NBS 2026 Transport Fares In Nigeria Feel Higher Than Expected
- 01. Nigeria Transport Fare NBS Latest 2026: Complete February Data Released
- 02. Key Findings from the NBS February 2026 Transport Report
- 03. Detailed Fare Breakdown by Transport Mode
- 04. State-by-State Fare Variations Reveal Regional Disparities
- 05. Year-On-Year Analysis Shows Persistent Cost Pressures
- 06. Geo-Political Zone Breakdown
- 07. Federal Government's CNG Initiative Targets Fare Reduction
- 08. Historical Context: Transport Fare Trends Since 2023
- 09. Impact on Nigerian Households and Economic Activity
- 10. Methodology Behind NBS Transport Fare Watch
- 11. What This Means for Commuters in 2026
- 12. Future Outlook: What to Expect in Coming Months
Nigeria Transport Fare NBS Latest 2026: Complete February Data Released
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released its February 2026 Transport Fare Watch report on Wednesday, March 31, 2026, revealing that average intra-city bus fares rose to N1,195.75 per drop, airfares climbed to N153,647.95 for single journeys, and motorcycle (Okada) fares surged to N920.95-marking a 53.26% year-on-year increase.
Key Findings from the NBS February 2026 Transport Report
The Transport Fare Watch report by the National Bureau of Statistics exposes rising transportation costs across Nigeria, with most categories showing significant month-on-month and year-on-year increases despite a rare decline in intercity bus fares.
- Average airfare: N153,647.95 (up 1.51% from January, 21.38% year-on-year)
- Okada motorcycle fare: N920.95 (up 4.82% monthly, 53.26% year-on-year)
- Intra-city bus fare: N1,195.75 (up 0.74% monthly, 26.71% year-on-year)
- Intercity bus fare: N8,108.81 (down 4.65% monthly, up 6.13% year-on-year)
- Water transport fare: N2,097.30 (up 0.55% monthly, 31.66% year-on-year)
This comprehensive fare analysis demonstrates that Nigerians faced substantially higher commuting costs in early 2026, with motorcycle transport emerging as the fastest-rising segment at over 53% annual growth.
Detailed Fare Breakdown by Transport Mode
| Transport Mode | February 2026 Average Fare | Month-on-Month Change | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air (single journey) | N153,647.95 | +1.51% | +21.38% |
| Okada (motorcycle) | N920.95 | +4.82% | +53.26% |
| Intra-city bus | N1,195.75 | +0.74% | +26.71% |
| Intercity bus | N8,108.81 | -4.65% | +6.13% |
| Water transport | N2,097.30 | +0.55% | +31.66% |
The month-on-month decline in intercity bus fares to N8,108.81 provided slight relief to long-distance travelers, dropping from N8,504.39 in January 2026.
State-by-State Fare Variations Reveal Regional Disparities
Geographic location significantly impacts transportation costs, with the South-West recording highest intra-city bus fares while the North-East posts lowest across multiple categories.
- Lagos State: Highest intra-city bus fare at N1,537.09
- Kano State: Highest airfare at N187,742.40
- Kaduna State: Highest Okada fare at N1,500.00
- Abia State: Highest intercity bus fare at N9,490.95
- Rivers State: Highest water transport fare at N6,560.01
Conversely, Gombe recorded lowest airfare at N131,290.00, while Adamawa and Akwa Ibom tied for lowest Okada fare at N650.00.
The South-East zone recorded the highest intercity travel fares at N8,507.45 on average, while the North-East zone remained most affordable at N7,709.98.
Year-On-Year Analysis Shows Persistent Cost Pressures
Comparing February 2026 to February 2025 reveals dramatic annual increases across virtually all transport modes, reflecting inflationary pressures and fuel cost dynamics.
The NBS stated:
"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".
Motorcycle transport emerged as the fastest-rising segment with 53.26% year-on-year growth, making it one of the most volatile transportation categories in Nigeria.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery reduced its gantry price for petrol to ₦1,200 per litre in late March 2026, but this reduction had not yet significantly impacted transport fares by February's data collection period.
Geo-Political Zone Breakdown
Regional cost differences in mobility are stark, with the South South leading in air and water transport costs while the North East consistently posts lowest fares.
| Geo-Political Zone | Highest Category | Average Fare | Lowest Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| South-West | Intra-city bus | N1,326.80 | Motorcycle |
| South-East | Intercity bus | N8,507.45 | Intra-city bus |
| South-South | Air & Water | Highest nationally | None |
| North-East | None | Lowest nationally | Multiple categories |
The South-West recorded highest average fares for intra-city bus and motorcycle transport, reflecting Lagos's dominant urban economy.
