Nigeria is a very large country with different ethnic groups, if your not traveling you might not know how big this our country is.built. People travel every day for business, family visits, education, and trade. Whether you’re heading from Lagos to Ibadan or Abuja to Kaduna, there are roads you just can’t avoid. If you doubt me ask drivers from different transport companies who ply this road everyday.
These roads connect cities. They carry food, fuel, and people. They power the economy. They tell the stories of the people moving along them, stories of hustle, survival, celebration, and sometimes, frustration.
But driving in Nigeria isn’t always smooth. Some roads are great. Others? Not so much. That’s why knowing the key roads and what to expect matters a lot.
This article takes you through 10 Roads You Must Travel When Crossing Nigerian Cities. We also share travel tips, road conditions, and things to look out for.
Let’s dive in.
10 major roads you’ll likely travel on if you move between Nigerian cities
1. Lagos Ibadan Expressway
This is one of the busiest roads in Nigeria. Some say it never sleeps.
This road connects Lagos, the commercial hub, to Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. And from there, you can reach many parts of the country.
- Length: About 128 kilometers.
- Travel Time: 2 to 4 hours (depending on traffic).
- Key Towns: Mowe, Ibafo, Sagamu.
Why It Matters
It’s the main route for people going from Lagos to the Southwest or even the North. Almost everyone has used it. It supports daily movement of goods and people worth billions of naira. This is one of the Roads You Must Travel When Crossing Nigerian Cities.
Road Condition
Ongoing repairs and reconstruction. Some parts are smooth, others are full of potholes. Traffic can be crazy during rush hours. Sometimes you move an inch in 30 minutes.
Travel Tip
Leave early in the morning. Avoid Fridays and Sundays if possible. And if it rains, double your patience.
Transport Companies That Use Lagos–Ibadan Expressway
This route connects Lagos with Ibadan and serves as a major artery for travelers heading to the southwest, north-central, and northern parts of the country.
1. GUO Transport
- Route: Lagos ➝ Ibadan ➝ Benin ➝ Abuja ➝ Kaduna, etc.
- Terminals: Jibowu, Lagos | Challenge, Ibadan
2. Peace Mass Transit
- Route: Lagos ➝ Ibadan ➝ Ilorin ➝ Lokoja ➝ Enugu
- Terminals: Lagos (Yaba, Jibowu) | Ibadan
3. God Is Good Motors (GIGM)
- Route: Lagos ➝ Ibadan ➝ Benin ➝ Owerri ➝ Abuja ➝ Kano
- Terminals: Lagos (Iyana Ipaja, Ajah, Jibowu) | Ibadan
4. Cross Country Transport
- Route: Lagos ➝ Ibadan ➝ Akure ➝ Abuja ➝ Jos
- Terminals: Yaba, Festac, Ajah, Ikeja, Ibadan
5. ABC Transport
- Route: Lagos ➝ Ibadan ➝ Onitsha ➝ Port Harcourt ➝ Abuja
- Terminals: Lagos (Amuwo Odofin, Jibowu) | Ibadan
2. Lagos Abuja Route (via Ibadan–Ilorin–Lokoja)
There’s no single Lagos–Abuja road. But the most common route passes through several key highways.
- Route: Lagos → Ibadan → Ilorin → Jebba → Mokwa → Bida → Abuja
- Length: About 750 km
- Travel Time: 10 to 14 hours
Why This road Matters
It connects Nigeria’s economic and political capitals. From tech investors to government officials, this route is well traveled.
Road Condition
Mixed. Some stretches are smooth, others are nightmare zones. Watch out for broken-down trucks, especially around Jebba and Mokwa. There are also sharp bends and narrow bridges.
Travel Tip
Break your journey. Consider spending the night in Ilorin or Minna. Take enough fuel, water, and make sure your car is in good condition.
For safety tips read this 10 Safety Tips You Should Follow When Traveling Within Nigeria
Transport Companies That Use Lagos Abuja Road
This route connects Lagos to Abuja via (Ibadan–Ilorin–Lokoja), is a very busy and unavoidable rout
- Route: Lagos ➝ Ibadan ➝ Benin ➝ Abuja ➝ Kaduna, etc.
- Terminals: Jibowu, Lagos | Challenge, Ibadan
2. Peace Mass Transit
- Route: Lagos ➝ Ibadan ➝ Ilorin ➝ Lokoja ➝ Enugu
- Terminals: Lagos (Yaba, Jibowu) | Ibadan
3. God Is Good Motors (GIGM)
- Route: Lagos ➝ Ibadan ➝ Benin ➝ Owerri ➝ Abuja ➝ Kano
- Terminals: Lagos (Iyana Ipaja, Ajah, Jibowu) | Ibadan
4. Cross Country Transport
- Route: Lagos ➝ Ibadan ➝ Akure ➝ Abuja ➝ Jos
- Terminals: Yaba, Festac, Ajah, Ikeja, Ibadan
5. ABC Transport
- Route: Lagos ➝ Ibadan ➝ Onitsha ➝ Port Harcourt ➝ Abuja
- Terminals: Lagos (Amuwo Odofin, Jibowu) | Ibadan
3. Apapa Oworonshoki (Apapa–Oshodi) Expressway
This road is very important for Lagos. And by extension, for Nigeria.
It connects the port area (Apapa) to other parts of the city and beyond. It’s where most of Nigeria’s imports pass through. If your in a hurry dont pass through this rout!
