Abuja -> Useful Info

Three is a colorful history behind the region of Abuja, which has had a civilized society from ancient times and once formed the southwestern end of the renowned kingdom of Zazzau, or Zaria. According to traditional records, the last Hausa ruler of Zaria was Muhammad Makau. Following his defeat in battle to the Fulani, he was compelled to move his residence to the location that is presently called ‘Abuja', the name of his brother – Abu Ja – who succeeded him as the 62 nd ruler of Zaria in 1825. ‘Abu' is the shortened form of Abubaker and ‘Ja' means ‘red' or ‘fair' in Hausa – a reference to the light skinned complexion of Abu. Another version has it that the term ‘Ja' is actually a derivative of the last name of his father, Jatau. Anyway, it was Abu Ja who built the new capital and had it named after himself.

In course of time, the need for a new Federal Capital of Nigeria became increasingly apparent. In August 1975 the head of the Federal Military Government, the late General Murtala Muhammed, convened a panel of experts to conduct a detailed study into whether or not Lagos should be retained as the Federal Capital. The panel was also authorized to consider proposals for a new location. The Honorable Justice T.A. Aguda was appointed chairman of the committee. Besides Abuja, other locations considered were Okene, Kafanchan, Markurdi, Ile, Auchi and Agege.

The panel came out with its recommendations, concluding that it was essential to shift the location of the Federal Capital City from Lagos, and that the new location should be Abuja. The area required for the new city was to be appropriated from the three states of Niger, Plateau and Kogi (or Kwara as it was earlier known). The Federal Government accepted the proposals and a decree was promulgated to this effect, Decree Number 6 of 1976, which resulted in the creation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at Abuja.

Geography

Abuja is located between latitude 8.25 and 9.20 North of the Equator and longitude 6.45 and 7.39 East of the Greenwich Meridian, within the Savannah region that is blessed with moderate climatic conditions. The rolling landscape is dotted with hills and plains, canopied with scenic greenery and virgin forests, factors that contribute to making city life truly enjoyable. It is the Federal Capital Territory and is positioned at the geographical center of the country. The FTC has a total landmass of around 8,000 sq kms and Abuja city itself covers an area of around 250 sq kms. ocated geographically at the Centre of the country. The Federal Capital Territory has a landmass of about 8,000 sq.km out of which the city itself occupies only 250 sq.km.

Development

Authorities have finalized a master plan for developing the city in stages. The first stage covers the development of an area of about 250 sq kms and is in the final stages of completion. Adequate facilities and amenities to accommodate around 2,30,000 people have been set up within this area, which is in the heart of the FTC and is the center of its developmental programs. The population of this locality is cosmopolitan in character and will have a marked influence on the development on the rest of the area. At the moment priority is being given to providing facilities for residential, commercial and related business purposes as the number of migrants to the city increases day by day. Areas taken up for development under the first phase of the master plan include Central Area, Garki, Wuse, Asokoro and Maitama. Some of the impressive landmarks within the city area include the ECOWAS Secretariat, the NICON Hilton Hotel, the Abuja Sheraton and Towers, the Central Bank, the Radio House, the International Conference Centre, the National Mosque and many attractive buildings. There are also several private residential buildings that have remarkably eye-catching architectural designs. Authorities have taken care to provide the best possible infrastructure facilities, indicating their intention to provide their country with a magnificent Capital City. These include several primary schools, post-primary schools, fully equipped specialist and General Hospitals, Comprehensive Health Centers and maternal child welfare centers, all staffed with highly skilled medical personnel. The network of roads that interconnect the various sections of the city have been carefully planned and efficiently laid out. Authorities have ensured a steady and regular supply of power and potable water. No effort has been spared to make Abuja the premier city in the country.