The cost of transportation across Nigeria continued to increase in May 2026, with commuters paying more for bus rides, air travel, motorcycle transport, and water transportation, according to the latest Transport Fare Watch report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The report showed that the average fare for bus trips within cities rose to N1,431.25 in May, compared to N1,397.27 recorded in April. This represents a monthly increase of 2.43 per cent. Compared to May 2025, when the average fare stood at N1,032.46, city bus fares have increased by 38.63 per centover the past year.
The latest figures indicate that transportation remains one of the major expenses for Nigerians despite signs that inflation is easing in some other parts of the economy.
Intercity bus fares also moved higher during the month. According to the NBS, the average cost of travelling between cities increased to N9,699.55 in May from N9,607.41 in April, representing a 0.96 per cent monthly rise. On a yearly basis, the fare climbed by 21.89 per cent, up from N7,957.41recorded in May last year.
Domestic air travel also became slightly more expensive. The average airfare on selected local routes reached N157,552.19 in May. Although this was only 0.12 per cent higher than the previous month, it represented a significant 20.86 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025, when the average ticket cost N130,361.85.
Among all transport categories, motorcycle transport, commonly known as okada, recorded the biggest annual increase. The average fare rose to N1,072.51, marking a 3.56 per cent increase from April and a sharp 52.45 per cent rise compared to May 2025.
Water transportation also experienced price increases. The average fare climbed to N2,276.48, up by 2.41 per cent from April and 30.88 per cent higher than the N1,739.32 recorded one year earlier.
According to the NBS, transportation costs remained high across the country, even though the monthly increases were relatively moderate. The report noted that rising transport expenses continue to affect commuters nationwide.
The report also highlighted major differences in transport fares across Nigeria’s states.
For intercity bus travel, Ondo State recorded the highest average fare at N11,080, closely followed by Abia State at N11,066.13. Kwara and Edo states had the lowest average intercity bus fares.
In city bus transportation, Zamfara State had the highest average fare at N1,878.80, while Taraba State followed with N1,771.96. The lowest fares were recorded in Abia and Adamawa states.
The report also revealed that Kano State had the highest average domestic airfare at N184,139.29, ahead of Lagos State, where the average airfare stood at N176,971.65. Gombe and Nasarawa states recorded the lowest domestic airfares during the period.
For motorcycle transport, Kaduna State posted the highest average fare at N1,720.76, while Rivers State recorded the highest average water transport fare at N6,893.55.
On a regional basis, the South-West recorded the highest average fares for city buses, intercity buses, and motorcycle transport. Meanwhile, the South-South had the highest average water transport fares.
The latest NBS report shows that transportation remains one of the fastest-rising household expenses in Nigeria, with commuters continuing to face higher travel costs across almost every means of transport.
