₦airaland Forum

Declan1:
That would be very nice, but I have returned to Abuja my base.

Declan1:
Do you have a low budget and planning to explore Benin Republic for leisure, vacation or business (Cotonou, Porto Novo) the sit of the greatest Agripreneurs incubation and training center founded in 1985 by name SONGHAI AGRIC CENTER or wish to extend your horizon to Togo post Covid 2021, here is how.
Benin Republic is a friendly African country, it ranked low on the list of Covid19 countries in Africa by the Centre for Disease Control- CDC but adequate Covid19 measures should be taken by all travellers at all times, I.e maintain social distancing, right use of face mask, hand sanitizers and proper washing of hands regularly.

Here is my experience with the warm and helpful people of Benin Republic on the road map to leisure, business and fulfillment of a dream on the go dated 22nd January, 2021.

ROAD MAP
Take a Bus from any where in Nigeria to Lagos (Mile 2), but if your bus stops you at Alafia/ Wema Bank Bus Stop close to Alaba, take a bus to Mile 2 at N100 naira only, when you drop off, look ahead and see the Pedestrian bridge with shelter and walk towards it, by the right lane you will see vehicles..buses and cabs/sienna loading Seme Boarder or Badagry.

To save money, join a bus calling Badagry for N800 naira while cabs charge N3,500-4,000 to Seme Boarder.
(NOTE: Coming back is N700 naira with bus)
For a first timer, please make sure you hold your Yellow Card and ECOWAS or INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT, do not help anyone to carry his luggage/bag and also watch your own bag in case of contraband during searching else you will be questioned severely and delayed at almost all the Joint task force checking points along the road, keep in mind your reason for going to Benin and show your paper when demanded without smiling at all else you keep tipping till infinity.
The road is undergoing some construction works and is rated 35% good and 65% bad.

When you get to Badagry park get off and join cabs calling SEME BOARDER for N500 naira only outside the park at the round about, they will stop you at CONOIL FILLING STATION by the right hand side else ask the Driver or any lady to point ConOil Filling station for you.
(NOTE: Coming back is N300 naira only by cab)

You will see many Bike/Okada guys calling you to come so they can cross you to the Benin side, please save yourself and ignore them and walk to the Boarder gate in front of you if you have your Passport/Yellow Card.

Without smiling walk past the different Joint task force check points 500meters to the Seme boarder gate but if you are called go and meet them and they may search your bag for contraband or ask for your Passport/ Yellow Card and reason for going to Benin, show the officers your Passport and enter through the First Gate by the right hand, keep going by the right hand side to the Second gate where the Nigeria Stamping section is first, where you may be searched again and asked same questions...after you give your reason and Passport for Stamping OUT, irrespective of your Passport been (New/Virgin or Old) I realized N500 naira only is charged for Stamping, make sure you have N500 naira change before paying it...insist on N500 naira for Nigeria and turn to Benin Immigration for Stamping IN at N500 naira too...total N1,000 naira for both.
(NOTE: You repeat this STAMPING Process when coming back to Nigeria)

After Stamping OUT/IN, you keep moving by your right hand side to the Benin Gate and other Benin Immigration will call you to search you and see your Passport/yellow card and ask same questions after which you are in Benin side now.

CHANGING NAIRA TO CFA
At the entrance now, you will see Money changers, I recommend you change it here with this trust worthy Exchanger MARCUS +2.2.9.9.6.5.5.7.6.4.4 call whatsapp.
You get the best daily rate at the Boarder than inside the city center because they are few and so monopoly, he will rechange CFA Francs to naira for you when you have excess after your business trip in Benin, so change the amount you wish to and keep some naira as Benin people also collect naira some times.
I exchanged Naira to CFA on the 22nd of January 2021 at 1.1CFA which is N15,500 naira to 17,000 CFA.
If you want to travel with huge cash I would recommend you open an EcoBank Account and get the ATM card which you would use to draw cash when you arrive Benin.

