Nigerians face increased transportation costs as prices for flights and motorcycle taxis surge in February

n n

By Progress Godfrey, ABUJA

n

Nigerians faced higher commuting costs in February 2026 as airfares and motorcycle transport charges recorded notable increases, pushing overall transport expenses upward despite a slight drop in intercity bus fares, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

n

The latest Transport Fare Watch report by the NBS showed that the average airfare for specified routes increased to N153,647.95 in February, reflecting a 1.51 per cent rise from January and a 21.38 per cent jump year-on-year.

n

Similarly, the average fare paid for Okada rides increased to N920.95, up 4.82 per cent month-on-month and surging 53.26 per cent compared to February 2025, making it one of the fastest-rising transport segments.

n

Within cities, bus fares recorded a marginal increase of 0.74 per cent to N1,195.75 in February from N1,186.98 in January, while intercity bus fares dropped by 4.65 per cent to N8,108.81, offering slight relief to long-distance travellers.

n

The Bureau said, “The average fare paid by air passengers for a specified route’s single journey was N153,647.95 in February 2026, showing an increase of 1.51 per cent when compared to the previous month.

n

“The average transport fare paid on Okada transportation was N920.95 in February 2026, which shows an increase of 4.82 per cent when compared with the value recorded in January 2026.

n

“The average fare paid by commuters for bus journeys intercity per drop was N8,108.81 in February 2026, indicating a decrease of 4.65 per cent on a month-on-month basis compared to N8,504.39 in January 2026.”

n

Also, water transport fares edged higher to N2,097.30 in February, representing a 0.55 per cent monthly increase and a 31.66 per cent rise year-on-year, highlighting persistent cost pressures across transport modes.

n

State-level analysis showed significant disparities, with Abia and Ogun recording the highest intercity bus fares, while Kwara and Edo posted the lowest. Lagos led in intra-city bus fares, while Kano recorded the highest airfares. Kaduna topped Okada charges, while Rivers and Bayelsa dominated water transport costs.

n

Across regions, the South West recorded the highest average fares for intra-city bus and motorcycle transport, while the South South led in air and water transport costs. The North East consistently posted the lowest fares across several categories, reflecting regional cost differences in mobility.

n n