The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that the average fare for bus rides within Nigerian cities climbed to N1,431.25 per trip in May. This shows that transport costs continue to rise across the country.
The bureau shared this information in its latest Transport Fare Watch report released on Tuesday.
The report states that the average fare for intra-city bus travel increased by 2.43 percent from N1,397.27 recorded in April. Compared to May last year, the fare is up by 38.63 percent from N1,032.46.
The NBS noted that fares went up across major transport services during the month. This includes intercity bus services, domestic flights, motorcycle (okada) rides, and water transport. The monthly increases were not very large.
Among these transport types, motorcycle rides saw the biggest yearly increase.
The report also indicated that the average fare for intercity bus travel rose to N9,699.55 in May. This is a 0.96 percent increase from N9,607.41 in April. Compared to May last year, the fare is up by 21.89 percent from N7,957.41.
Likewise, the average airfare for certain domestic routes increased to N157,552.19, which is a 0.12 percent rise month-on-month. This is also 20.86 percent higher than the N130,361.85 recorded in May last year.
Motorcycle transport had the highest annual fare increase among the types surveyed. The average fare now stands at N1,072.51. This is a 3.56 percent rise from April and a 52.45 percent increase from May last year.
Water transport fares also went up, reaching N2,276.48 from N2,222.84 in April. This is a 2.41 percent increase. When looking at the year, the fare is 30.88 percent higher than the N1,739.32 recorded in May last year.
State-by-state differences
The report highlights that transport fares vary significantly across states.
Ondo State has the highest average fare for intercity bus travel at N11,080, followed closely by Abia State at N11,066.13. Kwara and Edo states recorded the lowest average fares.
For intra-city bus transport, Zamfara State has the highest average fare at N1,878.80, followed by Taraba State at N1,771.96. Abia and Adamawa states reported the lowest average fares.
Kano State recorded the highest average domestic airfare at N184,139.29, ahead of Lagos State at N176,971.65. Gombe and Nasarawa states had the lowest airfares.
Additionally, Kaduna State had the highest average fare for motorcycle rides at N1,720.76. Rivers State reported the highest average fare for water transport at N6,893.55.
According to the NBS, the South-west region had the highest average fares for intra-city bus services, intercity bus travel, and motorcycle transportation.
In contrast, the South-south region had the highest average water transport fares during this period.
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