ILORIN TO ABUJA 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 far cheaper and affords passengers a chance to take in the scenic route.
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 while Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria and the central city/state in the country.

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

Challenge/Post office Park: you can get a taxi to challenge from pretty much anywhere for a maximum of seventy to hundred naira. You will then drop at Post office and cross the road to the shopping complex opposite Ecobank. In the shopping complex you’ll, on enquiry be directed to the transport company in the premises named Loyal Ryders transport Company and book your trip inside the office, paying a fare of 4,500 – 5,000 naira after which your bags will be loaded into the vehicle.

Doja Park: To get to the park, you’ll board a vehicle going to General/Sawmill and drop after the First Bank branch near post office, just beside the Filling station and enter the park which is just adjacent the gas station. You can get Sienna and Coaster buses at the park for the same price as at Loyal Ryders which is in the 4,500 -5,000 range, same as the Loyal Riders Park.

Okun Line: Located opposite the UMCA Theological college in Ilorin-South, the park is home to both buses and minivans like the majority of garages in the state but an added advantage is that the fare is slightly cheaper than the rest, being in the 4,000 naira range. Majority of the vehicles in the park are buses however.

Offa Garage Park: Located, as the name implies at Offa garage, the park is the biggest in the city and is even split into two different, factions: The RTEAN and the NURTW branches and vehicles to Abuja can be gotten in any of the branches. A fare in the 4,500-5,000 range is to be expected and as usual with vehicles travelling far distances, Taxis going to Abuja are rare so the choice is between Coaster buses and the Siena Minivans.

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, although a long trip with at least one rest stop in Lokoja, 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 Ilorin to Abuja usually takes approximately 8hrs 30mins, 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. If you are hungry during the journey however, there is a rest stop at Lokoja where the vehicle is going to stop for about a half hour for passengers who are thus inclined to eat, relieve themselves and stretch their legs for a bit.

PERSONAL TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TO ABUJA

• 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.

• If you love trying out new delicacies, such a long journey isn’t a good time for that so even if you see and buy something you feel you might like along the way, save it until you’re “home” and have a private restroom at hand in case your stomach reacts unfavourably to said delicacy. Stick to food items you’re familiar with.

GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION

Getting to Abuja, you’ll be dropped at Giri which isn’t far from areas like Nyanya, Lugbe e.t.c. From there you can board a vehicle going to (or in the direction of, after which you can take a connecting vehicle) your destination. It is advisable to have someone meet you if you do not know the city.

Have a Safe Trip!

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