The average cost of domestic air travel in Nigeria surged by 25.5% in August 2024, reaching ₦123,700, according to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics.
In July 2024, the average fare was ₦98,561, marking a significant month-on-month increase.
Niger State recorded the highest airfares, with passengers paying an average of ₦129,575, closely followed by Abuja at ₦129,442.
On the other hand, Zamfara State had the lowest airfares, with an average of ₦102,665, while Cross River came in second-lowest at ₦120,088.
The NBS report titled *”Transport Fare Watch”* also showed a steep increase in airfares compared to the previous year. In August 2023, the average fare was ₦79,011, which means fares have risen by 56.56% in just one year.
The report also provided details on other forms of transportation. Intercity bus fares increased slightly, rising by 0.59% to ₦7,159 in August from ₦7,117 in July. Anambra State had the highest intercity bus fares at ₦9,580, while Kwara had the lowest at ₦5,574.
Motorcycle (Okada) transport fares also rose by 8.46%, with the average cost per ride reaching ₦524.22 in August, up from ₦483.33 in July. Lagos State had the highest Okada fares at ₦909, while Bayelsa recorded the lowest at ₦312.
Water transport costs also climbed by 3.3%, with the average fare in August at ₦1,449, compared to ₦1,403 in July. Bayelsa led with the highest water transport fare at ₦4,563, while Borno had the lowest at ₦475.
However, the report noted a decrease in fares for bus journeys within cities. The average city bus fare dropped by 7.7%, from ₦942 in July to ₦869 in August. Zamfara State had the highest city bus fare at ₦1,155, while Adamawa had the lowest at ₦455.
