Abuja is the capital of Nigeria. Since most Nigerian government agencies are now
headquartered in Abuja, and most other countries' embassies have been relocated
from Lagos to Abuja, it is a surprisingly expensive city.
Abuja is a beautiful city. One of few purpose-built cities in the world planned and built
from scratch. It has an excellent road network, a beautiful rolling terrain and modern
Nigerian architecture. Power is often erratic.
It is located in the centre of Nigeria in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Abuja is a
"planned" city, as it was mainly built in the 1980s and officially became Nigeria's
capital on 12 December 1991, replacing the role of the previous capital Lagos. The
population is estimated at 405,000.
Abuja is known for being the best purpose-built city in Africa as well as being one of
the wealthiest and most expensive; however, the population on the semi-developed
edges of the city are living in shanty towns such as Karu. Karu, built to house the
capital's civil servants and lower income families, has no running water, sanitation
or electricity
In light of the ethnic and religious divisions of Nigeria, plans had been devised since
Nigeria's independence to have its capital in a location deemed neutral to all parties.
The location was eventually designated in the centre of the country in the early 1970s
as it signified neutrality and national unity. Another impetus for Abuja came because
of Lagos's population boom, that made that city overcrowded and conditions squalid.
The logic used was similar to Brazil building its capital Brasília.
Construction broke ground and was dedicated in the late 1970s, but due to
economic and political instability, the city in its initial stages was not complete until
the late 1980s.
The master plan for Abuja and the Federal Capital Territory was developed by IPA
(International Planning Associates), a consortium made up of three American firms:
PRC Corporation; Wallace, McHarg, Roberts and Todd; and, Archisystems, which
was a division of the Hughes Organization. The master plan for Abuja defined the
general shape and major design elements of the city, however a refinement of this
design was accomplished by Kenzo Tange, a renowned Japanese architect, along
with his team of city planners at Kenzo Tange and Urtec company.
Most countries moved their embassies to Abuja and maintain their larger former
embassies as consulates in the commercial capital, Lagos.
In addition to a major governmental centre, Abuja is the headquarters of the
Economic Community of West African States or ECOWAS, as well as its Military arm,
ECOMOG. It also has the regional headquarters of OPEC.
Abuja and the FCT have experienced a huge population growth; it has been reported
that some areas around Abuja have been growing at 20 – 30%. Squatter settlements
and shanty towns have spread rapidly in and outside the city limits. Tens of
thousands of people have been evicted since former FCT Minister Nasir Ahmad el-
Rufai started a demolition campaign in 2003
PLACE TO VISIT
Nigerian Presidential Complex - officially known as "State House" and
"The Aso Rock Presidential Villa" and informally as "The Villa" or "Aso Villa", is the
office and residence of the Nigerian President. It is located in Abuja, the capital city of
Nigeria.
Supreme Court - of Nigeria is the highest court in Nigeria, and is located in the
Central District, Abuja, in what is known as the Three Arms Zone, so called due to
the proximity of the offices of the Presidential Complex, the National Assembly, and
the Supreme Court.
Abuja National Mosque - also known as the Nigerian National Mosque, is
the national mosque of Nigeria, a country with a substantial Muslim population (see
Islam in Nigeria). The mosque was built in 1984 and is not open to non-Muslims.
Ustaz Musa Mohammed is the chief imam
National Church of Nigeria - is the primary Christian place of worship in
Nigeria, a country with a substantial Christian population (see Christianity in
Nigeria). It is located in Abuja, the capital city. The National Church of Nigeria is an
inter-denominational church.
Zuma Rock - is a large monolith located in Niger State, just north of Abuja, along
the main road from Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, to Kaduna. It is sometimes referred
to as "Gateway to Abuja."
Central Bank of Nigeria - was established by the CBN Act of 1958 and
commenced operations on July 1, 1959. The major regulatory objectives of the bank
as stated in the CBN act of 1958 is to: issue legal tender, maintain the external
reserves of the country, promote monetary stability and a sound financial
environment, and to act as a banker of last resort and financial adviser to the federal
government
Aso Rock - is a large outcrop that is in the outskirts of Abuja, the capital of
Nigeria. The Aso Rock is a 400 metre monolith and is the city's most noticeable
feature. The Nigerian Presidential Complex, Nigerian National Assembly, Nigerian
Supreme Court and much of the town extend to the south of the rock. "Aso" means
victorious in the language of the (now displaced) Asokoro (the people of victory).
Nigerian Communications Commission - (NCC) is the independent
regulatory body for the Nigerian telecommunications industry. The NCC created
under Decree number 75 by the Federal Military Government of Nigeria on 24th of
November 1992. The NCC was charged with the responsibility of regulating the
supply of telecommunications services and facilities, promoting competition, and
setting performance standards for telephone services in Nigeria.
Abuja National Stadium - is an all-seater national sports stadium located in
Abuja, the rapidly developing Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. The stadium serves
as a home to the Nigerian National Football Team, the Super Eagles, as well as a
center for various social, cultural, and religious events.
WHAT TO DO
Go shopping at Wuse Market, the main market in Abuja. Everything is available, from
fresh food to clothes, music, and electronics. And as markets go, not expensive.
There is some interesting artwork all over Abuja. Wood carvings, paintings and
leatherwork. Everything is available in surrounding countries quite a bit cheaper, but
if you are here you might as well buy it here.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - International flights to the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport are
offered by several airlines, notably, KLM, Luftansa and British Airways. Many visitors
fly through connecting flights from Lagos. Nigeria has had a series of unfortunate air
accidents in recent history. While the industry is being overhauled and aviation safety
is being upgraded, only a handful of local airlines are reliable: Virgin Nigeria,
Bellview, AeroContractors. Arik Air has embarked on an ambitious programme that
would see several brand new jetliners, including the new Boeing 787 dreamliner
added to its fleet.
From the airport, you are best advised to take the official Green Cab (usually
relatively new Peugeot 307 vehicles). You are advised to board the cab with only
people you know.
By bus - You can travel to Abuja by bus from major cities like Lagos, Kano and
Port Harcourt. Reliable services include: ABC Transport (with airconditioned
luxurious bus rides), Ekene Dili Chukwu, Chisco Transport (CTN) and Young Shall
Grow. The preferred bus service would be ABC transport. However, you are advised
to take only day trip buses from Lagos or Kano. You must be conscious that bus
trips are not the safest as in rare situations buses have been attacked by robbers. If
you're unfamiliar with the country, do not take a bus without an escort. Buses allow
you to appreciate the terrain, the towns and cities and the subtle changes in these
and culture as you drive towards the capital either from the
