The idea of getting into a car and driving across the country is really novel. It’s something I’d love to do one day. Growing up, I always knew that I loved traveling, even though as a child I didn’t travel much. But I knew I would enjoy it when I finally had the opportunity. Back then, even when I traveled, I still learned pretty quickly that the trip could only be what you made of it. And you had to be really intentional if you wanted to enjoy it.
One of the first places I traveled to was my village, and it was during that trip that I learned something about myself. I get motion sickness when I travel. So, I can’t read or even use a phone. So, the only options available to me are music or conversations. And yeah, staring out the windows at the passing scenery. However, there was always something to look forward to on these trips, and that’s the stops we make along the way where we have to buy things and stretch our legs. Those are usually the highlights of the journey.
And over time, I’ve traveled countless times via road and air. My motion sickness still remains, I get it even in the air, which is why I can’t use my devices or read when I’m flying. I’d have to sleep through the entire flight or converse with my neighbor. I sleep most of the time, though. But in all these, while I’ve usually traveled alone more often than not, I’ve not really been the driver on these trips.
So, will I be able to drive across Nigeria on a solo trip with the way the country is right now? In 2026? Hell no! I won’t even consider it! Our insecurity is so bad that when you’re traveling, you also have to have nothing less than 100 million naira somewhere, preferably with a loved and trusted person. Because the likelihood of you being kidnapped is really high, and these guys make the most outrageous demands.
Sadly, this is something that used to be a major part of our culture. For many Igbos living outside Igbo land, traveling to the village was always a big deal. Especially at the end of the year, getting into the family car with all your baggage and then driving for hours through the roads was always quite the experience and something to look forward to. But now, insecurity has ruined it all. And even though there is no insecurity, you still have to deal with corrupt officials along the road who will stress and frustrate you just so they can extort money from you.
And that will also be the case with a solo trip. While it would be fun, the risk is just too much! So many things can go wrong, and I just want nothing to do with all that. The risk is not worth it. But then, if maybe, by some luck, our governments are able to fix this security issue and people are able to move around freely in their own country without fear of getting killed, harassed, and kidnapped, then maybe I’d reconsider my stance on solo traveling.
But until then, I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
