The short answer
From Minna, many people reach Kaduna through Suleja, either continuing up the Abuja to Kaduna road or taking the Abuja to Kaduna train from Kubwa station to Rigasa. Whichever you choose, plan the operation as one stay in Kaduna, and check the train timetable and road conditions before you leave Niger State.
See eye doctors in KadunaMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Two ways to travel
By road, the common route is Minna to Suleja and then north on the Abuja to Kaduna road. Alternatively, travel from Minna to Kubwa in the FCT and take the train to Rigasa station in Kaduna. Trains do not run every day at the same frequency, so check the current timetable and book seats in advance. There are other roads between Minna and Kaduna; ask locally which route is in use before you travel.
Arriving at Rigasa
Rigasa station is on the western side of Kaduna. Arrange in advance who will meet you or how you will get from the station to where you are staying. After surgery, a patient with one eye covered should not be negotiating a busy station alone, so plan the return trip with a companion.
Retina surgery and the journey home
If you have retina surgery with a gas bubble, the train and the road back to Minna are both at low altitude and usually fine once the surgeon allows travel, but you must not fly. Ask whether you need to keep your head in a particular position, because that affects whether a long journey is sensible in the first days.
Where to be seen in Kaduna on Mezo
Request an eye appointment in Kaduna through Mezo. The care team arranges it with a consultant ophthalmologist and confirms where and when, or you can see an eye doctor by video first.
Common questions
Is the train easier than the road after cataract surgery?
Many people find a seated train journey restful, but you still need a companion and a plan for getting to and from the stations. Check the timetable well before your surgery date.
Can I have my assessment by video from Minna?
Yes, a first conversation by video is a good start. The doctor will still need to examine the eye in person before surgery, and will tell you whether that can be on the day before the operation.
Why not go to Abuja instead, since it is nearer to Minna?
Abuja has its own eye services and may suit you better. People from Minna who choose Kaduna on Mezo usually want a booked date with a named consultant, or have family in Kaduna to stay with.
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Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Detached retina (retinal detachment). NHS. Patient information.
- Cataract surgery. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 23 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.