Abuja

Description:

Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, is within the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria and was created in 1976. Abuja was officially declared Nigeria's capital in 1991 and the seat of government was formally moved to Abuja from Lagos in 1992.

Abuja is a beautiful city which has been purpose built and planned and is strategically located in the center of Nigeria. .In addition to Abuja's well-planned and methodical layout, it has an excellent road network. Compared to most other parts of Nigeria, the roads are also in good condition.

 

There are several impressive architectural structures including the National Mosque, National Church of Nigeria, the ECOWAS Secretariat building and the National Stadium, see photographs.

 

Most diplomatic missions (Embassies and High Commissions) have relocated from Lagos to Abuja but some maintain their former offices as consulates in Lagos, which is still the commercial capital of Nigeria.

 

Abuja comprises of several districts grouped in Phases, namely:

 

Phase 1 districts are  the Central, the Garki, Wuse, Maitama, and Asokoro districts.

 

Phase 2 districts are Kado, Durumi, Gudu, Utako and Jabi.

 

Phase 3 districts are Mabuchi, Katampe, Wuye and Gwarimpa.

 

Suburban districts are Nyanya, Karu, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, and Jukwoyi.

 

Satellite settlements include  Lugbe, Chika, Kuchigworo, Pyakassa, Idu, Pape, Karimu, Gwagwa, Dei-Dei.

 

 

The most common, ‘in town' districts are the Phase 1 districts described in some more detail below:

• Asokoro District - Abuja is the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS. The ECOWAS Secretariat is based in Asokoro District. Some Embassies are also located here.

• Central District - This is Abuja's main business area, where most of the Nigerian government parastatals and multinational corporations are located. The Central District of Abuja is also home to the administrative offices of the executive, legislative and judicial arms of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Eagle Square. The National Mosque and National Church are located opposite each other on either side of Independence Avenue in the central district.

• Garki District - This is another main business district of Abuja. Offices in Garki include the General Post Office, the International Conference Center, Garki Shopping center, the Nicon Luxury Hotel (formely known as the Meridien Hotel) and several bank buildings and other commercial offices. Garki District is subdivided into Areas. Garki uses a distinctive naming convention of "Area" to refer to parts of Garki. These are designated as Areas 1 to 11. Garki II is used to differentiate the area from Garki Area 2.

• Maitama District - This is one of the most sought after areas of Abuja, being home to the wealthy of the society and business. Maitama is very exclusive and also very expensive. . The Transcorp Hilton Hotel is located in this area. Other organisations in the area include a large number of banks, headquarters of the PHCN (Power Holding Company of Nigeria, which supplies electricity), the National Universities Commission, Nigerian Communications Commission, National Electoral Commission.

• Wuse District - This district is home to the popular 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. Wuse comprises 7 zones and Wuse II. For example, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is located in Wuse, Zone 3.

 

Abuja is constantly expanding and as such the Phase 2 and 3 districts and the satellite settlements are becoming more integrated into the City.