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Aliko Dangote's name is trending in Nigeria again, and for most people the reason is the one that shows up at the filling station: the price of petrol. Reports this autumn say the Dangote refinery's ex-depot (gantry) price has moved several times since August, and pump prices have followed. When fuel goes up, transport and food tend to follow, so the money left for airtime and data gets squeezed.

You cannot control the petrol price. You can control what you pay for data and airtime. This guide covers what has been reported on fuel prices, then practical ways to cut your telecom spend without going offline.

What has been reported on petrol prices

• News coverage (for example Legit.ng) reported the refinery raising its gantry price from about N1,265 to N1,350 per litre in mid-September 2026, with some Lagos stations selling around N1,395.
• More recent figures cited by MyTimeNG, quoting MEMAN, put the gantry price near N1,325 per litre, with an NNPC pump price in Abuja around N1,370.
• Prices differ by station and city and change often. Treat these as a snapshot, not today's price.

The takeaway is simple: transport and generator costs are up, so every naira of telecom waste hurts more.

7 ways to spend less on data and airtime

1. Stop buying data in small, expensive top-ups

Buying N200 of data five times in a week usually costs more per GB than one properly priced bundle. Work out how much you really use in a month, then buy the matching plan once, and compare live prices before you pay.

2. Pick the network that works where you live

The cheapest plan is useless if the signal is poor at home or at work. Use the network with the best coverage where you spend your time, and keep a second SIM for the rest.

3. Turn off what drains your data

• Set video autoplay to off (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X).
• Use Data Saver on Android or Low Data Mode on iPhone.
• Download updates on Wi-Fi only and stop apps updating in the background.
• Lower streaming quality. Watching at 480p uses far less data than HD.

4. Use night and app bundles when they fit

Networks sometimes offer night or app-specific bundles that cost less per GB. They only save money if they match when and how you actually browse, so read the details first.

5. Buy from a funded wallet, not at the last minute

Emergency top-ups and borrow services often cost more. A funded wallet means you can buy the right plan the moment you need it. On ABS Vendor you fund one wallet and buy MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile airtime and data, usually delivered within seconds.

6. Watch for flash deals

Limited-time prices on selected plans appear on the flash deals page. Turn on app notifications to hear about them first.

7. Earn back some of your spend

The ABS Vendor app lets you earn points by playing games and referring friends. Check the app for what is live today.

FAQ

Why does the Dangote refinery price affect me?
The refinery supplies a large share of Nigeria's petrol, so changes to its gantry price tend to flow through to pump prices, then to transport and food costs.

What is the current petrol price in Nigeria?
It varies by station and city and changes often. Check the station's board or a live price tracker rather than an old article.

What is the cheapest way to buy data?
Buy a plan that matches your real monthly usage, on the network that works best where you live, and compare live prices first.

How do I stop my data finishing so fast?
Turn off video autoplay and background updates, use Data Saver, and stream at lower quality.

Can I buy data and airtime for someone else?
Yes. Enter their number when you buy and it is delivered to them.

Sources

Fuel price details come from public news reports, including Legit.ng and MyTimeNG. Prices change often, so confirm current figures locally.

This article is general information, not financial advice. ABS Vendor is not affiliated with the Dangote Group.