The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed a significant increase in domestic airfares, with passengers paying 25% more for flights in July 2024 compared to the previous year.
According to the NBS’s latest Transport Fare Watch Report, the average cost of a one-way ticket on specified routes climbed to ₦98,561.74 in July 2024, up from ₦78,775.74 in July 2023.
“In air travel, the average fare paid by air passengers for specified routes single journey was ₦98,561.74 in July 2024, showing an increase of 9.65% compared to the previous month (June 2024). On a year-on-year basis, the fare rose by 25.12% from ₦78,775.74 in July 2023,” stated the NBS report.
This development follows the federal government’s recent decision to further raise tax charges, a move that has been met with criticism from the Airline Operators of Nigeria, who have expressed concerns over the burden of multiple taxation.
While airfares surged, the report also highlighted a decline in transportation costs for other modes of travel in July 2024. The average fare for intra-city bus journeys dropped by 2.18% to ₦942.61 from ₦963.58 in June 2024. On a year-on-year basis, this fare decreased by 29.46% from ₦1,336.29 in July 2023.
“In another category, the average fare paid by commuters for intercity bus journeys per drop was ₦7,117.17 in July 2024, indicating an increase of 0.35% on a month-on-month basis compared to ₦7,092.03 in June 2024,” the report noted.
Motorcycle and waterway transportation fares also saw slight changes, with Okada rides costing an average of ₦483.33, a 1.22% increase from June 2024, and waterway fares decreasing by 0.44% to ₦1,403.06 in July 2024.
The report further provided a state-by-state breakdown, noting that Anambra recorded the highest intercity bus fare at ₦9,566.89, while Kwara had the lowest at ₦5,518.38. Similarly, Taraba state had the highest intra-city bus fare at ₦1,457.28, with Adamawa recording the lowest at ₦500.00.
