About UsAbuja is the capital of Nigeria. Since most Nigerian government agencies are now headquartered in Abuja, and most other countries' embassies have been relocated from Lagos to Abuja [edit]UnderstandAbuja is a beautiful city. One of few purpose-built cities in the world planned and built from scratch. It has an excellent road network, a beautiful rolling terrain and modern Nigerian architecture. [edit]Get in[edit]By planeInternational flights to the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport are offered by several airlines, notably, Lufthansa, KLM, and British Airways. If arriving from the US, Delta Air Lines has a direct flight from New York, JFK starting in June of 2010. Many visitors fly through connecting flights from Lagos. Nigeria has had a series of unfortunate air accidents in recent history. While the industry is being overhauled and aviation safety is being upgraded, only a handful of local airlines are reliable: AeroContractors, Arik Air and Chanchangi. Virgin Nigeria operates but often takes off extremely late. Arik Air has embarked on an ambitious programme that would see several brand new jetliners, including the new Boeing 787 dreamliner added to its fleet. From the airport, you are best advised to take the official Green Cab (usually relatively new Peugeot 307 vehicles). You are advised to board the cab with only people you know. [edit]By busYou can travel to Abuja by bus from major cities like Lagos, Benin, Kano and Port Harcourt. Reliable services include: ABC Transport (with airconditioned luxurious bus rides), Ekene Dili Chukwu, Chisco Transport (CTN) and Young Shall Grow. The preferred bus service would be ABC transport. However, you are advised to take only day trip buses from Lagos or Kano. You must be conscious that bus trips are not the safest as in rare situations buses have been attacked by robbers. If you're unfamiliar with the country, do not take a bus without an escort. Buses allow you to appreciate the terrain, the towns and cities and the subtle changes in these and culture as you drive towards the capital either from the South or the North. [edit]Get around[edit]By carOccasionally, traffic lights stop working during outages and road marshals are deployed to critical intersections. Abuja has a few strict driving laws that are enforced. Seat belts are required of both the driver and front seat passenger. Failure to obey this law leads to significant inconveniences as the vehicle is impounded and not released until the fine is paid. Drivers don't typically observe lanes within the city, and often attempt to squeeze in what might seem to be dangerously close to your vehicle.In some cases they may drive on the sidewalks. Traffic accidents are frequent, so drive defensively. Occasionally, drivers from other parts of the country that are unfamiliar with the driving culture in the city try to beat traffic lights. If you're driving, keep an eye out for other motorists, especially at intersections, who may try to beat the traffic lights. [edit][add listing]SeeAbuja is a beautiful city. The tourist attractions would be:
The Abuja Millennium Park is being expanded in an ambitious tourist project to include the Millennium Tower and a Cultural Center and Museum that would boast of some of the most expansive collections of African Art. The new scheme would open before 2010 (update -- as of February 2009, the Millenium tower isstill several years from completion). Other upcoming projects include the Heritage City Theme Park that would be the largest theme park of African civilizations. The first phase would be open in 2008/2009. [edit][add listing]Do
Art & Craft village (across the road from Sheraton Hotel) [edit][add listing]BuyThere is some interesting artwork all over Abuja. Wood carvings, paintings and leatherwork. Everything is available in surrounding countries quite a bit cheaper, but if you are here you might as well buy it here. [edit][add listing]Eat
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[edit][add listing]DrinkDrinks are available all over Abuja and are very overpriced. Average $20 US for some mixed drinks. 5-9 dollars for a local beer. Buy beer from the Market and you will save a lot of money. The major hotels have bars and restaurants - watch out for the call girls, if you ignore them, they get really offended. If you are not interested, just say so and have a short conversation, then they will leave you alone.
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Hotel De Bently N. Okonjo Iweala Way, Utako Abuja. Best Architectural design in Abuja. Its a descent place to stay [edit]SplurgeDecent hotels in Abuja tend to cost above 200 US dollars per night.
[edit]Stay safeAbuja tends to be a sharp contrast against the background of the rest of Nigeria. While car hijackings and armed robbery are high in Lagos, and kidnapping of foreign oil workers is prevalent in the Niger delta, Abuja in sharp contrast, is one of the safest metropolitan cities on the continent. General security measures like elsewhere in the world should be observed. Like anywhere else in the world, it's always a good idea to have company when exploring unfamiliar places. If you're driving, observe simple measures like keeping your car door locked when parked to avoid opportunistic crime. Armed robbery at gun point is the most prevalent form of crime. A calm disposition and full cooperation with robbers is the best line of action in the unlikely event that you are the victim of a robbery. Robbers tend to become violent when victims try to pull tricks. Contact your embassy in Abuja and the police if you are robbed. Occasional pick pockets target mobile phones and wallets as well. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Usually, $250 cash (or N30,000) would more than suffice for impulsive purchases and other daily costs. When moving in Abuja, as a foreign visitor, you are best advised to use the official Green Cabs. There's a remote chance that privately operated unofficial cabs could be traps. Cab fares would vary between N200 ($1.50) and N500 ($4) for trips within the city. Cab rides to the airport are significantly higher. Negotiate a fare before you enter a cab. |
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