SIM CARD
Immediately you enter Benin your SIM card will automatically Roam itself to MTN Moov which is the official network in Benin but charges N100 naira per minute call or N50 naira per page for text messages.
But if you wish to buy the MTN Moov SIM card, I recommend you buy at Cotonou/Porto Novo at 300CFA (N272 naira) but it is sold at the boarder for 1,000CFA (N909 naira)

LANGUAGES
The Benin people speak French, Yoruba and little English but some speak fluent English.

CHEAP COMFY HOTELS
If you arrived late to Benin or have some thing to do in Cotonou or Porto Novo the following day, I recommend you lodge at the Boarder or go to Porto Novo and continue the following day.
Freedom Hotel is 3 minutes walk to Abobo Beach with good standard rooms, water, fan or AC and 24hours light, good room service starting @ (6,000, 7,000 - 15,000CFA, N5,454 /N6,363 Naira)

1. Freedom Hotel (3 minutes walk to the Beach where you get coconut water and fish)
Boarder, directly opposite NSIA Bank
Tony +2.2.9.9.7.6.7.3.2.2.5 call whatapp

2. Movic Hotel - Avakwa Junction, Porto Novo

3. Delta Force - Avakwa Junction, Porto Novo

4. Palace Hotel - Porto Novo

5. Freedom Palace Hotel - Porto Novo

Due to the Covid19, the Beach was completely empty, only fishermen and women were there.

ROAD TO TOGO, COTONOU
PORTO NOVO - SONGHAI AGRICULTURE CENTER
If you desire to go to TOGO, but Togo boarder is closed now due to Covid19 except illegal means of entry which I do NOT recommend.
Join a car from the boarder going to Cotonou at 500CFA N454 naira, stop at LAKONGI and enter TOGO motor at 3,000CFA N2,727 naira.

If you desire to go to COTONOU, join a car from the boarder going to Cotonou at 500CFA N454 naira.

If you desire to go to PORTO NOVO - SONGHAI AGRICULTURE CENTER, take a bike from the boarder and stop at the Round About (KEREEFU) at 300CFA N272 naira, left goes to Cotonou and right goes to Porto Novo, join Porto Novo Bus at 200CFA N181 naira or Cab 500CFA N454 naira to stop you in front of Songhai Center, they charge 500CFA for Farm Tour.
NOTE: Along this Porto Novo road is Avakwa Junction where 2 of those Hotels listed above are located while the last 2 Hotels are located after the bridge before Songhai Agriculture Center.

Do enjoy your stay as I did...

southsouthking:
Hello Sir, is it possible going to cotonou from Lagos, and still come back same day?
A first timer asking.

4everEdward:
Yes

southsouthking:
Thank you bro, and what's the estimated hour is the trip going to take, to and fro?

southsouthking:
Thank you bro, and what's the estimated hour is the trip going to take, to and fro?

Yampotatocarrot:
Depends on where you're setting out from. From Iyana-Iba should take you around 3/4 hours, majorly due to the bad road and hold up

southsouthking:
Am entering cotonou from badagry, should i leave by 7am, and spend just 2 hours in cotonou before returning back to badagry, what time you think i should arrive badagry?

Yampotatocarrot:
You're entering from Badagry... Tell me you're joking.

Badagry to Cotonou should take you up to one hour sef, lol. You can stay as long as you stay.

I dey Always cross back around 4/5pm sef. I don't know if they use to close border

Declan1:
Do you have a low budget and planning to explore Benin Republic for leisure, vacation or business (Cotonou, Porto Novo) the sit of the greatest Agripreneurs incubation and training center founded in 1985 by name SONGHAI AGRIC CENTER or wish to extend your horizon to Togo post Covid 2021, here is how.
Benin Republic is a friendly African country, it ranked low on the list of Covid19 countries in Africa by the Centre for Disease Control- CDC but adequate Covid19 measures should be taken by all travellers at all times, I.e maintain social distancing, right use of face mask, hand sanitizers and proper washing of hands regularly.

