LOKOJA 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. Lokoja is the capital of Kogi state and lies at the confluence of the rivers Niger and Benue while 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.

THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET AN ILORIN-BOUND VEHICLE IN LOKOJA

Winners Express: from anywhere in Lokoja take a taxi/bike and ask to be taken to the Local Government Secretariat beside Kogi travellers, alight and enter the Park. Buses go for 2,000 naira while Sienna minivans go for 2,500 naira.

Kwara Express: Board a taxi/commercial motorcycle and ask to be dropped at Kogi Travellers, enter the park and board a bus after paying a fare of 2,000-2,500 naira

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 Lokoja to Ilorin usually takes about 7-8 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. Also, there is a rest stop at Iyara in Kogi state where you can eat, pray (for the devout) and take a restroom break.

PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO ILORIN

• 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

Getting into Ilorin, you can choose be dropped off at “General” (the usual drop-off point for most commercial vehicles entering the city)where you can either get a taxi right there or move forward a few metres to hail taxis passing by which are cheaper than the ones right at the drop-off point. However, you can also go with the Buses from Lokoja to Offa Garage which is their final drop-off point.

Enjoy your trip.

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