Federal Government's CNG Initiative Targets Fare Reduction
The Federal Government announced plans to cut transport fares by 40% through compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure expansion, formalized in a September 2024 Memorandum of Understanding.
- Eight-passenger vehicle fares: N12,000 → N7,000 (Abuja-Ajaokuta route)
- Four-passenger vehicle fares: N13,000 → N8,000
- Expected national implementation: End of October 2024 (target)
This CNG expansion program aims to reduce reliance on petrol and diesel, potentially lowering operating costs for transport operators nationwide.
Historical data shows the February report was released on Wednesday, March 31, 2026, maintaining the bureau's consistent publishing schedule.
Historical Context: Transport Fare Trends Since 2023
Understanding current fares requires examining historical trends that show volatile but generally upward trajectory since fuel subsidy removal in 2023.
- October 2023: Intra-city bus fare at N1,117.30 (baseline)
- October 2024: Fare declined 18.72% year-on-year to N908.15
- July 2024: Intercity bus fare surged 20.23% to N7,117.17
- June 2024: Overall transport fare declined 1.28% to N963.58
- February 2026: Intra-city bus fare at N1,195.75 (26.71% above 2025)
The 2024 decline masked underlying inflationary pressures that resurfaced strongly in 2026 across most transport categories.
Impact on Nigerian Households and Economic Activity
Rising transport costs directly affect household budgets and commercial activity, with commuters spending significantly more on mobility than a year ago.
The NBS report indicates Nigerians spent more on air and Okada fares in February 2026, pushing overall transport expenses upward despite intercity bus fare relief.
Water transport edged higher by 0.55% to N2,097.30, indicating persistent cost pressures even in less volatile transport segments.
Methodology Behind NBS Transport Fare Watch
The NBS collects fare data from specified routes across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, ensuring representative national coverage.
Data collection includes single-journey tickets for air travel, per-drop fares for bus transportation, and standard ride fares for motorcycle and water transport.
The Transport Fare Watch program has become the authoritative source for transportation cost monitoring in Nigeria, informing policy decisions and public discourse.
What This Means for Commuters in 2026
Nigerian commuters face higher transportation costs in 2026, with motorcycle transport becoming increasingly expensive at over 53% annual growth.
The regional disparities mean location significantly impacts daily commuting expenses, withSouth-West residents paying substantially more than North-East counterparts.
| Commuter Category | 2026 Challenge | Potential Relief |
|---|---|---|
| Urban commuters | +26.71% bus fares | CNG conversion |
| Long-distance travelers | +6.13% intercity fares | January decline reversed |
| Motorcycle riders | +53.26% Okada fares | None currently |
| Frequent flyers | +21.38% airfare | Limited competition |
The bureau's February 2026 report was released March 31, 2026, with data verified from multiple states and transport operators.
Future Outlook: What to Expect in Coming Months
The Federal Government's CNG initiative aims for 40% fare reduction, but implementation timelines have slipped from the original October 2024 target.
Without significant policy intervention, transport fares may continue rising in line with inflation and fuel cost dynamics throughout 2026.
Commuters should expect continued volatility in motorcycle transport fares, which showed the highest annual growth rate at 53.26%.
The NBS will continue monitoring transport cost trends monthly, providing essential data for households, businesses, and policymakers navigating Nigeria's evolving mobility landscape.
Key concerns and solutions for Nbs 2026 Transport Fares In Nigeria Feel Higher Than Expected
What are the exact February 2026 transport fares across all modes?
The NBS documented precise average fares for each transport category, showing varied performance across different mobility options in Nigeria.
Which states have the most expensive transport fares in 2026?
Abia State (N9,490.95) and Ogun State (N9,402.26) recorded the highest intercity bus fares per passenger in February 2026, while Kwara State recorded the lowest at N6,190.50.
Why have transport fares increased so dramatically in 2026?
Rising fuel prices, persistent inflation, and operational cost increases drove the 26.71% year-on-year jump in intra-city bus fares from N943.68 in February 2025.
When will the NBS release the March 2026 transport fare report?
The NBS typically releases monthly Transport Fare Watch reports in the last week of the following month, suggesting the March 2026 report should arrive in late April 2026.
How do February 2026 fares compare to January 2026?
Most fares increased month-on-month, with Okada rising 4.82%, airfare up 1.51%, and intra-city bus up 0.74%, while intercity bus uniquely declined 4.65%.
Is the NBS transport fare data reliable for 2026?
Yes, the NBS Transport Fare Watch represents the official government statistics on transportation costs, collected systematically across all geo-political zones.