When you travel on Nigerian roads, you realise that it is an experience that demands proper planning, patience, and awareness for the sake of the safety and comfort of you and those you travel with. This is an idea that we have already come to accept, with respect to the culture and the atmosphere we find ourselves in. Preparing to travel on Nigerian roads goes beyond making sure my car is good to go and the necessary items are in place to making sure that contingency plans are in place in case of the unforeseen.
Preparing to Travel on Nigerian Roads?
Recognising the realities on the ground on the roads you travel on is a very important thing to do. In addition to the beautiful routes and sceneries that await you on Nigerian roads are also highways that are riddled with challenges such as potholes, death traps, both legal and illegal police checkpoints, long stretches without secure rest points or petrol stations, and unpredictable traffic. You may be travelling from Awka, Anambra, in the east to Ibadan, Oyo, in the west, or to Jalingo in the north; these same measures still apply to you and your fellow travellers.
Mapping Out Your Route Before the Journey
What I always do is this: I begin with planning my route. Nigeria’s road network is relatively vast, and very few of the major roads that are frequented by long-distance motorists are up to a good and safe standard. For this reason, I visit Google Maps online while I also enquire from people who recently travelled the same road network. The advice from other drivers and travellers can go a long way to save you a lot in the long run, especially when it concerns terrible roads and security concerns.
Before I journey to a strange location or region that I am not very familiar with, I try to note down major spots and landmarks in case my phone battery dies or we run out of good network reception. It is imperative as well to look out for alternate routes, considering that accidents and/or roadblocks without warning are frequent occurrences on the Nigerian roads.
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Check road condition reports | Ask friends or search travel updates | Avoid bad or unsafe routes |
| Review alternative routes | Plan backup options | Stay flexible during delays |
| Confirm travel distance | Estimate travel time and fuel use | Prevent running out of fuel |
| Check local curfews or restrictions | Stay informed | Avoid getting stranded |
Planning ahead helps me feel more confident and reduces stress on the road.
Having My Vehicle Well Serviced and Ready to Go
It would be unwise not to give your vehicle the treatment and care it needs before diving into the deep web known as Nigerian roads. Having an expert take a look at your dear car can save you from being stranded in the middle of nowhere with little to no help available or forthcoming. Make sure to check your tyres, oil, brake fluid, water level, and lights; leave nothing to chance when it comes to these things. It is a very well-established fact that most roadside breakdowns on these roads come from things people could have checked before leaving for their trip.
I personally make sure that my spare tyre, jack, and tools are available and functioning. To be on the safe side, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, and a flashlight should be a mainstay in your boot. Some of these seemingly inconsequential preparations can be the difference during possible emergencies while travelling.
Below is a simple pre-trip checklist for you:
- Check engine oil, brake fluid, and water levels.
- Inspect all tyres, including the spare.
- Ensure headlights, indicators, and wipers are working.
- Fill up the fuel tank or at least half before departure.
- Carry essential tools and a first-aid kit.
- Keep a charged power bank for your phone.
Taking a proper look at these things should take you no more than 30 minutes but can save you and your companions hours of helplessness later on.
How I Pack Before Travelling on Nigerian Roads
I know by experience that long-distance travels in Nigeria can be totally unpredictable. Travellers cannot rule out the possibility of spending long extra hours in the traffic or delays at checkpoints for one reason or another. It is for these eventualities alone that I choose to pack smartly at all times. I make sure to carry enough water, snacks, and light food in case I can’t find a kiosk, restaurant, or supermarket on the road.
I also provide tissue, sanitiser, and wet wipes—public restrooms cannot be relied upon. To prepare for night trips, I add a small blanket or thick jacket in case of the cold.
Here’s a list of what I always remember:
- Bottled water and snacks
- Tissue and hand sanitizer
- Face masks and wipes
- Power bank and charging cable
- Small pillow or travel blanket
- Cash for tolls and fuel
- Identification card and driver’s licence
Getting these items ready gives me peace of mind. I no longer depend too much on roadside vendors or uncertain stops for necessary supplies.
Keeping Documents and Cash Safe and Secure
Before every trip, I double-check my car documents—vehicle licence, insurance, and driver’s licence. Road safety officers and police often request them at checkpoints. Keeping everything in a small folder helps me stay organised.
I also carry enough cash, since many small towns and fuel stations still don’t accept electronic payments. I keep the money in separate places, just in case. Having change helps too; it saves time at toll gates or when buying fuel.
| Document | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Driver’s licence | Required at checkpoints |
| Vehicle licence | Confirms ownership |
| Insurance papers | For emergencies or accidents |
| ID card | Helpful for identification |
| Roadworthiness certificate | Needed for long-distance travel |
Setting Out On Time
When I travel, I like to leave early in the morning, always before the sun comes up. Then, the weather is cooler, and the traffic on the roads is not as heavy as it can get during the day. Beginning the journey early also gives me ample time to get to my destination before the sun goes down.
Night travel can be risky in Nigeria for a lot of reasons, including poor visibility and fewer roadside services and security. If I must travel at night, I make sure my headlights work flawlessly, and I try to stick to popular routes where there will be more traffic on the road.
Planning my departure time also involves being up-to-date on traffic news. Highways such as the Lagos to Ibadan or the Onitsha to Owerri have heavier traffic at certain hours of the day. Setting out at the right time, therefore, can save you fuel and stress ultimately.
Safety Measures to Take While on the Nigerian Road
The issue of safety should always be top priority for everyone when preparing to travel on Nigerian roads. What I do is that I avoid picking up strangers or stopping in isolated locations. Even when I stop to take a breather or buy something, I make sure to park where other road users can see me; you can’t be too careful in these circumstances.
If I notice any strange occurrence, such as a fake checkpoint, I am always alert to follow my survival instincts, knowing how things are not always as they seem on Nigerian roads. Nothing is ruled out at this point; maybe simply turning back or exercising patience and restraint can save you from harm.
Another thing is to always keep your family and/or friends up-to-date on your trip. Sharing your route and expected arrival time with people you love and trust will do. That means that someone somewhere else always knows your whereabouts.
Here are some main safety habits:
- Avoid driving late at night.
- Don’t pick up strangers.
- Park in visible, well-lit areas.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Share travel details with someone you trust.
- Stay calm during police checks.
Managing Fuel and Rest Stops
Fuel scarcity or sudden price changes are common in Nigeria. I always start my trip with a full tank and refill when I reach half, not when the gauge turns red. Some highways go for kilometres without a single fuel station.
For long journeys, I take breaks every two to three hours. Stretching helps me stay alert and reduces fatigue. I plan stops at known stations or eateries with clean restrooms.
| Task | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Refuel early | Avoid running out in remote areas |
| Rest every few hours | Prevent tiredness |
| Buy snacks and water | Stay hydrated and focused |
| Check car temperature | Prevent overheating |
Why Preparing to Travel on Nigerian Roads Matter
Every trip, for me, is an opportunity to learn something new about the roads in Nigeria. Sometimes I end up finding a shorter route, a cheaper gas station, or a new food joint along the way. I try to take mental notes so that my next journey on the same road can be smoother.
Trips on Nigerian roads can be really unpredictable, to say the least, but with adequate preparation, they become good experiences. And speaking of experiences, it has taught me that safety and comfort in situations like this start long before I turn the ignition. And how I prepare before travelling on Nigerian roads means I can travel without fear, knowing what I have done to get ready for whatever the road brings along with it.
