5 things to do before travelling by road in Nigeria

Road travel is one of the most common ways to move between cities and states in Nigeria. Whether travelling from Lagos to Ibadan, Abuja to Kaduna, Kano to Maiduguri or one town to another, many Nigerians rely on buses, private cars and other road transport services to reach their destinations.

However, a successful journey requires more than entering a vehicle. Travellers may encounter vehicle breakdowns, traffic congestion, changing weather conditions, security concerns and unexpected expenses along the way. Some of these problems cannot be prevented entirely, but proper preparation can reduce avoidable risks and make the journey more comfortable.

Before setting out, it is important to consider the condition of the vehicle, the route, personal safety, travel documents and the supplies you may need during the trip.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights five things to do before travelling by road in Nigeria.

Check the condition of the vehicle

One of the most important things to do before a road journey is to ensure that the vehicle is in good working condition . A vehicle that develops a fault in the middle of a journey can cause delays and expose passengers to uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situations. Some mechanical problems can also lead to accidents, particularly when they affect the tyres, brakes, steering or lights.

If you are travelling in your personal vehicle, arrange for necessary checks before leaving. Do not assume that a car is ready for a long journey simply because it was driven successfully the previous day. Start with the tyres. Check their condition and ensure that they have the appropriate pressure for the vehicle. Worn-out tyres, visible damage and incorrect pressure can affect how a vehicle handles the road. 

The spare tyre should also be in usable condition, and the necessary tools for changing a tyre should be available. The brakes deserve particular attention. If you notice unusual sounds, vibrations, a soft brake pedal or difficulty stopping the vehicle, have the problem checked before travelling.

It is also important to inspect the engine oil, coolant and other essential fluids according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Check that the headlights, brake lights, indicators and windscreen wipers work properly. These are especially important when travelling in rain, fog or poor visibility.

If the vehicle has been experiencing overheating, difficulty starting, unusual noises or warning lights on the dashboard, do not ignore them simply because the journey is urgent.

For those using commercial transport, it may not be possible to inspect the vehicle mechanically. Nevertheless, pay attention to obvious signs of poor maintenance, damaged tyres, malfunctioning lights or unsafe conditions inside the vehicle. Choose a reputable transport company where possible, and do not feel compelled to board a vehicle that appears unsafe. A few checks before departure can help prevent problems that might otherwise disrupt the journey.

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Plan your route and check the travel conditions

Knowing your destination is not enough. You should also understand the route you intend to take and the conditions you may encounter along the way. Before travelling, check the expected journey  time, the main roads connecting your departure point to your destination and any known disruptions that could affect your trip.

Traffic congestion can make a journey significantly longer than expected, particularly around major cities, busy junctions and commercial centres. Road construction, accidents and temporary diversions may also affect travel time. If you are driving yourself, use a reliable navigation application to understand the route before setting out. Download offline maps where possible, especially if you expect to pass through areas with unreliable mobile network coverage.

However, do not depend entirely on a navigation application. Digital maps may suggest roads that are unsuitable, poorly maintained or difficult to navigate. Pay attention to road signs and use your judgement when deciding whether a suggested route is appropriate. It is also important to check weather conditions. Heavy rain can reduce visibility, make roads slippery and worsen flooding in some locations. If severe weather is expected, consider whether the journey can be delayed or adjusted.

Departure time matters as well. Starting early may help you avoid some traffic, but you should not begin a journey when you are too tired to drive safely. Long-distance travel requires concentration, and driving while sleepy can endanger both the driver and passengers.

For unfamiliar routes, research suitable places to stop for fuel, food, rest and other necessities

Avoid waiting until your fuel is almost exhausted before looking for a filling station.

If you are travelling between states, check credible and current security information about the route before departure. Conditions can change, so information from several days ago may no longer reflect what is happening on the road. Where credible information indicates a serious security concern, consider delaying the journey, changing the route after obtaining reliable advice or using another travel arrangement. Planning does not eliminate every uncertainty, but it gives you more time to make informed decisions.

Prepare your money, identification and essential documents

Another important step is to organise your money and travel documents before leaving home. Unexpected expenses can arise during road travel. You may need additional money for transport, food, water, fuel, accommodation or an unplanned delay. Before travelling, estimate your expected expenses and set aside an amount for emergencies. The amount will depend on your destination, the length of the journey and your personal circumstances.

