The Best Nigerian Road for a Memorable Holiday Travel (2025 Guide)

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Suppose you’ve ever taken a car ride in Nigeria during December. In that case, you’re likely familiar with the typical experience: loud music, a cooler filled with jollof rice, aunties discussing fuel prices, and children counting the number of Dangote trucks you pass. 

Road trips in Nigeria are not just about getting from point A to point B; they’re an experience. 

Whether you’re a tourist eager to explore the country’s heartbeat or a Nigerian returning home for the holidays, some road networks make the journey just as beautiful as the destination.

If you’re considering a road trip this Christmas, here’s your comprehensive guide to the top Nigerian road networks for a seamless, picturesque, and unforgettable journey.

 

Top Nigerian Roads Experience For Holiday Travel in 2025

1. Lagos–Ibadan Expressway: The Classic Gateway

Let’s start with Nigeria’s most talked-about road, the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Love it or hate it, this highway is a legend.

Why it’s on the list:

• The 127 km stretch connects Lagos (Nigeria’s busiest city) with Ibadan, one of the country’s cultural hubs. 
• After years of reconstruction, the road is nearly complete as of 2025, boasting smoother lanes, improved lighting, and a shorter travel time. 
• Expect beautiful green views and multiple rest stops, such as Mowe and Sagamu Interchange, perfect for bathroom breaks and roadside suya. 

Insider tip: Travel early in the morning, before 7 AM, to skip the Lagos traffic and enjoy a stress-free ride.

2. Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway: Northern Beauty

Image source: The Sun Nigeria

ALT Text: Travellers driving along the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano route, one of the best Nigerian road networks in the North.

Heading up North this Christmas? This is one of Nigeria’s most improved routes in recent years.

Why it’s worth your trip:

• It’s part of the Trans-Saharan Highway, linking central Nigeria to the North and beyond. 
• The road between Abuja and Kaduna has undergone massive reconstruction and dualization as part of federal road projects completed in late 2024. 
• You’ll pass through charming small towns, endless farmland, and rolling hills that make for perfect photo stops. 

Pro tip: Try stopping over in Kaduna for roasted corn or suya. Northerners know how to grill!

3. Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway: The Eastern Lifeline

If you’re travelling to the East or South this holiday, the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway is your best friend.

Why it makes the cut:

• As of 2025, the road has undergone significant rehabilitation, especially around Aba and Umuahia. 
• It’s one of the most important routes for travellers heading to Abia, Imo, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States. 
• Along the way, you’ll enjoy the lush scenery of palm trees and local markets bursting with fruit stands.
  

A recommended stop is Aba’s Ariaria Market for early Christmas shopping; just be prepared to bargain, as the traders are pretty competitive! 

4. Benin–Ore–Shagamu Expressway: The South-West Adventure

This is the route that connects Lagos, Edo, and Ondo States, and it’s one of Nigeria’s best-kept travel secrets.

Why it’s fantastic:

• The Benin–Ore section used to be a nightmare years ago, but now it’s one of the smoothest federal roads in the country. 
• The drive takes you through green hills, palm groves, and small towns selling fresh bushmeat, palm wine, and plantain chips (a proper Nigerian combo). 
• Multiple filling stations, eateries, and rest stops make it perfect for long-distance travellers.
  

Insider tip: Stop at Ore, popularly called “The City of Rest.” Grab a plate of pounded yams and egusi before continuing.

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5. Calabar–Ikom–Ogoja–Obudu Road: The Scenic Getaway

If you’re craving something magical and nature-filled, this Cross River route is your December dream.

Why it’s special:

• It leads straight to the Obudu Mountain Resort, one of Nigeria’s most breathtaking holiday destinations. 
• The Calabar–Ikom–Ogoja–Obudu road offers beautiful forest views, rolling hills, and cool mountain air once you get near Obudu. 
• The roads have been upgraded under the Cross River Rural Access project, enhancing connectivity for both tourists and locals.
  

Bonus stop: Calabar Carnival in December. Africa’s biggest street party! You’ll need a camera and a good pair of dancing shoes.

6. Onitsha–Owerri–Aba Road: The Eastern Hustle Route

Now, if you’ve ever been to the East in December, you know this road buzzes with life.

• Traders, travellers, and families all use this busy route connecting Anambra, Imo, and Abia States. 
• The federal government and state collaborations have fixed significant portions of the Onitsha–Owerri Road, especially the sections near Awka and Nnewi.
  

Expect a lively drive filled with festive billboards, food vendors, and people heading home with hampers and goats in the back seat. 

7. Lokoja–Benin Highway: The Central Connector

For travellers going cross-country, especially from the North to the South, this highway is a must-use.

Why it’s one of Nigeria’s best road networks:

• It links Abuja, Lokoja, Okene, Auchi, and Benin, forming part of the A2 federal route. 
• Recent 2024 repairs have improved bridges and pothole sections. 
• You’ll experience stunning landscapes along the confluence city (Lokoja), where the Niger and Benue rivers meet.
  

Travel tip: Avoid driving at night. Trucks use this route heavily after dusk.

 

Safety Tips for a Smooth Road Trip in Nigeria

No matter how beautiful the route is, safety always comes first. Here are a few 2025-approved travel hacks:

1. Service your car—check tyres, oil, and brakes before you hit the highway. 
2. Travel in the morning—most roads are safer and more transparent before 3 PM. 
3. Have cash handy—some toll gates and rest stops still don’t take cards. 
4. Watch your fuel level—not every town has a working station, especially in rural areas. 
5. Stay connected—share your live location with family; Nigeria’s major routes now have better mobile network coverage.
   

 

The Beauty of Nigerian Road Trips

Here’s the thing: Nigerian roads may not be perfect, but they have personality. You’ll see laughter, commerce, resilience, and colour everywhere you go.

The road itself becomes a story, from the hawkers sprinting beside your car with chilled drinks to the endless conversations about who makes the best suya.

Whether you’re driving from Lagos to Ibadan, cruising up north to Kano, or heading to Calabar for the carnival, pack a sense of adventure. The journey may pleasantly surprise you.

So, buckle up, fuel up, and hit the highway. Whether you’re coming home for Detty December or exploring for the first time, Nigeria’s roads are ready to take you places, literally. 

From bustling cities to serene escapes, uncover the beauty of Nigeria through our Travel & Tourism adventures on Rex Clarke Adventures.

 

FAQs About the Best Nigerian Road Networks

Q1: Are Nigerian roads safe for tourists during Christmas?

Indeed, especially the heavily used and patrolled major expressways, such as Lagos–Ibadan, Abuja–Kaduna, and Benin–Ore, are safe for tourists. Avoid nighttime travel and always plan your route in advance.

Q2: What’s the best time to travel by road in December?

Early mornings, between 5:30 AM and 9:00 AM. You’ll beat traffic and arrive before sunset.

Q3: Do I need special permits to drive across Nigerian states?

No, you don’t. Just ensure your vehicle documents are valid: driver’s license, insurance, and roadworthiness papers.

Q4: Which Nigerian road offers the best scenery?

Hands down, Calabar–Obudu Road. The hills and rainforest views are pure magic.

Q5: Are there toll gates in Nigeria?

Yes, but only on select highways, such as Lagos–Ibadan and Benin–Ore. The fees are small (₦200–₦500).