Here is my experience with the warm and helpful people of Benin Republic on the road map to leisure, business and fulfillment of a dream on the go dated 22nd January, 2021.

ROAD MAP
Take a Bus from any where in Nigeria to Lagos (Mile 2), but if your bus stops you at Alafia/ Wema Bank Bus Stop close to Alaba, take a bus to Mile 2 at N100 naira only, when you drop off, look ahead and see the Pedestrian bridge with shelter and walk towards it, by the right lane you will see vehicles..buses and cabs/sienna loading Seme Boarder or Badagry.

To save money, join a bus calling Badagry for N800 naira while cabs charge N3,500-4,000 to Seme Boarder.
(NOTE: Coming back is N700 naira with bus)
For a first timer, please make sure you hold your Yellow Card and ECOWAS or INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT, do not help anyone to carry his luggage/bag and also watch your own bag in case of contraband during searching else you will be questioned severely and delayed at almost all the Joint task force checking points along the road, keep in mind your reason for going to Benin and show your paper when demanded without smiling at all else you keep tipping till infinity.
The road is undergoing some construction works and is rated 35% good and 65% bad.

When you get to Badagry park get off and join cabs calling SEME BOARDER for N500 naira only outside the park at the round about, they will stop you at CONOIL FILLING STATION by the right hand side else ask the Driver or any lady to point ConOil Filling station for you.
(NOTE: Coming back is N300 naira only by cab)

You will see many Bike/Okada guys calling you to come so they can cross you to the Benin side, please save yourself and ignore them and walk to the Boarder gate in front of you if you have your Passport/Yellow Card.

Without smiling walk past the different Joint task force check points 500meters to the Seme boarder gate but if you are called go and meet them and they may search your bag for contraband or ask for your Passport/ Yellow Card and reason for going to Benin, show the officers your Passport and enter through the First Gate by the right hand, keep going by the right hand side to the Second gate where the Nigeria Stamping section is first, where you may be searched again and asked same questions...after you give your reason and Passport for Stamping OUT, irrespective of your Passport been (New/Virgin or Old) I realized N500 naira only is charged for Stamping, make sure you have N500 naira change before paying it...insist on N500 naira for Nigeria and turn to Benin Immigration for Stamping IN at N500 naira too...total N1,000 naira for both.
(NOTE: You repeat this STAMPING Process when coming back to Nigeria)

After Stamping OUT/IN, you keep moving by your right hand side to the Benin Gate and other Benin Immigration will call you to search you and see your Passport/yellow card and ask same questions after which you are in Benin side now.

CHANGING NAIRA TO CFA
At the entrance now, you will see Money changers, I recommend you change it here with this trust worthy Exchanger MARCUS +2.2.9.9.6.5.5.7.6.4.4 call whatsapp.
You get the best daily rate at the Boarder than inside the city center because they are few and so monopoly, he will rechange CFA Francs to naira for you when you have excess after your business trip in Benin, so change the amount you wish to and keep some naira as Benin people also collect naira some times.
I exchanged Naira to CFA on the 22nd of January 2021 at 1.1CFA which is N15,500 naira to 17,000 CFA.
If you want to travel with huge cash I would recommend you open an EcoBank Account and get the ATM card which you would use to draw cash when you arrive Benin.

SIM CARD
Immediately you enter Benin your SIM card will automatically Roam itself to MTN Moov which is the official network in Benin but charges N100 naira per minute call or N50 naira per page for text messages.
But if you wish to buy the MTN Moov SIM card, I recommend you buy at Cotonou/Porto Novo at 300CFA (N272 naira) but it is sold at the boarder for 1,000CFA (N909 naira)

LANGUAGES
The Benin people speak French, Yoruba and little English but some speak fluent English.

