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The average fare for intra-city bus journeys in Nigeria rose to N1,431.25 per trip in May 2026, keeping heavy pressure on commuters despite easing inflation in other economic sectors.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed the data in its latest Transport Fare Watch report on Tuesday.
The new figure reflects a 2.43 per cent monthly increase from April’s average of N1,397.27 and a steep 38.63 per cent annual jump from the N1,032.46 average recorded in May 2025.
The report notes that transport costs climbed across all major categories during the review period, including intercity buses, domestic flights, commercial motorcycles (okada), and water transport.
Motorcycle transportation suffered the sharpest annual surge, skyrocketing 52.45 per cent year-on-year to an average of N1,072.51.
Meanwhile, intercity bus travel ticked up to N9,699.55—a 21.89 per cent annual increase—and average domestic airfares climbed to N157,552.19, representing a 20.86 per cent jump from the previous year.
The NBS data highlights massive pricing disparities across different states and regions.
Zamfara State recorded the highest intra-city bus fare at N1,878.80, while Ondo State topped intercity bus costs at N11,080.
For air travel, Kano State registered the most expensive domestic flights at N184,139.29.
Regionally, the South-West posted the highest average fares for city buses, intercity transit, and commercial motorcycles, while the South-South led the nation in water transport costs.
