[edit]History
Nigerian National Assembly, Abuja
In light of the ethnic and religious divisions of Nigeria, plans had been devised since Nigeria's independence to have its capital in a location deemed neutral to all parties. The location was eventually designated in the centre of the country in the early 1970s as it signified neutrality and national unity. Another impetus for Abuja came because of Lagos' population boom that made that city overcrowded and conditions squalid. The logic used was similar to how Brazil planned its capital, Brasília. Construction broke ground and was dedicated in the late 1970s but, due to economic and political instability, the initial stages of the city were not complete until the late 1980s.
The master plan for Abuja and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was developed by International Planning Associates (IPA), a consortium of three American firms: Planning Research Corporation; Wallace, McHarg, Roberts and Todd; and Archisystems, a division of the Hughes Organization. The master plan for Abuja defined the general structure and major design elements of the city that are visible in the city's current form. More detailed design of the central areas of the capital, particularly its monumental core, was accomplished by Kenzo Tange, a renowned Japanese architect, with his team of city planners at Kenzo Tange and Urteccompany.
Most countries relocated their embassies to Abuja, and many maintain their former embassies as consulates in Lagos, still the commercial capital of Nigeria.
Abuja is the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the regional headquarters of OPEC.
Abuja and the FCT have experienced huge population growth; it has been reported that some areas around Abuja have been growing at 20% to 30% per year.[3] Squatter settlements and towns have spread rapidly in and outside the city limits.[2][4] Tens of thousands of people have been evicted since former FCT minister Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai started a demolition campaign in 2003.[5]
The FTC's ministers have been as follows: John Jatau Kadiya, 1979–1982; Iro Abubakar Dan Musa 1982–1983; Haliru Dantoro 1983–1984;Mamman Jiya Vatsa 1984–December 1985; Hamza Abdullahi 1986–1989; Gado Nasko 1989–1993; Jeremiah Timbut Useni 1993–1998;Mamman Kontagora 1998–1999; Ibrahim Bonu 1999–2001; Mohammed Abba Gana 2001–2003; Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai 2003–May 2007;Aliyu Modibo 2007–2008; Adamu Aliero 2008–2010; Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed 2010–the present.
[edit]Districts
The Phase 1 area of the city is divided into five districts: the Central, the Garki, Wuse, Maitama, and Asokoro. There are also five districts in Phase 2. They are Kado, Durumi, Gudu,Utako and Jabi. And the Phase 3 districts are Mabuchi, Katampe, Wuye and Gwarimpa.
There are five suburban districts: Nyanya, Karu, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, and Jukwoyi. Along the Airport Road are clusters of satellite settlements, namely Lugbe, Chika, Kuchigworoand Pyakassa. Other satellite settlements are Idu (the main industrial zone), Mpape, Karimu, Gwagwa, Dei-Dei (housing the International Livestock market and also International Building materials market).
[edit]Central District
Skyline of Abuja Central District
Abuja's Central District is between the foot of Aso Rock and into the Three Arms Zone to the southern base of the ring road. It is like the city's spinal cord, dividing it into the northern sector with Maitama and Wuse, and the southern sector with Garki and Asokoro. While each district has its own clearly demarcated commercial and residential sectors, the Central District is the city's principal Business Zone, where practically all parastatals and multinational corporations have their offices. An attractive area in the Central District is the region known as the Three Arms Zone, so called because it houses the administrative offices of the executive, legislative and judicial arms of the federal government. A few of the other sites worth seeing in the area are the federal secretariats alongside Shehu Shagari Way, Aso Hill, the Abuja Plant Nursery, Eagle Square (which has important historic significance, as it was in this grounds that the present democratic dispensation had its origin on May 29, 1999) and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier across the road facing it. The National Mosque andNational Church of Nigeria are opposite each other on either side of Independence Avenue. A well-known government office is the Ministry of Defence, popularly nicknamed "Ship House".[citation needed]
[edit]Garki District
Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja
The Garki District is the area in the southwest corner of the city, having the Central District to the north and the Asokoro District to the east. The district is subdivided into units called "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. Visitors may find this system confusing.
Garki is presently the principal business district of Abuja. Numerous buildings of interest are in this area. Some of them include the General Post Office, Abuja International Conference Centre along the busy Herbert Maculay Way, Nicon Luxury Hotel (formally known as Abuja Sofitel Hotel and Le Meridian), Agura Hotel and Old Federal Secretariat Complex Buildings (Area 1). A new five-star hotel, Hawthorn Suites Abuja, is in Garki II.
Area 2 is mainly used for residential purposes, although a zoological garden as well as Garki Shopping Centre are in Area 2. Several banks and other commercial offices are located along Moshood Abiola Way in Area 7. The headquarters of the Nigerian Armed Forces — Army, Airforce and Navy — are all in the Garki District.
