The 1GB Daily (MoMo Only) plan has been phased out. In this blog, we detail how it worked, why it’s off the menu, why the old codes fail, and which daily bundles now stand out among MTN’s updated data offerings.
For a period, MTN partnered with its mobile money service, MoMo, to provide a unique 1GB daily package that could only be bought with MoMo wallet funds. Priced around ₦300–₦350, it offered a straightforward 24-hour usage window. Many users enjoyed the convenience of paying directly from their MoMo wallet without the hassle of airtime conversion or bank transfers.
Since the February 13 realignment of MTN’s data bundles, this MoMo-only 1GB daily plan has disappeared. Attempting to purchase it via MoMo often yields a “Product Unavailable” message, while old references in promotional materials have been pulled.
What Changed?
- MoMo Integration Overhaul: MTN streamlined the MoMo platform, merging or discontinuing specialized data deals that didn’t align with their new structure.
- Removal from Listings: The plan is no longer displayed under “Daily Plans” or “MoMo Specials” in official channels.
- Consolidation: Instead of multiple daily deals, MTN is focusing on a smaller set of daily or 2-day packages accessible to all payment methods.
Purchasing the 1GB Daily Plan Before February 13
Historically, you could buy the 1GB Daily (MoMo Only) in one of two ways:
- MoMo App or USSD
- You’d open the MoMo app, select “Buy Data,” choose “MTN 1GB Daily,” and confirm payment.
- Alternatively, dial MoMo’s USSD code (*223# or a dedicated code provided) to navigate to the “Buy Data” menu.
- Special SMS/USSD
- In some cases, there was a direct USSD code that checked your MoMo balance and initiated the data purchase. This code was not widely advertised, but savvy users discovered it on social media or from customer care reps.
After purchase, you’d have exactly 24 hours from the time of activation to use up the 1GB. This was appealing for moderate data consumption—like social media updates, streaming short videos, or general browsing.
The Old MB Rate
When the plan was priced at ₦300 for 1GB, you effectively paid around ₦0.30 per MB. This rate was relatively competitive for a daily plan, especially considering the direct MoMo payment method.
Below is a quick cost breakdown:
Plan |
Price (₦) |
Data |
Validity |
Cost/MB (₦) |
1GB Daily (MoMo Only) |
300–350 |
1GB |
24 Hours |
~0.30–0.35 |
Why Is It Gone From MoMo and MTN Platforms?
- Shift to Universal Payment: MTN might be moving away from exclusive MoMo deals, encouraging a single structure where daily plans are accessible via any payment method (airtime, MoMo, card).
- Operational Simplification: Having multiple parallel daily offers complicates user choice. By removing the MoMo-only plan, MTN consolidates to standard daily packages (like the “1GB + 3 Mins Daily” or “1.4GB Daily”).
- Profit & Policy: Some specialized plans might not be profitable or might overlap with current marketing campaigns.
Why Are the Old USSD Codes Unresponsive?
If you remember a code like *223*XXX#, you’ll find it now leads to an error or an empty menu. The backend product code was deactivated:
- MoMo-Linked SKU: The system no longer recognizes “MoMo-Only 1GB Daily” as an active product.
- Integration: Once a plan is taken offline, the USSD routes typically break or return “This plan is not available.”
Best Alternatives
Since you can’t buy the “1GB Daily (MoMo Only)” plan, consider the following daily or short-term plans:
- 1GB + 3 Mins Daily
- Code: *312*155# or SMS “155” to 312
- Price: ₦350
- Validity: 24 hours
- Includes: 3 free voice minutes
- Analysis: If your major reason for choosing the old plan was 1GB data in one day, this closely matches it. The cost is around ₦350, and you also get talk time.
- 2.5GB Daily
- Often restricted to MyMTN App or certain channels.
- Price: ~₦750
- Validity: 24 hours
- Analysis: Offers more data for a single day if your usage is heavier. It’s costlier, but still cheaper per MB than smaller daily bundles.