CHEAP COMFY HOTELS
If you arrived late to Benin or have some thing to do in Cotonou or Porto Novo the following day, I recommend you lodge at the Boarder or go to Porto Novo and continue the following day.
Freedom Hotel is 3 minutes walk to Abobo Beach with good standard rooms, water, fan or AC and 24hours light, good room service starting @ (6,000, 7,000 - 15,000CFA, N5,454 /N6,363 Naira)

1. Freedom Hotel (3 minutes walk to the Beach where you get coconut water and fish)
Boarder, directly opposite NSIA Bank
Tony +2.2.9.9.7.6.7.3.2.2.5 call whatapp

2. Movic Hotel - Avakwa Junction, Porto Novo

3. Delta Force - Avakwa Junction, Porto Novo

4. Palace Hotel - Porto Novo

5. Freedom Palace Hotel - Porto Novo

Due to the Covid19, the Beach was completely empty, only fishermen and women were there.

ROAD TO TOGO, COTONOU
PORTO NOVO - SONGHAI AGRICULTURE CENTER
If you desire to go to TOGO, but Togo boarder is closed now due to Covid19 except illegal means of entry which I do NOT recommend.
Join a car from the boarder going to Cotonou at 500CFA N454 naira, stop at LAKONGI and enter TOGO motor at 3,000CFA N2,727 naira.

If you desire to go to COTONOU, join a car from the boarder going to Cotonou at 500CFA N454 naira.

If you desire to go to PORTO NOVO - SONGHAI AGRICULTURE CENTER, take a bike from the boarder and stop at the Round About (KEREEFU) at 300CFA N272 naira, left goes to Cotonou and right goes to Porto Novo, join Porto Novo Bus at 200CFA N181 naira or Cab 500CFA N454 naira to stop you in front of Songhai Center, they charge 500CFA for Farm Tour.
NOTE: Along this Porto Novo road is Avakwa Junction where 2 of those Hotels listed above are located while the last 2 Hotels are located after the bridge before Songhai Agriculture Center.

Do enjoy your stay as I did...

Yampotatocarrot:
From your write up, seems the hotels in Porto Novo are better than in Cotonou. Even the one I booked online f***** up, had to stay at a gbasgbos hotel at Zongo.

Maybe because I'm from Lagos, but they are actually too simple over there, no one is in a rush for anything, even workers.

If you don't have passport, just hold #400, ensure to divide it into #200, drop one at the Nigerian border and the order at Benin corner of the border, coming back, same thing, except an additional #100 if you don't have yellow card.

Your exchanger guy's rate is better than mine o, I'll try him out when I return
Nigerian embassy at Cotonou is really cool, except that they don't have free WI-FI... LOL

Cdbmgist:
Good morning sir, please I'm planning to move to Cotonou and I don't have anyone there.
Please how can I go about renting a house and a shop, and which area is business friendly.
Thanks

Yampotatocarrot:
Good day Sir. I'm sorry, I have no idea about relocating there, I just go and come back.

gentlebullet:
At the first address/session of the new ECOWAS chair ( Ghanaian president) last week to the commission(i was in attendance), there was wide deliberations on when and how member states should open land borders and no conclusion was made cos member's reps on the commission will have to present the commission's suggestions to their home govt.
As it stands now, the promise by pharmaceuticals to likely make the availability of rapid test kits at a low cost is what the region is awaiting so that any documented traveler can be tested at the point of entry for as low as $5 at every land border entry point. We await updates this new week from govts of member states.
According to my plugs in Port Novo, I learnt you can get a vehicle from mile2 to Cotonou codedly and get your passport stamped at idiroko but the fare is in the range of 25k-30k.
For present exchange rates, I don't know at the moment but pm me so I can give you the contact of the vendor who always bring us forex whenever we are in Benin Rep for work. When you call him, he will tell you the current rate so you know how to bargain with them changers at idiroko.
I hope these helps. CHEERS

Cdbmgist:
Good morning sir, please I'm planning to move to Cotonou, please I need information on how to get accommodation, shop etc since I want to start up a business there and live there too. Please help a sister.
Thank you.