Avoid spending your entire travel budget before reaching your destination. Keeping an emergency reserve can help you manage unexpected situations without having to borrow money immediately. It is also useful to carry more than one payment option where practical.

For example, you may have some cash and access to electronic payments. Do not assume that every location will have a functioning point-of-sale terminal, reliable network coverage or an accessible automated teller machine.

Keep your money in secure places rather than displaying large amounts in public. Separate some emergency cash from your main wallet so that you are not left without funds if you misplace one item. Identification is equally important. Carry an appropriate means of identification, especially when travelling between states or staying away from home for an extended period. If you are travelling for work, school or an official assignment, take any documents that may be required for the purpose of your trip.

For a personal vehicle, ensure that relevant vehicle documents, insurance and other required items are valid and available. Drivers should also have the appropriate driving licence. 

Keep important documents protected from water and damage. Digital copies stored securely on your phone may be useful as backups, but they should not be treated as a substitute for original documents where those are required.

Pack essential supplies and prepare for delays

A journey that should take a few hours may last longer than expected because of traffic, mechanical problems, bad weather or other disruptions. Preparing a small travel bag with essential supplies can make such delays easier to manage. Water should be among your priorities. Carry enough drinking water for the journey, particularly if you are travelling for several hours or through areas where access to safe drinking water may be limited.

You should also take suitable food or snacks if necessary. Choose items that can be stored safely during the trip and will not spoil quickly in the prevailing conditions. If you have a medical condition that requires regular meals, plan your food around your needs. 

Personal medicines are another important consideration. If you take prescribed medicines, ensure that you have enough for the journey and any reasonable delay. 

Keep them in their appropriate packaging and follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional.

People who need medicines at specific times should avoid packing their entire supply in luggage that may be inaccessible during the journey.

A charged mobile phone is essential for communication and navigation. Carry a power bank if available, and ensure that it is charged before departure. A charging cable compatible with your device can also be useful.

Other helpful items may include tissues, hand sanitiser, a small towel, personal hygiene products and a light change of clothing, depending on the length of the journey.

If you are travelling with children, pack items they may need, such as food appropriate for their age, drinking water, spare clothing and any required medicines. For drivers, a basic emergency kit can include a warning triangle, a torch, a reflective vest, a first-aid kit and tools appropriate for the vehicle. A spare tyre and the equipment needed to change it should also be available. Do not attempt repairs in an unsafe location or on a busy carriageway. If you are travelling in your own car, consider whether you have enough fuel to reach a suitable filling station. Refuelling before the tank becomes nearly empty can reduce the risk of being stranded. Packing does not mean carrying unnecessary luggage. The goal is to have the items you are likely to need without making the journey uncomfortable or overloading the vehicle.

Before leaving, let a trusted person know where you are going and when you expect to arrive.

Share your departure point, destination, expected arrival time and relevant transport details. If your plans change significantly, send an update when it is safe and practical to do so.

This is particularly important when travelling alone, using an unfamiliar route or visiting a place for the first time. Someone who knows your plans may be better placed to notice an unexpected delay and check on you.

Where appropriate, share details of the transport company or vehicle you are using. You may also send your booking information to a trusted person. 

However, avoid posting detailed travel plans publicly, especially if doing so could expose your absence from home or reveal sensitive information about your movements.During the journey, remain aware of your surroundings. Keep your phone, wallet and other valuables secure, and avoid displaying large amounts of cash.

When travelling by commercial transport, use recognised parks or official booking channels where possible. 

Be cautious about accepting unsolicited transport arrangements from strangers, especially when you are unfamiliar with the location. 

Do not share sensitive personal information with people you do not know. If you need to stop during the journey, choose an appropriate, populated location where possible and follow credible local safety advice.

If you are driving, do not use your phone while the vehicle is moving. Arrange navigation before departure, use hands-free options only where lawful and safe, or stop in a safe place when you need to make a call or check directions. 

Seat belts should be worn by everyone in seats equipped with them. Drivers should also avoid alcohol or other substances that impair driving and should not continue driving when exhausted.