Africa > 🇳🇬 Nigeria
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Nigeria can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Nigeria; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Nigeria?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Nigeria?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Nigeria
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Abuja | ABV | |
| Enugu | ENU | |
| Goma | GMO | |
| Lagos | LOS | |
| Sokoto | SKO |
The short answer is usually no, at least not for traditional self-drive. Although driving is possible, Nigeria is one of West Africa’s most challenging countries for independent road travel. However, with the right approach — often renting a car with a driver — you can still explore comfortably and safely.
🚫 Why Renting and Driving a Car in Nigeria Is Difficult
1️⃣ Road Conditions Vary Wildly
Even though major highways between Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, and Kano are improving, many other roads suffer from deep potholes, congestion, and unpredictable driving habits. These factors make long-distance self-drive stressful, especially for first-time visitors.
2️⃣ Traffic in Lagos Is on Another Level
Lagos traffic is legendary. Journeys that should take 30 minutes often stretch to 2 hours or more. It’s hectic, noisy, and requires extremely assertive driving. Most travellers choose to avoid this entirely.
3️⃣ Navigation Isn’t Always Straightforward
Even with GPS, you’ll encounter one-way streets, diversions, informal traffic patterns, and occasional checkpoints. Navigation apps help, but local knowledge still matters.
4️⃣ Safety Considerations
While millions of Nigerians safely drive every day, visitors must consider:
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occasional road scams
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areas where travel after dark isn’t recommended
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police and military checkpoints on intercity routes
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regional security variations
Because of this, self-drive simply isn’t the norm for tourists.
🚕 So What Do Travellers Use Instead? The Driver-Hire System
Throughout Nigeria, the most common option is renting a car with a professional driver.
This solves nearly every difficulty at once:
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The driver handles traffic, routing, and checkpoints 🚦
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You benefit from local knowledge 🌍
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You travel safely on long-distance routes
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You avoid the pressure of self-management
In Lagos and Abuja especially, this is the standard way for hotels, expatriates, NGOs, and business travellers to move around.
Ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, and InDriver operate in major cities and are another flexible alternative.
🛤️ Trains in Nigeria — Useful for a Few Key Routes
Nigeria’s modern railways are still growing, but the new lines can help if you prefer not to drive.
🚄 Abuja – Kaduna
The most reliable intercity service. It’s popular, secure, and comfortable.
🚆 Lagos – Ibadan
A newer route, now operating regular services. It’s efficient and avoids highway congestion.
🚉 Other lines
Routes to Kano and Port Harcourt are under refurbishment, but they’re not dependable yet.
Trains won’t replace a full road trip, but they give travellers valuable alternatives.
✈️ Domestic Flights — Often the Best Way to Cross the Country
Nigeria is huge. Moving between Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Jos is quickest by plane.
Airlines like Azman, Air Peace, and Arik Air operate busy domestic networks. This option avoids unpredictable roads and saves you hours.
🚗 When Renting a Car in Nigeria Does Make Sense
Despite strong reasons to avoid self-drive, renting a car in Nigeria can still work in a few limited cases:
✅ 1. Abuja
The capital is spacious, calmer, and much easier to navigate. Roads are wide, traffic is moderate, and first-time travellers often find Abuja far more manageable than Lagos.
✅ 2. Short Local Trips Near Your Hotel
If you’re staying in a controlled neighbourhood (Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki, Maitama, Asokoro), short drives are not as intimidating.
✅ 3. If You Hire a Driver Through the Rental Agency
This is the recommended middle ground. You get flexibility but avoid the risks of driving yourself.
🛣️ Should You Rent a Car in Nigeria? Summary
👍 Reasons to Rent
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You want total flexibility with a driver
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You’re based in Abuja
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You’re taking well-maintained expressways
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You need transport for business itineraries
👎 Reasons Not to Rent
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Lagos traffic makes self-drive extremely stressful
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Road conditions vary outside major corridors
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Navigation and checkpoints can be challenging
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Long distances are easier by plane or train
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Driver-hire and ride-hailing apps already cover most needs
🏁 Final Verdict
For most travellers, the best answer is no — at least not for self-drive. 🚫
However, yes — renting a car with a driver is one of the most effective and comfortable ways to explore Nigeria’s cities and intercity routes. 🌍🚗✨