Cdbmgist:
Good morning sir, please I'm planning to move to Cotonou and I don't have anyone there.
Please how can I go about renting a house and a shop, and which area is business friendly.
Thanks

gentlebullet:
if u dey Iow on cash and most go to cotonou, just keep ur passport for haus.put any ID for pocket,find ur way to MiIe2 enter Seme bus,drop for Iast bus-stop. take any bike wey the rider dey wear green vest on top him shirt(hausa man ur best bet) na #500.him go carry u cross wit no wahaIa

mrsage:
Plan for next month.

Road trip to Cotonou

mrsage:
Plan for next month.

Road trip to Cotonou

Damselnoni:
Interested as well

Trippleblessing:
if it's for a group, please I will take to take the opportunity as well. depending on the timing though

Damselnoni:
Interested as well

FiverrTutor:
Can we go together? I have lived in cotonu before. I want to revisit

mrsage:
Perfect. We have a lot to learn from you.

Kindly send a PM.

Thanks

FiverrTutor:
Sent u a pm

faith2ogesco:
Ah 3rd week is far. Was thinking from may 2nd sef.

mrsage:
Proposed period:

3rd weekend in the month of May. Next month.

Road trip.

Kick off from Lagos. Entry via Idiroko considered. Seme border is so messed up and the road trip via Badagry not so nice.


Accommodation: Maybe an apartment via Airbnb might be more cost effective compared to a hotel. I've seen some great deals online and safety/ security is assured via the platform.



Send me a PM we could form a whatsapp group and make it happen.

Declan1:
Do you have a low budget and planning to explore Benin Republic for leisure, vacation or business (Cotonou, Porto Novo) the sit of the greatest Agripreneurs incubation and training center founded in 1985 by name SONGHAI AGRIC CENTER or wish to extend your horizon to Togo post Covid 2021, here is how.
Benin Republic is a friendly African country, it ranked low on the list of Covid19 countries in Africa by the Centre for Disease Control- CDC but adequate Covid19 measures should be taken by all travellers at all times, I.e maintain social distancing, right use of face mask, hand sanitizers and proper washing of hands regularly.

Here is my experience with the warm and helpful people of Benin Republic on the road map to leisure, business and fulfillment of a dream on the go dated 22nd January, 2021.

ROAD MAP
Take a Bus from any where in Nigeria to Lagos (Mile 2), but if your bus stops you at Alafia/ Wema Bank Bus Stop close to Alaba, take a bus to Mile 2 at N100 naira only, when you drop off, look ahead and see the Pedestrian bridge with shelter and walk towards it, by the right lane you will see vehicles..buses and cabs/sienna loading Seme Boarder or Badagry.

To save money, join a bus calling Badagry for N800 naira while cabs charge N3,500-4,000 to Seme Boarder.
(NOTE: Coming back is N700 naira with bus)
For a first timer, please make sure you hold your Yellow Card and ECOWAS or INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT, do not help anyone to carry his luggage/bag and also watch your own bag in case of contraband during searching else you will be questioned severely and delayed at almost all the Joint task force checking points along the road, keep in mind your reason for going to Benin and show your paper when demanded without smiling at all else you keep tipping till infinity.
The road is undergoing some construction works and is rated 35% good and 65% bad.

When you get to Badagry park get off and join cabs calling SEME BOARDER for N500 naira only outside the park at the round about, they will stop you at CONOIL FILLING STATION by the right hand side else ask the Driver or any lady to point ConOil Filling station for you.
(NOTE: Coming back is N300 naira only by cab)

You will see many Bike/Okada guys calling you to come so they can cross you to the Benin side, please save yourself and ignore them and walk to the Boarder gate in front of you if you have your Passport/Yellow Card.

