A Guide to Road Travel by Night in Nigeria

The high demand by Nigerian commuters for night journey has left bus drivers no other option but to give in to their demands.

Nigerians who travel at night say they have reasons for preferring night buses even though they know that the poor conditions of the luxury buses could endanger their lives.

Time management is possibly the major reason why commuters prefer night travel by road. For businessmen and women, travelling at night makes it possible for them to get their destination on time, make their purchases and make a u-turn back to their homes. This way, they would be able to evade incurring extra costs for feeding and hotel accommodations.

Inioluwa Efosa, a corp member serving in Nasarawa recently travelled to Ibadan via a luxury night bus. She said her experience would make her continue traveling at night. She felt it was faster because she faced no issues of traffic congestion, thereby making the journey less stressful.

On the other hand, the FRSC keeps enlightening and advising people to avoid night travel as it is not safe. This is because when buses break down at night, help would not be readily available. Also, because robbers make very good use of this time of the day to prey on victims. While some would describe travelling at night as fun, others have very sad tales to tell.

Oluwatobi Adesola still vividly remembers a night journey he undertook two years ago from Lagos to Adamawa. He boarded a bus from a park in Lagos to attend his uncle?s wedding. The journey was smooth until they got to a point in their journey when the vehicle conveying him and other passengers was attacked by Fulani herdsmen.  

Road travel by night in Nigeria has its pros and cons. You would definitely not get the same sleep you would normally get at home, but you would not be wasting a day in transit either.

These tips will make your road travel by night in Nigeria easier and safer:

MAKE SURE THE ROUTE IS SAFE

This should be the first thing to consider before boarding a night bus. Check local travel advisories and be sure that the routes the bus would be taking are not places where robberies and/ or accidents are common at night. If you see warnings about this, you might want to go for a day bus.

TAKE A FIRST CLASS BUS

Before embarking on a night journey, think carefully if you would rather opt for the cheapest bus than taking a first-class bus. A first-class bus would definitely put your mind at ease because there would be no fear of breakdowns during the journey.

Nigerian transport companies that provide topnotch services to commuters include: God is Good Motors, Peace Mass Transit, ABC Transport, Young Shall Grow Motors, Agofure Motors, GUO Transport, etc.

These companies place a high priority on the life and security of their passengers.

You might want to read on how to survive the daily traffic congestion in Lagos.

CHOOSE YOUR SEAT CAREFULLY

There are several factors to consider when choosing your seat on a night bus. Some people feel they would sleep better near the window as this is the perfect angle to place your travel pillow to rest your head, others prefer to sit in front. This might help for better vision and can be reassuring. If you love roller coasters, you might want to take a seat in front. Others prefer to sit at the back, but know that the further you are, the bumpier the ride. Considering the state of the roads, the middle seat might be the safest place to sit.

KEEP YOUR MONEY AND VALUABLES IN MORE THAN ONE PLACE

As Nigerians, we know that it is very necessary to act smart at all times. This is why you should seriously consider this tip. It is not ideal to keep your money and valuables in one place. In the case of a robbery, the thief could get everything. Try to split your valuables. (Now do not get scared, robberies happen all the time, even during the day too). Personally, I?d advise that you make use of a slash proof bag and also hide money in very unlikely places.

REMEMBER TO CARRY GOOD HEADPHONES

The journey is usually long, sometimes stretching over several hours. During this time, you?d encounter noise from someone snoring or sounds from crickets and other night animals. Good headphones become very useful at this point as they help block out these sounds and help you drown in music. They can even help you sleep better.

DO NOT FORGET YOUR POWER BANK

This should be obvious but in haste, you might forget the ?almighty? power bank. Keeping your phone on as long as possible is very vital. You could also take your charger, just in case the bus you would be boarding is equipped with charging points.

TAKE AN ENERGY DRINK TO AVOID HAVING TO USE THE BATHROOM

Pack energy drinks that replenish electrolytes. This would keep your thirst quenched and your bladder empty, meaning you would not have to use the bathroom as often. This would be very helpful because there might not be a bathroom on the bus and the ones at the stops would probably be unpleasant.

PACK ENOUGH FOOD WITH YOU

If there is anything you should never underestimate when going on a trip is packing food. Now, it is not just about packing food but packing the right food. You should not count on the fact that you would get food from a restaurant along the way because you might end up having a stomach upset or you might not like the food. Do not pack food that can spoil on time. You might also want to avoid very heavy meals. Even if you do not feel hungry, there would be a time when you would feel the urge to eat, even out of boredom. Take snacks like puff puff, chin-chin, meat pie, doughnut, popcorn, protein bar and chips (plantain, yam or potato). You could also take fruits like apples, cucumbers, berries, and bananas along.

DRESS IN LAYERS

You can never be sure what temperature awaits you during an overnight road trip. This is why it is best to dress in layers or keep a warm jacket handy so that you can adjust to whatever temperature would be comfortable on the journey. Consider taking a scarf or shawl even though you are feeling warm already.

DO NOT FORGET YOUR TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

The idea of staying overnight without brushing your teeth does not sound appealing. So remember to pack your brush and toothpaste along with you. Other night travel essentials include wet napkins, hand sanitizers, earplugs and a sleep mask -- this is to have a sleep undisturbed by light. One last thing is a travel pillow -- this is the best way to avoid waking with a sore neck.

You might also want to read: top ten places to avoid in Lagos at night

ENGAGE IN CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER PASSENGERS

Boredom is one of the most tiring parts of night travel. Engaging in conversations with other passengers is an avenue to kill time and learn new things. You do not need a special skill to do this, just look around you for someone that looks bored. Voila!, you are good to go.

CARRY ESSENTIAL MEDICINE

If you get motion sickness easily, it is necessary to carry a motion sickness pill to avoid puking during the ride. You would also need a sleeping pill if you are the type that does not sleep easily around people. You should, however, note that these pills should have been prescribed by a doctor.

If you are still not convinced about travelling at night by road in Nigeria, you could take a day bus and spend a night in a hotel so you can leave the next day.

To get the best hotel rates anywhere, check hotels.ng.

Leave a comment