ILORIN TO LOKOJA BY ROAD: A TRAVELER’S GUIDE
For the majority, road travel is the easiest and cheapest way of getting around the country and while in this case, air travel is more convenient, a trip by road is far cheaper and affords passengers a chance to take in the scenic route.
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 while Lokoja is the capital of Kogi state and lies at the Confluence of the rivers Niger and Benue.
THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET A LOKOJA-BOUND VEHICLE IN ILORIN
Winners Express: Located at Offa Garage, take a bike/bus/cab to Offa Garage and drop at Shekinah Hotels and Suites, the Park is right beside the hotel. Vehicles available at the Park are Sienna minivans with a fare of 2,500 naira and buses that charge a fare of 2,000 naira.
Kwara Express : The actual name of the Company is Harmony travels and tours but you ask to be dropped at Kwara Express after boarding an Offa Garage-bound vehicle. Alight and enter the office to book a seat on the vehicle of your choice. Buses charge 2,500 naira while Sienna Minivans charge 3,000-3,500 naira. However, the vehicles here don’t go to Lokoja directly, they only drop people off on their way to Abuja. Only to be used as an alternative when the Park at Winners express isn’t available.
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, I’ve found it is better to err on the side of caution where public restrooms are concerned.
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 Ilorin to Lokoja usually takes approximately 7-8 hours, taking into consideration road and weather conditions.
SNACK AND RESTROOM OPTIONS
There are a variety of snacks to pick from at the park and you can buy whatever you want beforehand. There’s also a rest stop at Iyara in Kogi state.
PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO LOKOJA
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 most valuable possessions 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 to Lokoja, the final stops for the vehicles is at the Local Government Secretariat for the Winners Buses.
Have a Safe Trip!
