IBADAN 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. Ibadan is the state capital of Oyo state and the largest city in the country located in south-western Nigeria while Lagos is the commercial hub of t he 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 IBADAN

Iwo Road Park: Located off the Iwo Road axis. Depending on where you’re coming from, you can get a cab directly to the park or if you’re coming from the expressway, you’ll drop on the bridge and make your way below same bridge to the park which is located to the left. The stopping point is Ikorodu rather than Ojota/Oshodi which are the most common and convenient final stops. This garage is most convenient for those coming from the Alakia/Gbagi area, Agodi-Gate and the Challenge-Sawmill expressway. Depending on your taste/budget there are different kinds of vehicles available to convey you to Lagos such as the buses which charge around 800- 1000 naira, the taxis and minivans which charge in the 1,200-1,300 naira range.

Challenge Motor Park: Located right beside the Texaco filing station opposite the Foodmart, Normal buses go for as little as 1,000 but the Ajimoshe brown buses (The Ajimobi transport initiative scheme) go for as little as 800 naira. Taxis go for around 1,200 – 1,300. Vehicles moving from this garage have Oshodi as their final stop.

Sango Motor Park: Coming from UI/Agbowo axis, the motor park is accessible by taking a taxi of N50 to Sango Park, you drop at Iyana Poly and follow the sounds of the megaphones calling passengers to Abeokuta, Ilorin, Ogbomosho etc and go find the vehicle taking you to your preferred destination. Mokola, Eleyele, Samonda, Polytechnic area among others are some of the areas closest to this motor park. From the park, buses go for the usual fare of 1,000 and taxis/minivans go for 1,200-1,300

WHICH MOTOR PARK TO CHOOSE

Of the three motor parks, I personally go for the Iwo Road motor park. The park is more or less in a central area isn’t far away from the outskirts, within 165 minutes you can be out of the city.

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 Lagos usually takes about 2hrs 30 mins, taking into consideration road and weather conditions as well as the redemption camp along the way – if campers are around, there’ll be most likely a lengthy hold-up.

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 or book an Uber beforehand.

Enjoy your trip.

Related: Ilorin to Lagos By Road: A Traveler's Guide