Abuja

Abuja
Name	Abuja
Settlement type	Capital city
Coordinates	9, 4, N, 7...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Nigeria
Subdivision type1	Territory
Subdivision name1	Federal Capital Territory
Established title	Founded
Established date	1828
Established title2	Designated as capital
Established date2	12 December 1991
Founder	Abubakar Koko
Government type	Federal Capital Territory Administration
Leader title	Minister
Leader name	Nyesom Wike
Area total km2	1769
Elevation m	360
Population total	3,652,000
Population as of	2022 estimate
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	WAT
Utc offset	+1

Abuja. Officially the capital city of Nigeria, it replaced Lagos in this role in 1991. Located within the Federal Capital Territory in the central part of the country, it was a planned city developed in the 1980s. The city is known for its modern architecture, well-organized layout, and role as the political and administrative heart of the nation.

History

The area was originally inhabited by several ethnic groups, including the Gbagyi, Koro, and Gade. The modern settlement traces its origins to the 19th-century Hausa ruler Abubakar Koko, the Emir of Zazzau. The decision to relocate the national capital from the congested coastal city of Lagos was made by the military government of Murtala Mohammed in 1976. The master plan for the new capital was designed by the American firm International Planning Associates, and construction began in earnest under the administration of Shehu Shagari. The Federal Government officially moved its seat in 1991 during the presidency of Ibrahim Babangida.

Geography and climate

The city is situated in the central region of Nigeria, within the expansive Federal Capital Territory. Its geography is defined by prominent rock formations, most notably the massive Aso Rock, which lies behind the Presidential Complex. The area features a blend of Guinea savanna plains and rolling hills. It experiences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, influenced by the West African Monsoon. The wet season, from April to October, is characterized by heavy rainfall, while the dry season, from November to March, features the dusty Harmattan wind from the Sahara.

Government and politics

As the national capital, it hosts all three arms of the Federal Government of Nigeria: the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly, and the Supreme Court. The territory is administered by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, led by a Minister appointed by the President of Nigeria. Key political institutions located here include the NNPC Towers, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the headquarters of all major political parties, such as the All Progressives Congress and the People's Democratic Party.

Demographics

The city has a highly diverse population drawn from all of Nigeria's over 250 ethnic groups, fulfilling its role as a neutral, unifying capital. Major groups include the Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Fulani, alongside the indigenous Gbagyi. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa, with a significant expatriate community. Major religious faiths practiced are Islam and Christianity, with prominent landmarks including the National Mosque and the National Christian Centre.

Economy

Its economy is predominantly driven by administration and politics, hosting the headquarters of numerous federal ministries, departments, and agencies. It is also a significant hub for banking and finance, with many commercial banks and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation headquartered here. Other important sectors include construction, real estate, and telecommunications, with major firms like MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria maintaining large operations. The Abuja Securities and Exchange Commission plays a key role in regulating the nation's capital markets.

Culture and society

The city hosts numerous national festivals and events, such as the Abuja Carnival and the Nigeria International Film Summit. It is home to important cultural institutions like the National Gallery of Art, the National Theatre, and the Nigerian National Museum. Culinary offerings reflect national diversity, with restaurants serving dishes from across Nigeria. Major sporting venues include the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, which has hosted events like the All Africa Games and matches for the Super Eagles.

Infrastructure and transport

The city is served by the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, a major gateway for international and domestic flights. A network of modern expressways, such as the Kubwa Expressway and the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua Expressway, connects its districts. The Abuja Light Rail system, inaugurated in 2018, provides mass transit links to the airport and satellite towns. Other critical infrastructure includes the Lower Usuma Dam, which provides water supply, and the Abuja Millennium Tower project. The city's layout is organized into distinct phases and districts, such as the Central Business District and Maitama.

Category:Capitals in Africa Category:Planned capitals Category:Populated places in the Federal Capital Territory (Nigeria)