By Cornelius Chibueze
You may never truly understand the worth of a Nissan Micra until you enter Ibadan. In other Nigerian cities, it’s just another small car, often overlooked. But in Ibadan, the Micra is not just a car — it’s a workhorse, a quiet legend that keeps the city moving.
Forget your sleek sedans and the pride of Corolla drivers. In Ibadan, nobody really “sends” you and your fancy ride. The Micra rules the road here. It’s one of the strongest little machines Nissan has ever made — tough, dependable, and surprisingly capable.
Day after day, you’ll find it tirelessly ferrying passengers from Mokola to Dugbe, from Iwo Road to Challenge, rarely breaking down or slowing down. Somehow, the drivers squeeze in up to five passengers, and the car still moves like it’s carrying feathers.
One of the Micra’s most remarkable qualities is its fuel efficiency. I sometimes wonder whether it competes with Keke Napep for the title of the ultimate fuel saver. Corolla owners like to brag about sipping fuel — until they drive a Micra. With this car, five liters can feel like a passport to Lagos-to-Asaba travel.
Step inside, and you’ll see why it’s loved by commercial drivers. The cabin is compact but unexpectedly roomy. The dashboard is straightforward and unfussy, while the air-conditioning cools the cabin faster than some large SUVs. The seats are sturdy and long-lasting; many Micras on Ibadan roads still sport their original factory seats after years of relentless service.
Pop the bonnet and you’ll find a modest 1.2- to 1.4-liter engine — small but unyielding. It’s not designed for racing, but it’s a warrior. It starts without drama, endures long hours of driving, and rarely complains. Maintenance is cheap and uncomplicated, provided you show it some care.
The Nissan Micra may not have the flash or size of other cars, but it embodies something far more valuable: resilience. In Ibadan, it has proven itself as a symbol of durability, reliability, and grit.
Never judge it by its size. The Micra is a small car with the heart of a giant — the true unsung hero of Ibadan’s roads.
