Minna
Minna is the capital city of Niger State, a state in the North Central region of Nigeria.
Understand
Minna is the capital city of Niger State, a state in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria with large land mass. As a result of the opening of the Kano to Baro railway in 1911 together with the extension of the Lagos to Jebba line in 1915 to a junction in Minna, the town became a major pick-up point for agricultural products such as groundnuts, cotton, yams, ginger, and rice. Pigs are also shipped by rail to Lagos. Local trade is mainly in sorghum, yams, corn/maize, millet, peanuts, cotton, shea nuts, indigo, kola nuts as well as animals like cattle, guinea fowl, goats and chickens.
Archaeological proofs on record shows that settlement in the area dates back to as early as 47,000–37,000 years ago. The population of the area as of the 2016 census was estimated to be 345,000. The average weather condition of the area is about 29 °C with wind (W) at 16 km/h and 68% humidity.
Get in
Minna has developed as an administrative centre, since it became the capital of Niger state in 1976. Minna is part of the Chanchaga local government area. The area comprises of 2 major ethnic groups which are: the Nupe and the Gwari. There are many ways to get to Minna, but the most convenient and recommended way is by air.
There are numerous available transportation options for travellers and intending visitors who intend to travel across the city and other secluded parts of the northern city. Visitors have the option of travelling to Minna by flight, by railway or by road.
By plane
1 Minna Airport, ☏ +234 1 280 0842. Minna Airport is situated 10 km north-west of Minna. The airport although mainly used for Hajj operations also operates domestic and international flights.
At the airport, there are friendly staff who help travellers carry luggage, get checked and with customs and passport control. Travellers can keep themselves occupied at the airport with amenities such as duty-free stores, free WI-FI access, etc. The airport also has a bar, a restaurant, a children's room, and a lounge for business and social activities. 
Another way is by land. This can be either by train or by bus. One can also enter by road either by one's car, by a rented one or bus.
By train
Minna Railway Station. Minna railway station is an inter-state train station. Travellers can get into Minna from different places in Nigeria as the railway has routes to and from other states in the country. The railroad is connected to Kano in the north and Ibadan and Lagos in the south.
By road
This travel option entails the use of the interstate buses, taxis or private vehicles. Like most of the capital cities in the country, Minna has a standard garage fleet that transports travellers to other parts of the country. These interstate buses usually have major parks that convey travellers from state to state. Nonetheless, travellers from Abuja to Minna would need to use a taxi particularly because of the proximity of the two cities.
Get around
The availability of motorcycles, commuter buses, tricycles, popularly known as keke napeps, and private vehicles, makes getting around Minna city easy and smooth.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles or motorbikes remain the fastest way to get to the interior parts of Minna and it costs about ₦100 for close distances and about ₦250 for farther distances. The motorbike riders start operation from the early hours of the morning to the later end of the day (at night).
Keke Napeps
Tricycles popularly called Keke Napep are vehicles that accommodate four people — three behind and one by the driver's side — and are another major means of getting around the city. These Keke Napeps are usually coloured yellow and white. They convey passengers to and from the various bus stops in the city.
The cost of using a Keke Napep is dependent on the distance of the journey but usually not less than ₦100 per journey. They can be chartered like a taxi and used to transport individuals or items.
Taxis
Taxis are also another major means of getting around the town. With several taxi stops all around the Minna town, getting around the city is easier and less stressful than one could imagine because on normal basis, one might have to take up to three different taxis. to get to a particular destination, These taxis serve as commuter buses because they do not always carry only one passenger except they are chartered. The cost of using a taxi is approximately ₦50.
Talba buses
Talba commuter buses is also an option for navigating round the city. These long talba buses usually leave from their bus parks, and they have some specific popular routes which they apply. The buses cost virtually ₦20 to use but on the other hand, they are slower than all the above mentioned transport options like motorbikes, keke napeps and taxis since they are long like coaster buses and usually need to get filled up before it take off. Additionally, they do not ply remote routes of the town.
See
The city of Minna has several interesting features and landmarks that worth one experience.
Do
Minna is a smaller but an awesome upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit although it may not be as popular as others cities in the country. Visitors and tourists will be amazed by some of the distinct things they can do and places they can explore at this hidden location.
- 1 Kainji National Park. Home to over 30 species of animals and reptiles, more than 350 species of birds, Wild hogs, Cheetahs, monkeys and crocodiles.