Why It Matters
All goods from the Apapa port pass through here. It links industries in Ikeja, Oshodi, and Agege. It’s the heartbeat of cargo movement.
Road Condition
Heavy traffic. Trucks parked everywhere. Ongoing construction. Better at night or early morning.
Travel Tip
Not good for leisure trips. Use alternative routes when possible. You can lose hours here.
4. Lagos Abeokuta Expressway
This is a key road between Lagos and the capital of Ogun State. It’s a lifeline for many commuters.
- Length: About 80 km
- Travel Time: 1.5 to 3 hours
Why It Matters
It connects two major cities in the Southwest. It also serves as an alternative to the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Road Condition
Parts of it are being reconstructed. Can be slow during peak hours. Watch for commercial buses driving recklessly.
Travel Tip
Try going via Sango or Ifo if there’s heavy traffic. If you’re not familiar with inner roads, use Google Maps.
5. Benin Ore Sagamu Expressway
This is one of the oldest and most traveled federal roads. Many road users have childhood memories of it.
- Length: About 500 km
- Travel Time: 6 to 9 hours
Why It Matters
It connects the South-South to the South-West and Lagos. If you’re coming from Asaba or Onitsha to Lagos, you’ll likely use it. If your traveling from West to East this are Roads You Must Travel When Crossing Nigerian Cities.
Road Condition
Better than before, but some sections still need work. There are checkpoints and tolls. Trucks can cause gridlock.
Travel Tip
Be careful around Ore. It’s a known accident zone. Make rest stops in Benin or Ondo.
6. Enugu Port Harcourt Expressway
This is a major route in the South-East and South-South. It’s essential for trade and travel in the region.
- Length: About 243 km
- Travel Time: 4 to 6 hours
Why It Matters
It connects many towns Aba, Umuahia, Elele to big cities. Traders, students, and families depend on it.
Road Condition
Some parts are fine. Others are terrible. Flooding is common during rainy season. Some stretches are unmotorable.
Travel Tip
Avoid at night. There are few road lights and security is poor. Plan your trip during daylight hours.
7. Lagos Badagry Expressway
This road is part of the Trans West African Coastal Highway. It connects Nigeria with other West African countries.
- Length: About 60 km (in Nigeria)
- Travel Time: 2 to 3 hours (can be more)
It links Nigeria to Benin Republic. Key for cross-border trade. It’s used by transporters, businessmen, and travelers heading to Cotonou, Accra, or Abidjan.
Road Condition
Bad in some parts. Widening to 10 lanes is ongoing. Gridlock is common due to border-related stops.
Travel Tip
Always have your ID. Immigration officers often stop cars. Watch your luggage. Use reputable transport services.
You can also check Towns and villages the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will pass through
8. Abuja Kaduna Expressway
This is one of the most talked-about roads in Nigeria. For good and bad reasons.
- Length: About 190 km
- Travel Time: 2 to 3 hours
Why It Matters
Links the capital to the North. Major for business and politics. Used by federal government staff, traders, and NGOs.
Road Condition
Good tarmac, but security concerns. Banditry has been an issue. Military checkpoints are common.
Travel Tip
Avoid night trips. Travel in convoys when possible. Use registered transport companies.
9. Calabar Port Harcourt Road
This road links two oil-rich cities. It also supports tourism.
- Length: About 340 km
- Travel Time: 6 to 8 hours
Why It Matters
Important for the oil and tourism sectors. Connects Cross River to Rivers State. Students going to Unical and Uniport also use it.
Road Condition
Floods often cut off parts of the road. Potholes and erosion are common. Repairs are ongoing but slow.
10. Onitsha Owerri Road
This is a key route in the South-East. It’s short but very significant.
- Length: About 90 km
- Travel Time: 1.5 to 3 hours
Why It Matters
Links commercial hubs in Anambra and Imo States. Traders move goods daily through this route.
Road Condition
Can be very busy. Traders, buses, and trucks slow things down. Watch out for market activities.
Travel Tip
Avoid market days if possible. Don’t overtake carelessly. Drive patiently.
Remarkable In-City Roads
- Lekki–Epe Expressway (Lagos) – real estate boom and daily commuter route.
- Ibadan Ring Road (Oyo) – connects major parts of Ibadan.
- Kaduna–Zaria Road (Kaduna) – important for education and business movement.
These roads also feed into the highways and affect your travel.
Road Travel Tips in Nigeria
- Leave Early: Start your journey before 7 a.m.
- Stay Alert: Watch out for potholes, broken-down cars, and roadside traders.
- Go with Snacks and Water: You may get stuck in traffic for hours.
- Cash is King: POS may not work in remote areas.
- Update Someone: Tell someone where you’re going.
- Documents: Carry your ID, driver’s license, and car papers.
- Power Bank: Your phone is your compass. Keep it charged.
- Spare Tyre & Tools: You might need them in the middle of nowhere.
Foe more information on safety precautions in Nigeria road check: Nigeria Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)
Final Words
Traveling across Nigerian cities means using these key roads. Some are smooth. Some will test your patience.
But if you know what to expect and prepare well you’ll get there safe and sound.
Road trips in Nigeria are an experience. Every bump, every view, every local dish on the way, it all adds up.
From Lagos traffic to Kaduna plains, from Benin’s red soil to Port Harcourt’s oil roads Nigeria’s roads tell a story. This are the Roads You Must Travel When Crossing Nigerian Cities And now, you’re part of it.
