ABEOKUTA TO LAGOS 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 Abeokuta is the capital of Ogun state, the largest city in the state, located on the East Bank of the Ogun River, located very close to Lagos and in fact sharing boundaries with Lagos while Lagos is the commercial hub of the entire country and one of the most densely populated cities in the country as a result.

THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET A LAGOS-BOUND VEHICLE IN ABEOKUTA

Below is a list of Parks you can get in Abeokuta going to Lagos and the time periods Lagos-bound buses can be found there, all easily accessible by Taxi/commercial motorcycle from any area of the city:

• Kuto (Morning, evening)
• Ita-Osin (Morning, evening)
• Lafenwa (Morning)
• Adatan (Morning/afternoon/Evening)
• Panseke (Morning, Evening)
• Make-Shift Parks at Brewery/Olomore/Aro ( The Neuropsychiatric Hospital)

The Types of Vehicles in the Parks are Buses and Minibuses and the Price range is 600-1000 naira

Drop-Off points in Lagos:

• Sango

• Abule-Egba

• Iyana-Ipaja

• Berger

• Oshodi

• Obalende

• Ajah/Lekki

WHICH PARK(S) TO CHOOSE From the list above, you make your choice from any of the Parks relative to where you're currently at.

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 Abeokuta to Lagos usually takes about 45mins-1 hour, 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. There are some public restrooms available at each park but (personal preference, mind), I prefer to leave the house with an empty bladder and eat sparingly along the journey rather than make use of the public restrooms provided.

PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO LAGOS

• 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

All commercial vehicles entering Lagos will pass through “Berger” bus stop all the way to Oshodi/Mile two depending on which route you’re entering Lagos from where there are different taxis and bikes waiting to take people to various destinations. From there you can get a bus or BRT to your destination. For added comfort you can hail a cab beforehand.

Enjoy your trip.

Related: IBadan to Enugu By Road: A Traveler's Guide