Nigeria's commuting system is plagued by battered, less roadworthy buses. The commercial buses and taxis have distinctive colours pertaining to each state.
The big buses are called molues and the minibuses, which first appeared in the 1970s, are called danfos.
Many of us know most of the buses are death traps but since we can't afford the expensive taxi fares, we have no choice but to use the buses.
Molues have 44 seats but are leeched by a legion of 99 persons standing. Many are squashed inside and those without seats are packed into the aisle or hang from the doorway. The Danfos have 12 seats
Bus fares are cheap, even though they can increase drastically during petrol shortages, rainy seasons, riots or even on the whim of a bus driver.
Five famous things go on inside a typical Nigerian commuter bus, petty thefts, pick pocketing, fake products trade, occasional muggings, loud music/cell phone talkers, stinkers. The list goes on but entertainment tops the menu.
"Praise God... praise God! one passenger yells, Bible in one hand and Christian pamphlets in the other. Fellow danfo commuters give an "Hallelujah" reply.
"Aaaahh!! Madam adjust na, should we all come down for you, move those bags", says another slim commuter squashed between two watermelon-like women.
"Eleyii!!, madam come down, if you no sabi adjust", conductor yells from the doorway.
"Buy Ogwopiapia for all your headaches, stomach ache, toothaches, waist pain,..." echoes another.
Despite the dangers and discomfort, the buses have one compensation - their entertainment value.
"Through them, I'm able to catch up with the latest gossips in town."
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