Nigeria: Average city bus fare climbs 2.43% to N1,431 in May

Commuters in Nigerian cities are facing continued pressure on transportation costs, as the average fare for intra-city bus journeys climbed to N1,431.25 per trip in May 2026. This marks a 2.43% increase from the N1,397.27 recorded in April 2026, according to the National Bureau of Statistics' latest Transport Fare Watch report.

The year-on-year figures reveal a more significant jump, with the average intra-city bus fare rising by 38.63% from N1,032.46 in May 2025. This sustained increase highlights the ongoing strain on household budgets, even as inflation shows signs of easing in other economic sectors.

The report indicates that the rise in transport costs is not limited to city buses. Intercity bus travel fares increased by 0.96% month-on-month to N9,699.55 in May 2026, and saw a 21.89% rise year-on-year. Domestic airfare also experienced a slight increase, standing at N157,552.19, up 0.12% from April and 20.86% higher than in May 2025.

Motorcycle (okada) rides, a popular mode of transport in many Nigerian cities, recorded the sharpest annual increase among all categories. The average fare rose to N1,072.51, a 3.56% increase from April and a substantial 52.45% jump compared to May 2025. Water transportation fares also saw a 2.41% month-on-month increase and a 30.88% rise year-on-year.

Disparities in fares were noted across states and regions. Ondo State recorded the highest average intercity bus fare, while Zamfara State had the highest average intra-city bus fare. Kano State reported the highest average domestic airfare, and Rivers State had the highest average water transport fare. The South-West region generally recorded the highest average fares for city bus, intercity bus, and motorcycle services.