Without smiling walk past the different Joint task force check points 500meters to the Seme boarder gate but if you are called go and meet them and they may search your bag for contraband or ask for your Passport/ Yellow Card and reason for going to Benin, show the officers your Passport and enter through the First Gate by the right hand, keep going by the right hand side to the Second gate where the Nigeria Stamping section is first, where you may be searched again and asked same questions...after you give your reason and Passport for Stamping OUT, irrespective of your Passport been (New/Virgin or Old) I realized N500 naira only is charged for Stamping, make sure you have N500 naira change before paying it...insist on N500 naira for Nigeria and turn to Benin Immigration for Stamping IN at N500 naira too...total N1,000 naira for both.
(NOTE: You repeat this STAMPING Process when coming back to Nigeria)

After Stamping OUT/IN, you keep moving by your right hand side to the Benin Gate and other Benin Immigration will call you to search you and see your Passport/yellow card and ask same questions after which you are in Benin side now.

CHANGING NAIRA TO CFA
At the entrance now, you will see Money changers, I recommend you change it here with this trust worthy Exchanger MARCUS +2.2.9.9.6.5.5.7.6.4.4 call whatsapp.
You get the best daily rate at the Boarder than inside the city center because they are few and so monopoly, he will rechange CFA Francs to naira for you when you have excess after your business trip in Benin, so change the amount you wish to and keep some naira as Benin people also collect naira some times.
I exchanged Naira to CFA on the 22nd of January 2021 at 1.1CFA which is N15,500 naira to 17,000 CFA.
If you want to travel with huge cash I would recommend you open an EcoBank Account and get the ATM card which you would use to draw cash when you arrive Benin.

SIM CARD
Immediately you enter Benin your SIM card will automatically Roam itself to MTN Moov which is the official network in Benin but charges N100 naira per minute call or N50 naira per page for text messages.
But if you wish to buy the MTN Moov SIM card, I recommend you buy at Cotonou/Porto Novo at 300CFA (N272 naira) but it is sold at the boarder for 1,000CFA (N909 naira)

LANGUAGES
The Benin people speak French, Yoruba and little English but some speak fluent English.

CHEAP COMFY HOTELS
If you arrived late to Benin or have some thing to do in Cotonou or Porto Novo the following day, I recommend you lodge at the Boarder or go to Porto Novo and continue the following day.
Freedom Hotel is 3 minutes walk to Abobo Beach with good standard rooms, water, fan or AC and 24hours light, good room service starting @ (6,000, 7,000 - 15,000CFA, N5,454 /N6,363 Naira)

1. Freedom Hotel (3 minutes walk to the Beach where you get coconut water and fish)
Boarder, directly opposite NSIA Bank
Tony +2.2.9.9.7.6.7.3.2.2.5 call whatapp

2. Movic Hotel - Avakwa Junction, Porto Novo

3. Delta Force - Avakwa Junction, Porto Novo

4. Palace Hotel - Porto Novo

5. Freedom Palace Hotel - Porto Novo

Due to the Covid19, the Beach was completely empty, only fishermen and women were there.

ROAD TO TOGO, COTONOU
PORTO NOVO - SONGHAI AGRICULTURE CENTER
If you desire to go to TOGO, but Togo boarder is closed now due to Covid19 except illegal means of entry which I do NOT recommend.
Join a car from the boarder going to Cotonou at 500CFA N454 naira, stop at LAKONGI and enter TOGO motor at 3,000CFA N2,727 naira.

If you desire to go to COTONOU, join a car from the boarder going to Cotonou at 500CFA N454 naira.

If you desire to go to PORTO NOVO - SONGHAI AGRICULTURE CENTER, take a bike from the boarder and stop at the Round About (KEREEFU) at 300CFA N272 naira, left goes to Cotonou and right goes to Porto Novo, join Porto Novo Bus at 200CFA N181 naira or Cab 500CFA N454 naira to stop you in front of Songhai Center, they charge 500CFA for Farm Tour.
NOTE: Along this Porto Novo road is Avakwa Junction where 2 of those Hotels listed above are located while the last 2 Hotels are located after the bridge before Songhai Agriculture Center.

Do enjoy your stay as I did...