Soaring Costs Ground Passengers: Intercity Bus Travel Prices Spike 61%

Intercity bus travel in Nigeria has become significantly more expensive, with costs surging by a staggering 61.27% year-on-year in November 2023, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The NBS Transport Fare Watch report, obtained by our correspondent, revealed that the average cost per “drop” – a single trip between two points – reached a record high of N6,206.53 in November.

The report stated, “The average fare paid by commuters for bus journey intercity per drop was N6,206.53 in November 2023, indicating an increase of 5.45 per cent on a month-on-month basis compared to N5,885.68 in October 2023.

“On a year-on-year basis, the fare rose by 61.27 per cent from N3,848.48 in November 2022.

“The average transport fare paid on Okada transportation was N473.13 in November 2023, which declined by 6.74 per cent when compared with the value recorded in October 2023 (N507.30).

“On a year-on-year basis, the fare rose by 3.07 per cent when compared with November 2022 (N459.02).”

This represents a significant jump from the N3,848.48 recorded in the same month of 2022, highlighting a worrying trend of rising transportation costs for Nigerian travelers.

This sharp increase raises concerns about the affordability of intercity travel for many Nigerians, particularly those in lower income brackets. The rise in costs could have a significant impact on rural-urban migration, business travel, and family visits, potentially hindering economic activity and social mobility.

Several factors are likely contributing to the price hike. Rising fuel costs, a weakening naira, and increased operational expenses for bus companies are all potential culprits. Additionally, the festive season approaching in December could be placing further pressure on demand and prices.

The NBS report also highlighted regional disparities in the price increase. The Southeast, Northeast, Southwest, Northwest, and South-South regions saw the highest average fares, while the North-Central region experienced the smallest increase.

This uneven distribution of the price hike further complicates the picture, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities and making travel even more challenging for certain communities.

The government and relevant stakeholders need to urgently address this issue. Measures to address fuel costs, improve transportation infrastructure, and support bus companies could help stabilize prices and make intercity travel more affordable for Nigerians.

Without intervention, the soaring costs of intercity bus travel could have significant negative consequences for individuals, businesses, and the broader Nigerian economy.