Nigerians pay more for bus transport in May as fares jump across states
By Aboki Forex —
Nigerians paid more for bus transportation in May 2026. City and intercity fares both rose as travel costs increased across the country.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the average city bus fare hit N1,431.25 in May. That is a 2.43% jump from N1,397.27 in April. Year on year, the fare rose 38.63% from N1,032.46 in May 2025.
For intercity bus journeys, the average fare stood at N9,699.55 in May. That is a 0.96% increase from N9,607.41 in April. Year on year, the fare climbed 21.89% from N7,957.41 in May 2025.
Highest and lowest fares by state
The NBS report showed wide differences in bus fares across states.
For intercity travel, Ondo State recorded the highest average fare at N11,080.00. Abia State followed closely at N11,066.13. Kwara State had the lowest at N7,969.29, with Edo State at N8,000.61.
For city bus journeys, Zamfara State topped the list at N1,878.80. Taraba State came next at N1,771.96. Abia State recorded the lowest city fare at N890.05, followed by Adamawa at N918.47.
Regional breakdown
The South-West region recorded the highest average intercity bus fare at N10,138.80. The North-West followed at N10,083.57. The South-South region had the lowest average at N9,266.49.
Other states with high intercity fares included Abuja at N11,024.94, Ogun at N10,863.88, and Kaduna at N10,683.72. States with lower fares included Bayelsa at N8,300.59, Bauchi at N8,700.46, and Ebonyi at N8,756.12.