Planning a trip from Lagos to Abuja? If you’ve ever wondered how many states you will pass from Lagos to Abuja, you’re in the right place. Traveling between these two major Nigerian cities isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s an adventure through diverse landscapes, cultures, and vibrant towns.
In this guide, we’ll take you through each state along the route, provide useful travel tips, and help you plan a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Number of States
When traveling from Lagos to Abuja by road, you will pass through 7 states. This route takes you through a mix of southwestern, north-central, and central Nigerian states, giving you a glimpse of the country’s diverse culture and landscapes along the way. Knowing the states you’ll cross helps in planning rest stops, sightseeing, and estimating travel time for a smooth journey.
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States You Will Pass from Lagos to Abuja
When traveling by road from Lagos to Abuja, you will pass through the following 7 states in order:
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Lagos State – Nigeria’s bustling economic hub, famous for its beaches, nightlife, and commercial centers.
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Ogun State – Known for its industrial cities like Abeokuta and its rich Yoruba heritage.
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Oyo State – Famous for its cultural landmarks, including the historic city of Ibadan.
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Osun State – Renowned for its natural beauty and the UNESCO-listed Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove.
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Kwara State – A peaceful state with notable rivers and a mix of Yoruba and Nupe cultures.
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Niger State – Home to Nigeria’s largest state by land area and the impressive Gurara Falls.
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FCT (Abuja) – Nigeria’s capital city, known for its modern architecture, Aso Rock, and government institutions.
Travel Tips & Route Information
Planning a Lagos to Abuja road trip can be exciting, but knowing the route and conditions makes the journey smoother. Here’s everything you need for a hassle-free travel experience:
- Best Highways to Take
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The most common route is via the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, then the Ibadan–Ilorin Road, and finally the Abuja–Kubwa Road.
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This route passes through all the key states along the route, including Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.
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Approximate Travel Time
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The distance between Lagos and Abuja is roughly 760 km (470 miles).
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By car, it usually takes 10–12 hours depending on traffic, road conditions, and rest stops.
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Road Conditions
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Most major highways are paved and in good condition, especially Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and the Abuja approach.
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Some stretches may have potholes or construction, so drive carefully and check for traffic updates before departure.
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Travel Tips
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Plan your stops in major towns along the way, such as Ibadan, Ilorin, and Minna, for rest and refreshments.
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Carry water, snacks, and a fully charged phone with GPS for navigation.
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Start your trip early in the morning to avoid traffic in Lagos and around Abuja.
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This travel guide ensures you enjoy a smooth road trip from Lagos to Abuja while exploring the fascinating states along the route.
Conclusion
Traveling from Lagos to Abuja by road takes you through 7 states, each offering a unique glimpse into Nigeria’s diverse culture and landscapes. Knowing the states along the route helps you plan rest stops, sightseeing opportunities, and travel time, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable journey.
Whether you’re on a Lagos to Abuja road trip for business or leisure, this guide gives you all the essential information to make your trip stress-free. Share this guide with friends planning a trip from Lagos to Abuja!
Frequently Asked Question
How many states will I pass from Lagos to Abuja?
Traveling from Lagos to Abuja by road is a journey that cuts across a significant portion of Nigeria, showcasing a variety of cultural, geographic, and economic landscapes. When driving directly from Lagos to Abuja, you will pass through seven states.
These states are Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Niger, and finally the Federal Capital Territory, where Abuja is located. Each of these states has its own distinct identity and points of interest, offering travelers both visual and cultural experiences along the route.
The journey typically begins in Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city and economic hub. Lagos is bustling with commercial activity, coastal views, and vibrant urban life. As you leave Lagos, you enter Ogun State, which is known for its industrial towns and rich Yoruba heritage.
The road continues into Oyo State, where Ibadan, one of the largest cities in Africa, provides a glimpse into traditional and modern Nigerian life. Next, the route passes through Osun State, notable for its natural beauty and cultural landmarks, including the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove.
Kwara State follows, offering serene landscapes and a blend of Yoruba and Nupe cultures. Afterward, you cross Niger State, which is geographically vast and includes attractions like Gurara Falls.
Finally, you enter the Federal Capital Territory, home to Abuja, the political and administrative center of Nigeria. Understanding the states along this route is important for trip planning, as it helps in estimating travel time, identifying rest stops, and preparing for potential changes in road conditions or terrain.
This knowledge enhances the overall travel experience and allows for a smoother, safer journey across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
Which states share border with Abuja?
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where Abuja is located, is surrounded by six Nigerian states. These states are Niger, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, and Plateau.
