My First Nigerian Train Trip Was a Whole Movie

Nothing could’ve prepared me for my first Nigerian train trip. Not Google. Not my “experienced” friend who told me, “It’s smooth, girl, you’ll sleep like a baby.”  almost a different story I tell you. I didn’t sleep—I witnessed a full-blown Nollywood episode on tracks. And I’m here to tell the tale.

I embarked on a journey to another neighbouring state, and I decided the fastest way to get there on time was to take the train. Although I missed my train on my way there and ended up on a road trip, that's a different story I'd like to share. Well, I had to take the train to return to avoid the road trip drama and delay.

So, when I heard the train was affordable, stress-free, and “moves like a breeze,” I was sold. Adventure mode: activated. Well, you know what?

I arrived at the station bright and early (because “na who get seat dey first reach”). The place had that organized chaos vibe. You know that mix of people trying to buy and confirm tickets, announcements you can’t hear properly, and aunties carrying coolers like they’re headed to owambe?

There were long queues, and it finally got to my turn, but somehow I did not get my ticket scanned and green-checked. I almost freaked out. A kind old man eventually pointed me in the right direction. To get screened and scanned and walk towards the platform, half-expecting to see something like Mobolaji Epressway Train Station Exp. Lol. Reality check.

Onboard: The Real Gist Begins About My First Train Trip

The train itself wasn’t bad. Clean-ish. Functional. My seat was two seats close to the window (Lord, I wish the old lady by the window could switch seats), so I could feel like a traveler in some indie movie. I had no other choice but to be comfortable and content with my seat. People were walking, trying to locate their seats, and then there was this lady who was sure she was in the right coach, and unfortunately, we had the same coach numbers and felt I was in her seat. Well, thank God I got some assistance from the old lady close by, she stood in for me and explained to the lady that the seat was mine.

Before we even moved, a boy approached my seat row, and then I heard the old lady say, "This seat belongs to him and I looked at the seat beside me. I didn’t know whether to plead with him to leave or switch seats with someone else because if I had to inhale this strong stench coming from him throughout the entire journey, I would pass out or puke!

Then the train jerked forward—and boom—we were on the move!

The Ride: Pure Entertainment

You know how people say trains are calm? Well, our coach was on vibes.

One man pulled out a Bluetooth speaker and started blasting some old-school R&B. Another aunty started praying loudly, binding and casting any "spiritual derailment." A young couple was doing soft PDA (public display of affection) in the corner, and there was this one baby that screamed like it was his first heartbreak.

Me? I just stared out the window and tried to get a glimpse of nature and its beauty as we moved.

Somewhere mid-trip, the train stopped for about 20 minutes. People grumbled, but nobody panicked. Well, the boy beside me was already sending me to an early grave with his smelly stench. 40 minutes later, another set of passengers boarded the train, which triggered another drama, and so on.. It was premium content.

Arrival: Small Delays, Big Lessons

We finally reached our destination, a little behind schedule but with spirits high. As I stepped off the train, I felt proud—like I’d survived something major.

Did I get to my destination cheaper than usual? Yes. Was I entertained more than any Netflix show? Absolutely. Would I do it again? 100%, with puff-puff and extra data this time.

Is Nigerian Train Travel Worth It?

Short answer? YES. It’s not perfect. There will be delays, odd characters, and unexpected moments. But that’s the beauty of it.

It’s not just transport—it’s a cultural experience. You meet real people, hear wild stories, and see Nigeria from a whole new angle. Plus, your legs won’t go numb like they do in traffic jams.

So if you’ve never taken a train in Nigeria, do it. At least once. Who knows—you might just end up with a story worth telling, too.