- 250MB Daily
- Price: ₦200
- Validity: 24 hours
- Analysis: If you’re a light user, you can spend less. However, the cost per MB is significantly higher.
- 2-Day Plans (e.g., 2GB or 3.2GB for ₦750/₦1,000)
- If you find yourself frequently needing more than 1GB in 24 hours, a 2-day plan might be more flexible and cost-effective overall.
User FAQ
“How do I buy the 1GB Daily MoMo plan now?”
- You can’t. It’s been removed and is no longer listed under MoMo deals.
“Why do I see a 404 error on old blog posts?”
- Those posts refer to a plan that’s discontinued. MTN has removed official pages referencing it.
“Is the 1GB + 3 Mins plan basically the same?”
- It’s the closest daily replacement. The cost is similar, but the key difference is it’s not MoMo-exclusive—you can pay with airtime, card, or MoMo.
“Which daily plan is the cheapest now?”
- Typically, small daily data like 120MB or 75MB cost less overall, but more per MB. For around 1GB daily, your best straightforward option is the 1GB + 3 Mins plan or the 1.4GB daily plan if you need slightly more data.
Bigger Picture: Why Did MTN Remove Specialized Plans?
- Payment Channel Unification: Too many exclusive or niche plans (e.g., MoMo-only, app-only) can confuse customers. Standardizing across platforms might simplify the user experience.
- Increased Revenue: Plans that offered low cost per MB via certain channels may have been phased out in favor of more uniformly priced data deals.
- Market Evolution: Telecom providers regularly tweak offers to stay competitive, comply with regulations, and align with new marketing campaigns.
Moving Forward
If you relied on the 1GB Daily (MoMo Only) plan for budget-friendly daily browsing, here are some strategies:
- Switch Payment Methods: Explore the mainstream 1GB daily plan with voice minutes (*312*155#).
- Check for MoMo Promotions: MoMo might run seasonal promos that emulate or improve upon old deals. Keep the MoMo app updated to catch any limited-time offers.
- Consider a Weekly Plan: If you consistently used the 1GB MoMo plan daily, you might end up spending ₦2,400–₦2,800 monthly. A 5GB weekly at ₦1,500, repeated four times a month, totals ₦6,000 for 20GB monthly—potentially more data for your money if you have moderate needs.
Common Complaints & Their Answers
- Complaint: “I typed the old MoMo code for 1GB daily and got no response.”
- Answer: That code is discontinued. Use the official *312# menu or MyMTN NG App for current daily bundles.
- Complaint: “My old link to buy 1GB daily with MoMo shows an error page.”
- Answer: The plan has been purged from official servers. Try an alternative daily plan.
- Complaint: “MoMo still shows a daily plan, but it’s more expensive or has different data.”
- Answer: The MoMo platform may carry alternative daily data bundles, but the exclusive 1GB daily is gone.
- Complaint: “Why is MTN removing cheaper plans?”
- Answer: MTN has not provided a specific reason for each removal, but typically it’s about profitability, product consistency, and shifting market strategies.
Final Thoughts
The 1GB Daily (MoMo Only) plan was convenient because it removed friction in purchasing data. However, with MTN’s new structure, you’ll need to pick from standardized daily offers. In many cases, the difference is marginal—like paying ₦350 for 1GB daily plus talk time instead of ₦300 with MoMo. While it’s not as cheap, it’s still a feasible short-term data option.
For some users, switching to a bigger daily or 2-day plan might even offer better cost-per-MB if your usage tends to spike. Others who strictly consume about 1GB daily might find themselves paying a bit more but gaining extra features (e.g., voice minutes or a small chunk of YouTube data).
Key Takeaway: If you’re disappointed by the removal, keep an eye on periodic MoMo promotions. MTN occasionally introduces time-limited deals that could be equally attractive.