The cost of transportation across Nigeria continued to
rise in February 2026, with air travel and motorcycle (Okada) fares recording
notable increases, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of
Statistics.
Airfare for selected routes rose to an average of
?153,647.95, reflecting a 1.51% increase from January and a significant 21.38%
jump compared to the same period last year.
Motorcycle transport saw one of the steepest
increases, with average fares climbing to ?920.95. This represents a 4.82%
monthly rise and a sharp 53.26% surge year-on-year, making it one of the
fastest-growing transport costs in the country.
Mixed Trends Across Transport Modes
Within cities, bus fares recorded a slight increase,
rising by 0.74% to ?1,195.75 in February. In contrast, intercity transport
offered some relief, as fares dropped by 4.65% to ?8,108.81, easing costs for
long-distance commuters.
Water transport also experienced upward pressure, with
fares increasing to ?2,097.30. This marks a 0.55% rise from January and a
31.66% increase compared to February 2025.
Regional Variations in Transport Costs
Transport costs varied significantly across states and
regions. Abia and Ogun recorded the highest intercity bus fares, while Kwara
and Edo had the lowest.
Lagos led in intra-city transport costs, while Kano
reported the highest airfares. Okada fares were highest in Kaduna, while water
transport was most expensive in Rivers and Bayelsa.
Regionally, the South West recorded the highest
average fares for city buses and motorcycles, while the South South topped air
and water transport costs. Meanwhile, the North East consistently maintained
the lowest fares across several categories.
Fuel Prices and Global Factors Driving
Costs
The increase in transport fares is largely linked to
rising fuel costs, particularly Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), driven by global
oil market fluctuations tied to tensions in the Middle East.
Crude oil prices recently dropped by over 3%,
reversing earlier gains amid uncertainty surrounding the conflict involving the
United States, Israel, and Iran. Brent crude fell to around $100 per barrel,
while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also declined.
Despite the global dip, local fuel pricing remains
volatile. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently adjusted its petrol price to
?1,200 per litre at the gantry, with coastal rates at ?1,153 per litre—moves
expected to influence supply and distribution costs nationwide.
Earlier increases in petrol prices had already
triggered higher transportation, food, and service costs across the country.
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