Aliayabiagba
Getting around
Nigerian urban transport is largely informal and negotiated rather than scheduled and ticketed, so flexibility, patience and agreeing prices up front will serve you better than any app or timetable. In the large cities, public transport is chaotic and chronic congestion hampers efficiency, particularly at rush hour, and the system is dominated by private operators: private bus companies and thousands of private minibuses fill the streets alongside yellow taxis. Minibuses are the workhorse of everyday travel — inexpensive and frequent, but crowded and not designed around visitor needs. Taxis, typically yellow or black and orange, can be hailed on the street in most places, though in major urban areas it is wiser to call ahead; app-based options exist in the largest cities and can take some of the guesswork out of pricing. Haggle the fare before you get in, since metered fares can be extremely high, and agree both the fare and any tip in advance. If you prefer to hire a car, take one with a driver — this helps with safety, insurance and bureaucracy — and note that an International Driving Permit is required if you intend to drive yourself, with no national breakdown service available.
Build slack into your day: journeys that look short on a map can take far longer than expected, and the cheapest options are often the slowest and least comfortable. Walking is not a practical primary way to get around, and is best limited to short, local trips within a neighbourhood or between nearby destinations. In Lagos, daily ferry services operate around the city, including to Lagos Island — a useful option given how badly road traffic can snarl — while river boats on the Niger are often overloaded and dangerous, so exercise judgement about which services you use. For longer journeys, buses and bush taxis run between the main towns, and dedicated coach services are much cheaper than flying, though conditions vary considerably between operators; trains are generally slower and less reliable than buses but cheaper, with sleeping cars to be booked in advance. Wherever possible, avoid peak hours, favour reputable operators and avoid night driving, and be aware that secondary roads can become impassable during the rains.
Three days in Aliayabiagba
Day one: Start on Lagos Island, where the streets are busy and the buildings carry the weight of the city's history. Walking is the best way to get your bearings, though you will share the pavement with plenty of other people. When you need to cover more ground, minibuses and taxis are the main ways to move around, and you should haggle over the fare before you get in. In the evening, look for Nigerian cooking - the food is one of the strongest reasons to be here.
Day two: Build a slower day around the parts of Lagos Island you missed. Walking lets you notice the details that pass by in a blur from a vehicle, and it costs nothing. If you plan to drive yourself, you will need an International Driving Permit, and even then the traffic can be punishing. Wherever you end up, keep some small change ready for the minibuses.
Day three: Use your last day to cross to the mainland side of the city and see how Lagos spreads beyond the island. Taxis are easier than minibuses if you are carrying bags or running short of time, but agree the price first. For a final meal, return to Nigerian food - it is the thread that ties the three days together. In Lagos, the pace never really slows, so leave yourself room to simply sit and watch it go by.