Transport costs climb again as Nigerians pay more to move around in October

Moving around Nigeria quietly became more expensive again in October 2025, as new data shows transport fares rising across almost every major mode of travel. From city buses and intercity trips to flights, motorcycles, and even water transport, commuters felt the squeeze deepen.

Figures from the National Bureau of Statistics’ latest Transport Fare Watch reveal that the pressure on household transport spending has not eased, despite growing concerns about inflation and shrinking disposable income.

For city commuters, the average fare for intra-city bus services rose to ₦1,058.64 in October. While the month-on-month increase was modest at just under one percent, the year-on-year jump was much sharper, climbing by over 16 percent. Intercity travel followed a similar pattern, with average fares rising to ₦8,170.21 per trip, reflecting steady increases both monthly and annually.

Air travel also edged higher. Passengers flying selected routes paid an average of ₦131,557.53 for a single journey, a slight rise from September and more than four percent higher than what travellers paid a year earlier. For many Nigerians, this continues to push air travel further out of reach, especially for non-essential trips.

Motorcycle transport, commonly known as okada, recorded one of the sharpest increases. The average fare climbed to ₦780, representing a steep year-on-year rise of more than 45 percent. Water transport costs also moved upward, with average fares reaching ₦1,851.28 in October, adding another layer of cost for commuters in riverine and coastal areas.

Where fares are biting the hardest

A closer look at the data shows wide differences across states and regions. Oyo State recorded the highest intercity bus fare at over ₦10,200, while Kwara posted the lowest at just above ₦6,000. Lagos had the most expensive intra-city bus fares, crossing ₦1,400, compared to Abia, where commuters paid less than ₦550 on average.

In air travel, Rivers State topped the chart with fares exceeding ₦155,000, while Ebonyi recorded the lowest average ticket prices. Regionally, the South-West stood out with the highest average fares for intra-city buses, intercity travel, and air transport. Water transport costs were highest in the South-South, while the North-East recorded the lowest fares on waterways.

Transportation Management System Market worth $33.3 billion

Beyond the numbers, the implications are clear. Rising transport costs continue to strain household budgets, reduce disposable income, and increase operating expenses for businesses that rely on daily movement of people and goods. With fuel prices and operating costs still unstable, the data suggests that relief for commuters may not come anytime soon.