment option. After you confirm the order, the next page shows your order number together with our account name, sort code and account number. Transfer the exact total from your bank and quote the order number as the reference, so the payment can be matched to your Nigeria order.
Your bank might ask you to approve a new payee, or briefly hold a first payment while it carries out checks. That is part of normal UK banking security. If you would like to see the steps laid out with examples, read our guide to paying by bank transfer.
How soon does the airtime show on the Nigerian line?
We act on your order once your payment is confirmed. Airtime is usually applied to the Nigerian number when the order is processed, after which we email you to confirm it has been sent. MTN, Airtel, Glo and T2 normally send the recipient a text as well. We cannot promise a fixed time, as bank checks differ.
If you have our email but the person sees no change, suggest they dial their network’s balance code or switch the phone off and on. If the balance still has not moved, contact us with the order number and we will follow it up.
Can a top-up to the wrong Nigerian number be refunded?
Unfortunately not. If the number entered at checkout belongs to someone else, the airtime goes to that person and the network will not reverse it, so we cannot offer a refund. Copy the number from a message the recipient sent you, check the network, and read the ten digits back one more time before you pay.
Noticed a mistake before transferring the money? Do not make the payment, and email us so we can cancel the order. Once payment has cleared and the top-up is processed, it stands.
The same principles apply in other countries too, as set out in our guide to how to top up a phone abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Is T2 the same as 9mobile?
Yes. T2 is the current name for the network formerly known as 9mobile, so choose T2 for those numbers.
Can I send a small amount to an MTN number?
The lowest MTN value we list is 1,100 NGN. For smaller amounts, Airtel starts at 100 NGN if the recipient has an Airtel line.
Can I use the airtime to buy data?
Generally yes, as most Nigerian networks let customers buy data bundles from their airtime balance. The available bundles are set by each network.
Where do I start the order?
Go to the Nigeria top-up page, pick the network, enter the number and choose an amount.