- The Murtala children park
- Shiroro Dam Tourist Resort
Cinema
- Emji Cinema, Bosso, ☏ +234 906 818 1758.
- NSTV Minna, Top Medical Rd, Tudun Wada South.
Buy
- Kem Supermarket, beside radio niger, Shehu Kangiwa Road, Minna South.
- So Fine Superstore, Tunga Market, David Mark Road, Tunga.
- The Abdulkadir Kure market is an ultra modern market and it is the largest market in the Minna city. The market is split into stores that sell related items in the same area. Items sold in this market are usually more affordable than one would expect them to be. At the Abdukhadi market, household items, food items, clothing items, and so many other items can be seen at ease once one steps into the market.
- However, visitors in Minna who wish to shop at well structured cloth outlets like boutiques also have options on where to do so. Some of the cloth outlets they could shop from are: Primeage collections, Monday Uptown Ventures, Silver’s Explicit Collection and Dansmest boutiques.
Eat
In Minna, there are good number of hangout and restaurants available for visitors to relax and cool off. Prominent among these spots are listed below as a result of their outstanding services and recommendations from people around the city.
- Umama Grills and Foods, Shiroro Rd, Minna South. You can get grilled meat in this restaurant.
- Rashida Restaurant (Mama Rashida), Shiroro Road, Tudun Wada South. This restaurant is one of the biggest restaurants in Minna. It is popular for its riches in both continental, intercontinental and African dishes. Mama Rashida's restaurant is along Shiroro Rd. Asides its serene and conducive environment, the restaurant is a clean restaurant with all the necessary modern installation.
- Iya Femi. Iya Femi and Mama Rashida are seen as rivals because of the standard similar style of service the give. Both restaurants have local and intercontinental dishes and are along Shiroro Rd, very close to Redeem Church headquarters.
- Bush Bar on Zungeru road. Like the name implies, bush bar has a touch of a local setting but with the full choice of endless fun. They offer Rafin Yashin and all sorts of both African and non-African Dishes. one is sure to get dishes like roasted fish, fish pepper soup, Nkwobi, and isi ewu for your maximum satisfaction.
- Ostrich Bakery Minna on Minna – Zungeru Rd. They serve the most delicious bread and cake. They also have ice creams and other confectioneries.
There are also other high-class restaurants and spots such as Chicken Republic, Mr. Biggs, Ostrich bakery, Safara suits, Afro food, and Prom. These are the national restaurants that are well known across the country and they make standard service delivery for customer's satisfaction as well. These restaurants are all easy to locate and situated within Minna town.
- 1 Habib Yoghurt and Fura Restaurant. It is a drive-in and takeaway facility. They offer creamy yoghurt rumoured to be the best with fresh fura.
- 2 Bilikebabs Chops N Coffee, Inside Aym Shafa Station Shango, ☏ +234 705 173 1353. 8AM-10PM. It's serene with well-cooked nice meals too. Different varieties of drinks.
- 3 Aroma Restaurant, Shehu Kangiwa Road. 8AM-9PM. A lovely place to go and hang out with the family They offer drive in, takeaway and delivery.
- 4 Safara Restaurant, Minna - Zungeru Rd, ☏ +234 803 237 0535. 8AM-9PM. An amazing place for hangout and relaxation, great parking space, the food very delicious.
- 5 Chicken Republic Bosso Road, 57 Bosso Rd. 9AM-8PM. It is a place to get Chicken and all other contemporary African meals. ₦1000.
- 6 Mr Biggs, Tunga Bosso Road, Tudun Wada South. 9AM-8PM. A place to get contemporary Nigerian Meals. ₦500.
Drink
Apart from the standard bars and restaurants in Minna, there are also local bars where visitors can get their tasteful and refined palm wine, local dry gin, bush meat of any type, such as pork meat, dogmeat, bush antelope and so many other local dishes. There are as well in Minna, couple of cool hang out spots for the inhabitants, visitors and tourists. Some of these spots include:
- FM Bar in the suburban part of the town, although it is a bit away from the city center, but quite easy to find.
- Honey Bell Spot is at Mandela Junction in Minna Metropolis. Besides being an eatery, it also has lodges for guests. The cool atmosphere is quite convenient for tourism and relaxation. Additionally, all brands of spices can be served as food in Honey Bell and a live band plays. It is notable because of its taste and courtliness. The Honey Bell Restaurant is more of an evening relation spot and it is always a bit stuffed on weekends.
