Getting Around Nigeria

1 more image

LAGOS, Nigeria - A Nigerian passenger aircraft carrying 114 people went missing late on Saturday shortly after take-off from Nigeria’s commercial capital Lagos, local media reported.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-200 operated by Bellview Airlines, lost contact with the control tower five minutes after taking off at 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, It was headed for the capital, Abuja.

To travel with air plane is ok but, all we have to pray for is God's mercy and save journey well for getting around the cities and places i think a taxi or a car is ok.

Ironically, the best way to move around town and cities in Nigeria, is by OKADA.
They are fast, cheap and dangerous at times.
But I have seen a lot of white tourist on Okada in Lagos and Abuja. I would recommend Okada if you are in a hurry to get about, especially in Lagos which is reputed for long traffic jams.

This is a typical mode of transportation in Nigeria. Though, this particular company is based in Nsukka, Eastern Nigeria, The buses, are meant to carry Ten perssengers, but, they usually load Fourteen people, which make the journey one of a hell. Not only that, they usually overload the bus with cargoes to a dangerous level. It is not a convinient way of moving arround a journey of 6-7 hours trip to Abuja. It cost about 8 dollars for a trip from Enugu/Nsukka - Abuja.
I used them twice Nsukka-Abuja, and it is not recommended. Except you don't have a better alternative like in my case. I must say that the company enjoys a strong monopolistic power.

This tip is about getting around in Nigeria by air. There are regular flights from Lagos to Abuja. It cost 10,000 Naira (Local currency) Thats about 70-80 dollars. There are also regular flight to Enugu, Port harcourt and Calarba in the eastern part of Nigeria for the same amount. Flying to Kaduna, Kano, Jos and Maiduguri, are also on regular basis for same amount.

While in any of the Nigerian cities, you might want to move around town, but due to high population in the major cities, traffice jams will do a mess to you especially if you want to get quick to you destination. the only way out is the motorcycle operators also known here as Okada Riders. you can get to your destination as fast as possible with their service, with the prices of about US50 Cents and above depnding on the distance of your destination.

Checkpoints (both Police and criminals) are fairly common in Nigeria. At Police checkpoints, they randomly stop cars and ask for "dash" -- a small cash bribe. Most times you can get by with a really small amount (50 Naira). However, they'll remember your car and you'll pay everytime!!! The false or criminal checkpoints will take a lot more from you. What they both have in common is lots of guys standing outside your car with big guns!!! Do what you have to do to avoid being shot at!!

Fly: use major International Airlines. Regional and National airlines are not as reliable.
Road: don't take public transportation (taxis, mini-vans, scooters). Very susceptible to robbery, kidnapping, etc. There are no traffic rules or regulations whatsoever....everyone drives like the world is ending in five minutes!!! Be prepared for police/military 'checkpoints'; they'll expect a small 'fee' usually.
Armored vehicle, with a police/military escort!!!

The best way to travel to and from Nigeria is by AIR.
Sometimes you can get a direct flight depending on the country you are coming from.
Within Nigeria, the best way of getting around is by flight too if you can afford it. Though there are some towns you may wish to visit that don't have air ports, in that case you need to resort to bus or taxi. You can get a reliable taxi and bus drivers who would be more than happy and willing to drive you around.