Akowonjo

Introduction

Akowonjo is a neighbourhood in Lagos State, Nigeria, whose inhabitants are mostly Egba. According to local historical accounts, the Egba settled here around 1830, driven by the intertribal wars and conflicts that were prevalent in the region at the time.

Those accounts describe the area as a dense forest that the settlers cleared, claimed, and established as a permanent settlement, rather than land acquired through purchase. That origin shapes how the neighbourhood understands itself today.

Getting around

Akowonjo sits inside the wider Lagos transport system, so getting around means the same mix of modes people use across the city: minibuses, tricycles, motorcycle taxis, ride-hailing cars, and — where they reach — light rail and ferries. There is no single unified public transport network you can learn once and rely on; movement happens through overlapping modes, each suited to different trip lengths and budgets. Short hops within the neighbourhood are usually done by keke (tricycle) or okada (motorcycle taxi), while longer cross-city trips are done by bus, ride-hailing car, or, on the corridors they serve, light rail and ferry. Kekes are used for trips of under about half an hour and are the only alternative where motorcycle taxis are banned, such as private estates and gated residences; in Lagos they are off the road by 9pm. Okadas are found almost everywhere, usually at dedicated spots on neighbourhood streets and main roads, and you hail one by approaching the driver or flagging them down and stating your destination — but in Lagos they are restricted to suburban areas, so do not assume you can use one everywhere.

Cash is the default way to pay for most everyday transport. The exception is the Cowry Card, a stored-value card usable on BRT buses running in dedicated lanes, on scheduled ferries, and on the light rail; you can buy it at BRT shelters and terminals, and if you plan to use the BRT or light rail more than once or twice it is the single most useful transport purchase you can make. Licensed cabs in Lagos are yellow with double black stripes and carry red license plates. Ride-hailing through Uber and Bolt is widely available, and because the price is set by the app rather than negotiated, it is often the simplest way to avoid haggling. For short distances there is also the informal drop — a private cab or keke you hail by waving and saying "drop" — suitable for solo travellers or small groups. Walking is not a practical primary mode: there are no dedicated bicycle lanes anywhere in Nigeria, so treat walking as something you do within a destination rather than as a way to move between neighbourhoods. Accessibility is a real constraint, as accessible transport is virtually non-existent nationwide, and even the Lagos BRT has priority seats that are often occupied by other passengers, crowded buses, and wheelchair ramps that are frequently in disrepair.

Three days in Akowonjo

Day one: Start by getting your bearings in Akowonjo, a neighbourhood in Lagos State, Nigeria. The area has Egba roots, and you can spend your first hours walking its streets to get a feel for how the community is laid out. For getting around, you have several options: kekes and okadas are common, and there are licensed ride services such as Uber and Bolt. Keep cash on you, since not every transaction will take a card, and consider a Cowry Card if you plan to use the BRT. Walking is a good way to cover short distances, though accessibility varies from street to street.

• Akowonjo
• Lagos State
• Nigeria
• Egba
• Kekes
• Okadas
• Cash
• Cowry Card
• BRT
• Licensed ride services (Uber, Bolt)
• Walking

Day two: Use the Lagos BRT to move between parts of Lagos, and rely on licensed ride services for the gaps the BRT does not cover. Those who prefer not to walk long stretches can lean on kekes and okadas for short hops. According to how much ground you want to cover, plan your day around the BRT corridors and keep your Cowry Card handy. Cash remains useful for the smaller, informal rides.

Day three: Slow down and stay closer to Akowonjo. That gives you time to walk the neighbourhood again and notice what you missed earlier. There is no need to rush between Lagos State's wider attractions; a quieter day in Akowonjo works well before you leave. For your final errands, licensed ride services and the BRT are the most straightforward options, with cash and your Cowry Card covering the rest.