ABUJA TO IBADAN BY ROAD: A TRAVELER’S GUIDE
For the majority, road travel is the easiest and cheapest way of getting around the country and while in this case, air travel is more convenient, a trip by road is cheaper and affords passengers a chance to take in the scenic route.
Abuja is the Capital City of Nigeria and the central City/State of the Country while Ibadan is the state capital of Oyo state and the largest city in the country located in south-western Nigeria
THE BEST PLACE(S) TO GET AN IBADAN -BOUND VEHICLE IN ABUJA
Peace Mass transit: Located at Utako, board a bus/taxi going to Utako and drop at the Peace Mass Transit Park. Buses and Sienna minivans going to Ibadan are available in the 5,000-5,500 naira range.
Kwara Express Park: For people coming from the Garki area, Take a cab direct to Nyanya , the park is located before the bridge near the NNPC filling station. Buses and Siena minivans ply the Ilorin route. Buses go for 5,500 and sienna minivans for 6,000 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 is better to err on the side of caution where public restrooms are concerned.
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 Abuja to Ibadan usually takes approximately 8 hours, 30 minutes, taking into consideration road and weather conditions.
SNACK AND RESTROOM OPTIONS
There are a variety of snacks to pick from at the park and you can buy whatever you want beforehand. Also, there’s a rest stop along the way at Lokoja.
PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO IBADAN
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 most valuable possessions 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 to Ibadan you’ll be dropped off anywhere between Alakia and Iwo Road which is the final stop.
Have a Safe Trip!