The tallest building in this district is the Radio House, which houses the Federal Ministry of Information and Communications, and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) stations and corporate headquarters are based in Garki. The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) which oversees and runs the Administration of the Federal Capital Territory has its offices in Garki.
The Office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is in Area 10. Other places of note include the Arts and Culture Centre and The Nigerian Police Mobile Force headquarters in Area 10. The Abuja Municipal Area Council, which is the local government administration has its headquarters in Area 10. The new United States Embassy is in the Garki district.
[edit]Wuse District
A house in Wuse District, a suburban area of Abuja
Wuse District is the northwestern part of the city, with the Maitama District to its north and the Central District to its south. The District is numbered Zones 1-8. The Wuse Market is Abuja's principal market (Zone 5). The second most important post office in the city is here. This district houses the Sheraton Hotel and Towers (Zone 4), Ibro International hotel, the Foreign Affairs Ministry Headquarters (Zone 1) and Nigerian Customs Services Headquarters, Corporate Affairs Commission (Zone 5), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration (NAFDAC) (Zone 7), Wuse General Hospital, and the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation. Just as Garki District has Garki II, Wuse has Wuse II. This is distinct from Wuse Zone 2.[citation needed]
[edit]Maitama District
National Communications Headquarters, Abuja
Maitama District is to the north of the city, with the Wuse and Central Districts lying to its southwest and southeast respectively. This area is home to the top bracket sections of society and business, and has the reputation of being very exclusive and very expensive. Interesting buildings include the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, National Communications Commission Headquarters (NCC), National Universities Commission (NUC), Soil Conservation Complex, and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The British High Commission is located along Aguiyi Ironsi Way, in Maitama. Also, the Maitama District Hospital is another notable building in Maitama. Maitama District is home to many of the European embassies.
[edit]Asokoro District
Abuja Residential Duplex in Asokoro District
Asokoro District, the doyen of the districts, houses all of the state's lodges/guest houses. The ECOWAS secretariat is a focal point of interest. Asokoro is to the east of Garki district and south of Central district. It is one of the most exclusive districts of Abuja and houses virtually all of the federal cabinet ministers; in addition, the Presidential Palace (Aso Rock) is in Asokoro district. By virtue of this fact, Asokoro is the most secured area of the city.
[edit]Gwarimpa District
One of Abuja's smaller shopping centres
Gwarimpa is the last district in the Abuja Municipal Area Council. It is a 20-kilometer drive from the central district and contains the largest single housing estate in Nigeria, the Gwarimpa Housing Estate. The estate was built by the administration of General Sani Abacha and is the largest of its kind in Africa. It provides residence for the majority of the civil servants in federal ministries and government parastatals. The ECOWAS Court has an official quarters for the President and Members of the Court in Gwarimpa.
[edit]Weather and climate
The FCT experiences three weather conditions annually. This includes a warm, humid rainy season and a blistering dry season. In between the two, there is a brief interlude of harmattan occasioned by the northeast trade wind, with the main feature of dust haze, intensified coldness and dryness.
The rainy season begins from April and ends in October, when daytime temperatures reach 28 °C (82.4 °F) to 30 °C (86.0 °F) and nighttime lows hover around 22 °C (71.6 °F) to 23 °C (73.4 °F). In the dry season, daytime temperatures can soar as high as 40 °C (104.0 °F) and nighttime temperatures can dip to 12 °C (53.6 °F). Even the chilliest nights can be followed by daytime temperatures well above 30 °C (86.0 °F). The high altitudes and undulating terrain of the FCT act as a moderating influence on the weather of the territory.
Rainfall in the FCT reflects the territory's location on the windward side of the Jos Plateau and the zone of rising air masses. The annual total rainfall is in the range of 1100 mm to 1600 mm.
[edit]Vegetation
The FCT falls within the Guinean forest-savanna mosaic zone of the West African sub-region. Patches of rain forest, however, occur in theGwagwa plains, especially in the gullied train to the south and the rugged southeastern parts of the territory. These areas of the FCT form one of the surviving occurrences of the mature forest vegetation in Nigeria.
[edit]Skyline
The Abuja skyline is made up of mostly mid-range and a few tall buildings. Only recently have tall buildings begun to appear. Most of the buildings are modern, reflecting that it is a new city.
Plans have been made to build skyscrapers such as the Millennium Tower which is currently under construction. When finished, this structure will loom 170 meters above the city. The tower will be part of a huge cultural development complex called the Nigeria National Complex including the Nigeria Cultural Centre, a 120.000 m2 structure dedicated to the art and culture of Nigeria. The Cultural Centre and the Millennium Tower have been designed by the Italian architect Manfredi Nicoletti.
Driving
Occasionally, traffic lights stop working during power outages and traffic wardens are deployed to critical junctions. Abuja has some strict driving laws that are enforced. Seat belts are mandartory for the driver and front seat passenger, Also beating traffic lights. If violated, the vehicles of offenders will be impounded and only released on payment of fines. Many drivers tend not to observe road lanes within the city, often attempting to barge into any available space.
