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.