The FCT is unique because it is a designated capital territory rather than a standard state, giving it a central location that allows it to share borders with multiple regions. This positioning makes Abuja highly accessible from several parts of Nigeria and strategically important as the nation’s political hub.
To the north of Abuja is Niger State, which provides a gateway to the city from the northwest. This area features a mix of savannah and forest landscapes and serves as a major route for travelers from western Nigeria.
Kaduna State lies to the northeast, known for its agricultural lands and industrial centers. To the east, Nasarawa State borders the FCT and is recognized for its natural attractions, including hills and rivers.
Further south, Kogi State shares a small section of its border, adding connectivity to the south-central part of Nigeria. Benue State lies to the southeast, offering fertile farmland and river systems, while Plateau State, located to the northeast, is known for its cooler climate and highlands.
Understanding the states that border Abuja is essential for travelers and businesses alike. These bordering states influence trade, transport routes, and regional interactions, making the FCT a central hub for movement across Nigeria.
For road travelers, knowing the neighboring states helps in mapping alternative routes, planning stops, and preparing for the different road conditions that may be encountered. This knowledge also enriches the journey by highlighting nearby cultural, historical, and natural sites accessible from Abuja.
Which state will you pass before you reach Lagos?
Before reaching Lagos from a northern or central direction, the last state you will pass through is Ogun State. Ogun is located in southwestern Nigeria and serves as the immediate neighbor to Lagos.
It acts as a gateway into Lagos, connecting the commercial capital to the rest of the country through major highways and expressways. Travelers often pass through towns such as Abeokuta, the state capital, which is historically significant and rich in cultural heritage.
Ogun State is characterized by a mix of urban centers, industrial zones, and rural landscapes. The highways connecting Ogun to Lagos are among the busiest in Nigeria because they link Lagos to major northern and western cities. This state plays a crucial role in trade and transport, as it hosts many industrial areas and serves as a transit point for goods moving into Lagos.
Passing through Ogun before entering Lagos provides an opportunity for travelers to observe a transitional landscape: from the more open and quieter towns of Ogun to the dense, urbanized environment of Lagos.
It also offers the chance to make practical stops for fuel, rest, or local food. Ogun’s strategic position emphasizes its importance in the overall connectivity between Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, making it a key consideration for anyone planning a road trip into the country’s largest city.
How many days is the journey from Lagos to Abuja?
The journey from Lagos to Abuja by road typically takes about 10 to 12 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops along the way. While it is technically possible to complete the trip in a single day, many travelers prefer to spread the journey over two days to allow for rest and sightseeing.
This approach ensures safety and comfort, as the route covers approximately 760 kilometers and passes through seven states with varied terrain.
Travelers often plan their stops in major towns such as Ibadan, Ilorin, and Minna, which provide opportunities for rest, meals, and refueling. Dividing the trip into two days can make the experience less exhausting and allows for a more enjoyable exploration of the diverse landscapes, cultural sites, and local attractions along the way.
For example, a traveler might leave Lagos early in the morning, stop for lunch in Ibadan or Ilorin, and reach a comfortable overnight stop before continuing the next day to Abuja.
Planning a journey over multiple days also allows for flexibility in dealing with unexpected delays, such as traffic congestion near Lagos or road construction in certain areas. For tourists, extending the travel time creates opportunities to experience the cultural and natural highlights of the states along the route.
Overall, while a one-day drive is feasible for experienced drivers, a two-day plan enhances safety, comfort, and enjoyment, making the road trip from Lagos to Abuja a more memorable experience.
How many states share borders with Lagos?
Lagos State, located in southwestern Nigeria, shares its borders with only one state, which is Ogun State. Despite being Nigeria’s smallest state by land area, Lagos is the most populous and economically significant, with a densely urbanized environment and extensive coastal areas along the Atlantic Ocean. Its border with Ogun State forms the main land route connecting Lagos to the rest of Nigeria.
This border is crucial for transportation and trade, as it facilitates the movement of goods, commuters, and travelers between Lagos and inland regions. The Lagos–Ogun boundary includes major highways such as the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of the busiest and most important roads in the country. Ogun State serves as a gateway into Lagos, with towns like Abeokuta providing transitional stops for travelers heading into the commercial capital.
Understanding Lagos’ bordering state is important for logistics, planning road trips, and assessing traffic patterns. The connection to Ogun State ensures Lagos remains accessible from northern and central Nigeria, despite its limited land borders.
While Lagos is largely surrounded by water on other sides, its single land border with Ogun defines the main corridor for travel and commerce, making it a critical link for anyone moving in or out of Nigeria’s economic hub.