Brief on Abuja

Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria. It is located in the centre of Nigeria in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and occupies an area of about 8,000 sq km. Abuja is a "planned" city, as it was mainly built in the 1980s and officially became Nigeria's capital on December 12, 1991, replacing the role of the previous capital Lagos. With a growing and anticipated population of over 7 million, Abuja is typical cosmopolitan and is reputed to be the fastest growing city in the world. It boasts of resources both natural and agricultural such as Marble, Granite, Clay, Fertile land, Maize, Yam, Rice and Cassava.

Some of its attributes are in terms of its centrality, ease of access to and from other parts of the country, a fairly enlightened/educated population, equable climate all year around, melting pot of the various cultures that make up Nigeria, exciting characteristics for tourism, relatively stable infrastructure, abundant labour opportunities etc.

Abuja's geography is defined by Aso Rock, a 400-metre monolith left by water erosion. The Presidential Complex, National Assembly, Supreme Court and much of the town extends to the south of the rock.

Other sights include the National Park and the International Conference Center. Guarara Falls, which is only an hour away in Niger State, provides water-lovers with a memorable experience. The city is served by the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from which over 40.000 passengers can travel out of Abuja every week, while Zuma Rock lies nearby. The Gawa Hills and Gwagwa Hills near Suleja, the Chukuku Hills and the Agwai Hills hold strong attractions for all lovers of nature and especially for rock climbers.

Abuja hosts the Secretariat of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) while Nigeria is a member state of the African Union (AU).
Abuja is home to several parks and green areas with the largest one being the Millenium Park which was designed by world renowned architect Manfredi Nicoletti and was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II of England.

Abuja is located in a very strategic position for visiting all the different parts of the country and is bounded by Kogi, Niger, Kaduna and Nassarawa States. Lafia, Nassarawa State capital, which is just an hour away is known to be rich with precious mineral deposits and full of impressive eco-tourism scenery to include its majestic Farin Ruwa Water Falls, the third largest natural waterfalls in the world.

Obudu Cattle Ranch which is in Cross River State is also a flight or about 5 hours drive away. Bauchi State also hosts the Yankari National Park with its Wikki Hot Springs. This immense wilderness area has tremendous potential for safari excursions and outdoor recreational activities and is 4 hours away from Abuja.

Jos, Plateau State is just 3 hours by road and is a favourite tourist destination because of its high altitude (approximately 1,320 meters above sea level) and temperate climate year round. Gurara FallsIt is an area full of amazing natural rock formations to include Sherre Hills, Riyom Rock Formation, Kahwang Bassalt Rock Formation, Kerang Volcano and Wase Rock as well as the magnificent Assop Water Falls. The Museum of Nigerian History is also situated there. Abuja’s transportation network includes a chain of Green Cabs, Black Cabs and Buses that provide services within and outside the city. The transport system is managed and run by the Abuja Leasing Company (ALC) and the Abuja Urban Mass Transit Company which both have principal goals of providing an organized modern and efficient taxi fleet befitting the status of Abuja as the nation’s capital city.

Osun State which is about 5 hours away from Abuja by road, houses the mystical shrine to the goddess of the Osun River in the capital of Osogbo. Several arts and handicrafts shops can be found in downtown Osogbo which provide a fascinating cultural excursion in which one can discover the highly skilled carvers creating beautiful handicrafts that are renowned throughout Nigeria and beyond.

Abuja hosts the Abuja Carnival which showcases the various tribes and rich culture of Nigeria. Durbars and boat regattas, parades, indigenous circus shows, crafts exposition which includes leather, bronze, beads and traditional music and cuisine are portrayed annually.

Abuja is known for being the best purpose-built city in Africa as well as being one of the wealthiest and most expensive.

Abuja is located at the centre of Nigeria and Abuja is known as the centre for unity as a result of its rich culture based on the lifestyles and people from different tribes. Abuja is also a serene and comfortable environment which is ample in vast activities for growing minds.