Abuja -> Useful Info

Abuja city was created in 1976 and is the federal capital territory of central Nigeria. 1991 estimates place the ethnically neutral population at around 378,700. Projected estimates expect the population to rise to a few million over the coming years and there are still many large vacant areas within the city limits. Authorities had decided to shift the capital from Lagos to its present location and the related plans were approved in 1976. An area of 3,000-sq mi (7,770-sq km) of undulating grasslands in a scenic valley was identified near the old town of Abuja (renamed Suleja) and the capital territory was established there. Construction of the well-planned and methodically laid out city of Abuja got under way and continued throughout the 1980s. The master plan envisages the development of the city in four stages, of which the first has been completed.

The main reasons for the choice of the site were its central location in the Nigerian heartland surrounded by the states of Kogi, Niger, Kaduna and Nassarawa, its small population and its hospitable climatic conditions all year round. It forms the heart of the federal capital territory and it was officially declared Nigeria's capital in 1991. The original idea to build a new capital city was conceived in 1975 and, after 17 years, the seat of government was formally moved to Abuja from Lagos in 1992.

Being a new city that is in the process of being developed, at the moment tourists cannot expect anything spectacular as far as sight seeing is concerned. There is an attractive mosque, but only Muslims are permitted to enter – and the security guards can be quite hostile to non-Muslims. The only other attraction worth mentioning is a rock in the vicinity of the city (insignificant in comparison to Ayers Rock), which is believed to have certain supernatural powers. It can be seen while driving from Abuja to Kaduna, along the same road that leads to Zaria and Kano.

The brand new Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (named after the first president of Nigeria) at Abuja has every modern facility and amenity that a traveler would expect to find. Domestic services have been operational since the early 1980s. The section that handles operation of international flights is being developed in stages and the first phase has been commissioned.

Districts of Abuja

Central District

The city has been well planned and the Central District is located between the foot of Aso Rock and into the Three Arms Zone to the southern base of the ring road. It is like the city's spinal cord, dividing it into the northern sector with Maitama and Wuse, and the southern sector with Garki and Asokoro. While each district has its own clearly demarcated commercial and residential sectors, the Central District is the city's principal Business Zone, where practically all parastatals and multinational corporations have their offices located. An attractive area in the Central District is the region known as the Three Arms Zone, so called because it houses the administrative offices of the executive, legislative and judicial arms of the Federal Government. A few of the other sites worth seeing in the area are the Federal Secretariats alongside Sheu Shagari way, Aso Hill, the Abuja Plant Nursery, Parade Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier across the road facing it. The Brigade of Guards organizes a twenty-four watch at the spot and they have a colorful ceremonial change of guard. The National Mosque and National Church are located opposite each other on either side of Independence Avenue.

Garki District

The Garki District is the area in the southwest corner of the city, having the Central District to the north and the Asokoro District to the east. There are some interesting buildings, which include the General Post Office, Abuja International Conference Center, Abuja Sofitel Hotel, Agura Hotel, the Federal Secretariat Complex, Garki Shopping center, several bank buildings and other commercial offices. At present it is the principal business district of Abuja.

Wuse District

This is the northwestern part of the city, with the Maitama District to its north and the Central District to its south. The Wuse Markert is Abuja's principal market. The second most important Post Office in the city is located here. This district also houses the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ibro International hotel, and the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation.

Maitama District

Maitama District is to the north of the city, with the Wuse and Central Districts lying to its southwest and southeast respectively. This area is home to the top bracket sections of society and business, and has the reputation of being very exclusive and also very expensive. Interesting buildings include the Nicon Hilton Hotel, National Universities Commission, Soil Conservation Complex, National Electoral Commission, and European Economic Community (EEC) office.