DataApp

Overview

DataApp is a Nigerian payments app where users fund one wallet and pay for airtime, data, electricity, TV, exam PINs, betting wallets and gift cards in a few taps. It also sends airtime and data to phones in other countries, so families can top up relatives abroad from Nigeria. We designed and built the iOS and Android apps, the landing website and the admin behind them.

The challenge

Most Nigerians juggle several apps and USSD codes for the small payments that keep life running. Topping up someone outside the country is even harder.

Daily payments were scattered. Airtime in one app, data in another, electricity and DStv somewhere else.

Postpaid and prepaid meters work differently. Paying electricity needed to handle both without confusing users.

Gifting across borders was painful. Sending airtime or data to a family member abroad usually meant asking someone in that country to do it.

Speed builds trust. In top-ups, a payment that hangs for a few minutes feels like lost money.

The setup had to be quick. New users needed to sign up and make their first payment in minutes.

DataApp wanted one fast, simple app for every everyday payment, with the reach to serve families on both sides of the border.

Our approach

1. We put every everyday payment behind one wallet. Users fund their wallet through a dedicated PalmPay account number or OPay, then pay for airtime, data, electricity, TV and more from the same balance.

2. We made it work across borders. We integrated international airtime and data providers so users can top up phones in other countries straight from the app.

3. We covered the full range of Nigerian bills. Prepaid and postpaid electricity, DStv and other TV subscriptions, exam e-PINs and betting wallet funding all sit in one services menu.

4. We added gift cards. Users buy gift cards from global brands inside the app, giving them another way to send value to family and friends.

5. We kept onboarding to three steps. Download, sign up for a free account, fund the wallet and pay. A clean, simple interface means new users get to their first transaction in minutes.

6. We built for speed and security. Transactions process instantly, biometric login keeps accounts quick to open and hard to break into, and encryption protects every payment.

The outcome

DataApp, formerly DataPlug, is live on iOS and Android with more than 100,000 downloads on Google Play, and still ships regular updates.

One app for daily payments. Airtime, data, power, TV, PINs and betting all run from a single wallet.

Family abroad is a tap away. Users top up relatives in other countries without help from anyone overseas.

More ways to send value. Gift cards from global brands add a gifting option alongside top-ups.

Fast first transaction. A three-step setup gets new users paying quickly.

Key features delivered

• Wallet funding through a dedicated PalmPay account number or OPay

• Airtime and data for all Nigerian networks

• International airtime and data top-ups

• Prepaid and postpaid electricity payments

• TV and cable subscriptions

• Exam e-PINs

• Betting wallet funding

• Gift card purchase from global brands

• Biometric login and encrypted transactions

• Native iOS and Android apps

• Landing website with download links, FAQs and contact page

• Admin portal for services, providers and transactions

Frequently asked questions

Who built DataApp? DataApp, formerly DataPlug, was built by Soft-Web Digital, a Lagos based software development and automation company, for DataApp Nigeria Limited. Soft-Web Digital designed and developed the iOS and Android apps, the landing website and the admin.

What can you do on DataApp? Users buy airtime and data, pay prepaid and postpaid electricity and TV bills, buy exam e-PINs, fund betting wallets, buy gift cards, and send airtime and data to phones in other countries.

Can Soft-Web Digital build a VTU or bill payment app for my business? Yes. Soft-Web Digital builds VTU, bill payment, wallet and gift card apps for iOS, Android and web, including admin portals and provider integrations. Request a quote or book a free strategy session at softwebdigital.com.

Can a Nigerian app send airtime and data to other countries? Yes. With the right international top-up provider integrated, a Nigerian app can deliver airtime and data to phone numbers abroad, which is how DataApp lets users gift family overseas.

How long does it take to build a VTU app in Nigeria? It depends on the services and providers. A focused airtime, data and bills app can launch in a few months, with more services added in phases. Soft-Web Digital shares a timeline after a short discovery call.

Thinking of launching your own VTU or bill payment app? We've built several that Nigerians use every day. Request a Quote or book a Free Strategy Session and let's plan yours.