Nigerians Face 131% Hike in Okada Fares Since 2023

Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, Nigerians have seen a 130.87% increase in motorcycle (okada) transportation fares, according to the National Bureau of Statistics’ Transport Fare Watch reports. The average fare rose from N464.55 in May 2023 to N1,072.51 in May 2026, an increase of N607.96.

This surge in fares is attributed to the removal of the petrol subsidy, which led to higher petrol prices, and the depreciation of the naira, which increased costs for fuel, motorcycles, spare parts, and maintenance. The report also indicated that transport fares across all major categories rose, with the average fare for bus journeys within cities increasing from N649.59 in May 2023 to N1,431.25 in May 2026, a 120.33% rise.

Intercity bus fares increased by 142.35%, while air travel fares rose by 110.22%. The average fare for okada transportation in May 2026 was N1,072.51, reflecting a 3.56% increase from April 2026.