IBADAN TO ENUGU 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. Ibadan is the state capital of Oyo state and the largest city in the country located in south-western Nigeria while Enugu is the capital of Enugu state located in South-Eastern Nigeria.

THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET AN ENUGU-BOUND VEHICLE IN IBADAN

Ifesinachi Park: Located at Oremeji in Ibadan, Take a cab going to Mokola and drop at Ifesinachi Park. Thirteen- seater buses are the vehicles you can find in the Park and the fare is 3,500- 4,000 naira.

Imo Transport Company (ITC): Also located at Oremeji in Ibadan, easily accessible by taking a Mokola-bound bus and dropping at the Park. Like the Ifesinachi Park, similar kinds of vehicles and similar price range.

Peace Mass Transit: Located at Samonda Ibadan, take a bus/cab going to and alight at the Park. Like the other two Parks, similar vehicles going to Enugu and a corresponding Fare.

WHICH MOTOR PARK TO CHOOSE

Of the three motor parks, since they all offer basically the same thing, you can pick the one closest to your residence.

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 Ibadan to Enugu usually takes 8-12 hours, 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 is also a rest stop at Ore.

PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO ENUGU

• 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 Enugu will drop passengers off at Holy Ghost in Enugu. The Ifesinachi Park also drops passengers at the Ifesinachi Park right next to Ogbete main market

Enjoy your trip.

Related: Ife to Ibadan By Road: A Traveler's Guide