MINNA TO ILORIN BY ROAD: A TRAVELER’S GUIDE

For the majority, road travel is the easiest and most convenient if not the cheapest means of getting around the country, particularly these two cities. Minna is the Capital of Niger state located in Northern Nigeria while Ilorin is the capital of Kwara state, the largest city in the state and located in the North-central region, although close to the south-western region as well.

THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET AN ILORIN-BOUND VEHICLE IN MINNA

NSTA PARK: One of the biggest Parks in Minna, from anywhere in the city stop and board a commercial motorcycle or Rickshaw popularly known as the Keke Napep and alight at the Park, prices paid for getting to the Park range from 50-200 naira depending on the distance to the Park. Once inside, you go into the Park office and book a seat on an Ilorin-bound vehicle for 2,500-3,000 after which you’ll be directed to the Bus (majority of the vehicles here are Buses) to board. Bear in mind that extra charges are incurred with extra / very large luggage.

Kpakungu Park: Like the first Park, easy to locate in Minna, all you have to do is board a motorcycle or Rickshaw and tell the driver you want to be dropped off at Kpakungu Park beside the Police station and opposite the PHCN office. Unlike at the NSTA Park, the vehicles going to Ilorin here are predominantly of the Sienna Minivan kind and you’ll pay your fare at the vehicle direct instead of paying inside the building. Usual fare here is 3,000 naira (depending on vehicle availability and fuel costs of course). Also, you get charged extra for big bags or extra luggage.

WHAT/HOW TO PACK - Pack as few bags as possible for easy management and to save cost, Drivers tend to charge extra for really big bags (especially the taxi and minivan drivers) and extra bags.

• Make sure you get to the park on time so you can pick a seat of your choice.

• When you get to the park you’ll be set upon by different alabarus (porters loitering around waiting for passengers with heavy luggage) who’ll flat out demand to carry your bags to the vehicle going to your destination, you have a choice of firmly indicating a “No” with your head and walking past them or surrendering your bag(s) to them if they’re heavy, however be sure to keep a close watch on the porter and your bag(s)

• Inform your driver of any fragile items in your bag. It also helps to watch as the bags are being arranged to ensure your belongings aren’t squashed in a corner or under other heavy luggage. Keep all valuables with you

• On no condition should you have any sort of camouflage material with you as they’re banned and if found on your person, will lead to you being extorted for money by the policemen along the route and the vehicle being delayed.

• Watch what you eat before travelling, it’s a comparatively short trip with no designated rest stops and if the vehicle stops for any reason, it’s for passengers to relieve themselves in the bushes along the route.

• Fill the personal information form that will be passed around beforehand. The transport company just might need to reach someone on your behalf.

TIME TAKEN

The trip from Minna to Ilorin usually takes about 7hrs 30 mins, taking into consideration road and weather conditions.

SNACK AND RESTROOM OPTIONS

You can make a selection from a wide range of snack choices at any of the three parks, from barbecued meat to Gala and drinks. Also, there is a rest stop at Mokwa where you can eat, pray (for the devout) and take a restroom break.

PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO ILORIN

• Evacuate your bowels before leaving the house.

• Make sure you fill the personal information form supplied to passengers and also take down the licence plate number of the vehicle and pass on to as many friends as possible (and make sure the driver sees you taking down the plate number)

• Make sure your valuables are kept close to hand in a carryon or a small bag, not just because of theft but also because of the way items are stacked carelessly in the trunk.

• I prefer sitting up front beside the driver, asides being the most comfortable seat in the vehicle, it’s also within easy reach of the charging port so you can listen to music, read, surf the internet (where coverage exists on the road) without running your battery flat. Barring that, leave the house with a full charge and a powerbank if you have one.

GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION

Getting into Ilorin, you’ll be dropped off at “General” where you can either get a taxi right there or move forward a few metres to hail taxis passing by which are cheaper than the ones right at the drop-off point.

Enjoy your trip.

Related: Abuja to Owerri By Road: A Traveler's Guide