Credit: John Onaeko
Transportation is an essential component of any economy, and Nigeria is no exception. The country's large population, vast land area, and diverse cultures and languages make transportation a critical aspect of daily life for millions of Nigerians. However, transportation in Nigeria is often plagued by challenges such as traffic congestion, poor road infrastructure, and high transportation costs. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the intra-city transport rates in Nigeria, examining the trends and factors influencing pricing.
Overview of Intra-City Transport Rates in Nigeria
Intra-city transport rates in Nigeria vary depending on the mode of transportation, distance traveled, and location. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the average bus journey within the city, per drop constant route, increased from 513.72 Naira in February 2022 to 647.66 Naira in February 2023, representing a year-on-year growth of 26.07%. Similarly, the average journey by motorcycle (okada) per drop increased from 379.12 Naira in February 2022 to 461.28 Naira in February 2023, representing a year-on-year growth of 21.67%.
Year-on-Year Growth by Geopolitical Zone
The year-on-year growth of intra-city transport rates in Nigeria varies significantly by geopolitical zone. The North Central region had the highest growth rate for both bus journeys within the city and journey by motorcycle (okada) per drop, at 28.96% and 25.77%, respectively. The North East region also had a significant growth rate for journey by motorcycle (okada) per drop, at 43.56%. The North West region had a lower growth rate for both modes of transportation, with 16.59% for bus journeys within the city and 33.94% for journey by motorcycle (okada) per drop.
In contrast, the South East region had a high growth rate for bus journeys within the city, at 38.43%, but a lower growth rate for journey by motorcycle (okada) per drop, at 19.16%. The South South region had a negative growth rate for journey by motorcycle (okada) per drop, at -5.6%, while the growth rate for bus journeys within the city was 34.03%. The South West region had a growth rate of 16.93% for bus journeys within the city and 19.62% for journey by motorcycle (okada) per drop.
Transport Fare by States
The transport fare by states in Nigeria also varies significantly, with Taraba state having the highest transport fare for bus journeys within the city, at 870 Naira per drop constant route. Bauchi and Jigawa states had the second-highest transport fare, at 800 Naira per drop constant route, followed by Plateau state, with 790 Naira per drop constant route. Katsina state had the fifth-highest transport fare, at 740 Naira per drop constant route, while Cross River state had the sixth-highest transport fare, at 720 Naira per drop constant route. The transport fare for other states ranges from 500 Naira to 680 Naira per drop constant route.
Factors Influencing Intra-City Transport Rates in Nigeria
Several factors influence intra-city transport rates in Nigeria, including fuel prices, cost of vehicle maintenance, road infrastructure, and competition among transport operators. Fuel prices have a significant impact on transport rates in Nigeria since most modes of transportation rely on petroleum products. In recent years, the Nigerian government has implemented policies aimed at deregulating the downstream petroleum sector, leading to frequent changes in fuel prices.
Additionally, there have been reports of extortion and bribery by transport operators, especially in the form of overcharging or arbitrary fare hikes. This is a common occurrence in Nigeria, and it exacerbates the problem of high transport costs, as commuters are often forced to pay more than the regulated fares to get to their destinations.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that public transportation infrastructure in many cities is inadequate or non-existent, making it difficult for commuters to find affordable, reliable means of transport. This has led to the proliferation of informal transport options such as motorcycle taxis (okadas) and tricycles (keke), which are often cheaper than buses or taxis but come with their own safety risks.
To address these challenges, some state governments have implemented various measures aimed at regulating transport fares and improving the quality of intra-city transport services. For example, in Lagos, the state government recently launched a new bus service called "LAGBUS" to provide a more efficient and affordable alternative to private transport. The government has also taken steps to regulate the operations of okadas and kekes in the state, with a ban on commercial motorcycles on major highways and bridges.
Other states such as Ogun, Rivers, and Cross River have also established similar transport initiatives and regulations to tackle the issue of high transport costs and poor transport infrastructure.
However, there is still a long way to go in addressing the systemic issues plaguing intra-city transport in Nigeria. There needs to be a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, transport operators, and commuters, to work together to find lasting solutions to these challenges.
In conclusion, the high cost of intra-city transport in Nigeria remains a major challenge for millions of Nigerians, especially low-income earners who cannot afford private transport. The problem is compounded by poor transport infrastructure and the proliferation of informal transport options, which come with their own safety risks. While some state governments have taken steps to address these challenges, more needs to be done to find lasting solutions and ensure that all Nigerians have access to affordable, reliable transport services.