Nigeria urban bus fares rise 38.63% to ₦1,431.25

Key facts

The average fare for bus journeys within Nigerian cities was ₦1,431.25 in May 2026.

That represented a 38.63% increase from ₦1,032.46.

Motorcycle transport, commonly called okada, was reported to have become 52% more expensive.

Nigerian businesses are seeking cheaper delivery models as transport costs rise.

The available evidence does not specify the comparison period, locations covered or methodology behind the reported changes.

Why it matters

Higher bus and motorcycle transport costs increase the price of moving people and deliveries within Nigerian cities. The reported increases help explain why businesses are looking for less expensive delivery models, although the available evidence does not identify the alternatives being considered or quantify potential savings.

The average cost of a bus journey within Nigerian cities rose to ₦1,431.25 in May 2026, according to figures reported by BusinessDay Nigeria. The fare was 38.63% higher than the cited level of ₦1,032.46.

The increase indicates a sharp rise in the cost of urban bus travel. However, the supplied evidence does not state the period against which the May figure was compared, nor does it provide a breakdown by city, route or journey length.

Costs for motorcycle transport, widely known as okada, were also reported to have risen by 52%. No underlying fare, geographical breakdown or calculation method for that increase was included in the available evidence.

Against this backdrop, Nigerian businesses are seeking cheaper ways to handle deliveries. The evidence does not identify particular companies, describe the delivery models under consideration or state whether any alternatives have already reduced costs.

The figures nevertheless show the scale of the transport-cost challenge facing city travel and commercial deliveries. Further information would be needed to establish how broadly the increases apply across Nigeria and which lower-cost delivery options businesses may adopt.