- O'Crown, Zungeru Road (close to Bush Bar Resort). This spot's services are quite affordable and customers and visitors can get different kind of drink, bite, alcoholic and also non-alcoholic drinks for visitor's pleasure and relaxation. This spot is another nice joint to visit. It has maximum space for recreational activities. It is also suitable, clean, and also suitable for relaxation. It also has pocket friendly lodges for guests.
- Shisha Paradise, Minna, Dutsen Kura Gwari, ☏ +234 703 242 0716. 24/7. Take away, Dine-in, Alcohol, Beer, Toilets, Casual.
- The Prince Merchandise, local government, Shop No 1 after yanna hotel kolawole street, Tunga, Minna.
There are also Angwa kate, Tee mama and many others at the outskirts of the town too.
- Nuel's Grill, Okada road, Bosso 920101, ☏ +234 8105285112. noon-9PM. Curbside pickup, delivery, drive through, dine-in, Take away, reservation required, mask required, breakfast, lunch, dinner, seating, good for kids, casual.
- JAAel's Fun Lounge, Shiroro road, opposite Davide Umar Junction, ☏ +234 8097153549. 11AM-9PM. Take away, Dine-in, Alcohol, Beer, Toilets Casual, Wine, cosy.
- Jaael's Fun Lounge, Shiroro road (opposite Davide Umar Junction), ☏ +234 8097153549. 11am-9pm. Take away, Dine-in, Alcohol, Beer, Toilets Casual, Wine, cosy.
Sleep
There are a couple of accommodation options available for visitors to unwind. Some of these accommodation options include:
- 1 Brighter Suites Limited, Western By Pass, Dutsen Kura Gwari, ☏ +234 814 880 8800. It offers a hotel's Circus grill and lounge at noon and garden café rooms at evening time Each room has an air-conditioner with a King size bed and wardrobes, a fridge and flat-screen television. The suites have a restaurant with varieties of local dishes guest can choose from. There is also an event hall big enough for social and business gatherings or celebrations. Prices range from ₦9,200 for executive singles, ₦12,500 for the double standard, ₦15,800 for executive suite, and ₦40,000 for presidential suite. Cancellation is also free.
- Doko International Hotels Limited, Minna City Gate, Suleja-Minna Road. Check-in: 9AM, check-out: noon. Doko International Hotels Limited offers are quite affordable and range from budget to splurge. Rooms and their prices per night are; studio room - ₦6,000, club room - ₦6,000, deluxe room - ₦10,000, suite - ₦12,000, premium suite - ₦15,000, Additional services such as adequate parking space, event hall, laundry, air conditioning, wireless internet, flatscreen TV, 24 hours electricity, king-sized bed, restaurant, bar/lounge. Although, breakfast given to guests is at a surcharge.
- Hydro Hotels, 1 Farm Centre Tunga. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Hydro Hotels is a good recommendation if you are on a budget as they have affordable price ranges. The rooms available fall into the following kinds: Single Room, Super Deluxe Room, Executive Room, Royal Room, Royal 2 Bedroom, Royal 3 Bedroom and Presidential Room. Facilities to be found in the rooms includes king-size beds, air conditioners, mirrors, sofas, wardrobes, refrigerators, bathtubs and cable TVs. Some rooms might come with a living room. Hydro Hotels provides its customers with free Wi-Fi access; an on-site restaurant where customers are served various kinds of meals; a bar/lounge, a fitness centre; a recreation centre, and a sauna for heat sessions. Please do bear in mind that pets are not permitted.
- Saftec Hotels, Plot 5450, Along Broadcasting Road, ☏ +234 817 513 4059.
- Brighter Suites Limited, Minna, Western Bye Pass, Dutsen Kura Gwari.
- Gurara Suites (opposite House of Assembly Quarters).
- Princess Az-Zahra Lodge, Zarumai Road, ☏ +234 703 683 4826. This is a 2-star hotel
Stay safe
It is advisable when travelling by bus to use only the ones from registered motor parks. The reason is due to security reason as there is a rise in abduction cases in the State. Please do use only these vehicles as the use of private vehicles for commercial purposes was banned and anyone caught in the act would be prosecuted except those given special permit by the government. The registered motor parks in Minna are: Abdulsalam, Central, Kpakungu Limawa, NSTA, Mobile, Peace Travel Nice Travel and Kure Market motor parks.