The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that domestic air travellers paid 25% more for flights in July 2024 compared to the same period last year.

The average fare for a single journey rose to ₦98,561.74, up from ₦78,775.74 in July 2023, according to the NBS in its Transport Fare Watch Report for July.

NBS said: “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 per cent compared to the previous month (June 2024).

“On a YoY basis, the fare rose by 25.12 per cent from ₦78,775.74 in July 2023.”

In contrast, the prices for bus, motorcycle, and waterway journeys declined in July 2024.

NBS said the average fare paid by commuters for bus journeys within the city per drop decreased by 2.18%, from ₦963.58 in June 2024 to ₦942.61 in July 2024. On a year-on-year basis, it declined by 29.46%, from ₦1,336.29 in July 2023.

“In another category, the average fare paid by commuters for bus journey intercity 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 average transport fare paid on Okada transportation was ₦483.33 in July 2024, which shows an increase of 1.22% when compared with the value recorded in June 2024 (₦477.49).

“On a year-on-year basis, the fare decreased by 25.20% when compared with July 2023 (₦646.12). For water transport (waterway passenger transportation), the average fare paid in July 2024 was ₦1,403.06, which indicates a decline of 0.44% on a monthly basis.

“On a year-on-year basis, it decreased by 0.26% from ₦1,406.70 in July 2023.”

The development follows the federal government’s declaration last month of its intention to increase tax charges, despite the Airline Operators of Nigeria’s grievances regarding multiple taxation.

The NBS report also revealed variations in transport fares across states. Anambra recorded the highest fare for intercity bus travel, while Kwara had the lowest. Taraba State had the highest number of bus journeys within cities, followed by Ondo.

It said, “On state profile analysis, for intercity bus travel (state route charged per person fare), the highest fare was recorded in Anambra with ₦9,566.89, followed by Gombe with ₦8,299.44.

“The lowest fare was recorded in Kwara with ₦5,518.38, followed by Ebonyi with ₦5,596.11. Taraba State recorded the highest number of bus journeys within the city (per drop constant route) in July 2024, with ₦1,457.28, followed by Ondo with ₦1,200.94.

“On the other hand, Adamawa recorded the least with ₦500.00, followed by Abia with ₦505.35.”