Nigerians Pay 131% More for Okada Fares in Three Years Amid Rising Costs

The cost of motorcycle taxi (okada) transportation in Nigeria has surged by 130.87 percent over the three years since President Bola Tinubu took office, driven by increased fuel prices and a depreciating naira.

Analysis of National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Transport Fare Watch reports reveals that the average okada fare climbed from N464.55 in May 2023 to N1,072.51 in May 2026. This substantial increase of N607.96 is a direct consequence of the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023 and the subsequent liberalization of the foreign exchange market, which inflated the costs of fuel, motorcycles, spare parts, and maintenance.

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The average transport fare paid on Okada transportation stood at N1,072.51 in May 2026, representing a 3.56 per cent increase compared to the N1,035.69 recorded in April 2026. On a year-on-year basis, the average fare rose by 52.45 per cent, from N703.54 in May 2025 to N1,072.51 in May 2026.

The rising transportation expenses extend beyond okadas. The NBS report indicates continued fare increases across all major categories. Average fares for bus journeys within cities rose by 120.33 percent, from N649.59 in May 2023 to N1,431.25 in May 2026. Intercity bus fares saw an even steeper increase of 142.35 percent, jumping from N4,002.16 to N9,699.55 in the same period.

Air travel and water transportation have also become significantly more expensive. The average domestic airfare increased by 110.22 percent, from N74,948.78 to N157,552.19. Similarly, average water transportation fares rose by 117.81 percent, from N1,045.15 to N2,276.48. These widespread fare hikes underscore the persistent inflationary pressures affecting Nigerians' daily lives and mobility.

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The average fare paid by commuters for bus journeys within the city per drop increased by 2.43 per cent, rising from N1,397.27 in April 2026 to N1,431.25 in May 2026. On a year-on-year basis, the average fare recorded a significant increase of 38.63 per cent compared to the N1,032.46 paid in May 2025.