This could be precariously close to your vehicle . In some cases they may even drive on the sidewalks. Traffic accidents are frequent, so you need to be attentive. 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, pay attention, especially at junctions.
If you are a pedestrian, there are 2 things you should always be of. Firstly, when using the pedestrian crossings, even when the walk sign is green, make sure that the road is clear or any vehicle has stopped before you attempt to cross. There are drivers with no regard for the signs and some out of town drivers do not understand what the signs mean. Secondly, the major roads are wide and therefore have islands in the middle of the crossing. When waiting on the island, be very observant as again some drivers tend to use the space in the island to make U-turns.
Taxis and Keke napep
Taxis in Abuja are relatively safe and easy to use. There are two types: government sponsored and private. The government-sponsored taxis are green with white stripes. Private taxis can be any type of saloon car. The taxis will honk as they drive to see if customers want a ride. A wave of the hand will bring them to a stop. There two possible approaches to payment. A price can be agreed before entering the vehicle or you can just pretend you know what you are doing and wait to see if the taxi driver complains. Check with friends to ascertain the going rate for a local drop prior up significantly when petrol is in short supply and they are slow to come down thereafter.
As Abuja is a relatively new city, many of the taxi drivers are new as well. They tend to be most familiar with the main locations, so customers may have to assist (with directions to less well-known locations)
Vehicle Importation
Duty is imposed on imported vehicles. Vehicles more than ten years old are permitted entry. Newer vehicles may be imported provided they are for the owners’s continued use and are not for resale. As Nigerians drive on the right-hand side of the road, it is recommended that the car be a left-hand drive vehicle that has been acclimatized for the tropics with working air condition. It s also wise to ensure it is one of the most popular models available in the country for consistency in parts and servicing. Four-wheel drive is recommended if the owner plans to travel out of Abuja on a regular basis. Because of a lack of constant supply of petrol to more remote areas of the country, extra capacity in the petrol tank is also useful.
Documents needed for clearance include: passport (original); certificate of insurance; original purchase invoice with proofs of ownership; certificate of road worthiness (for used vehicles); registration or logbook; make, model and serial number of the vehicle being imported.
Car Hire
There are several options for car hiring services. Customers can negotiate with individual taxi drivers on the street for hourly or daily rates. “Car hires” found at the major hotels are more expensive. When you first arrive in country, it is a good idea to find a reputation major car companies are listed below. The rates include the cost of the driver, but remember the driver’s overnight costs will also need to be paid as well
Car Purchase
New cars are expensive because of the import duties on new and luxury items. Nigeria assembles Peugeot 504s. They are considered good cars for the roads as they have high axles. There are also plenty of spare parts and most mechanics know how to fix them. For a new car, they are also relatively inexpensive. Several new car dealerships have opened in Abuja recently.
A number of used cars are imported through the Republic of Benin. Used car markers are located throughout the city and change due to their nature (squatted land). A major one that has been here for a while is near the electronics market by the General Hospital in Wuse (Behind Tantalizers and heritage Printers, Off Suleiman Abubakar). People also travel to Kaduna or Kano to get a better price on a vehicle.
The purchase and sale of cars imported diplomatically require the permission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If the buyer does not have diplomatic status, he or she will be required to pay the custom duty. It can take up to a year to get things legally sorted out. Remember to keep copies of all the car insurance papers in the vehicle.
Fuel Servicing
Petrol stations in Abuja are not self service; you will be assisted by an attendant. Therefore, when filling up at the local petrol stations, be sure to get out of the vehicle and monitor the sale in progress. It has been known for attendants to tell customers they have reached the agreed sale amount when in fact, they have not and then pocket the difference. They have also been known to fail to “zero out” the last purchase before pumping so the driver pays for the last customer’s gas as well. The best time to purchase petrol in Abuja is either early on weekday mornings or at weekends when there are fewer people in town.
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Car Servicing and Repair
when getting vehicles serviced, it is wise to have someone stay with the vehicle to ensure that the work is done properly. It is also important to make sure that your service bill is not inflated by the replacement of additional parts without your prior authorisation. You will find mechanics along the road who will change your oil (you may need to bring your own filter and oil), repair and balance tires, etc. There are more expensive but reliable places available.
Driver’s License
It is essential that residents in Abuja obtain a Nigerian driver’s license as soon as possible. International driver’s licenses are not recognized. In order to obtain a Nigerian driver’s license, applicants will need to fill in a form, pay a fee (N5,000), provide passport photos and a valid driver’s license from their previous country of residence. Once obtained, it should be carried on your person.
Car Insurance
Vehicles require third party insurance cover at the very least. Vehicle registration papers are needed to obtain insurance.
Abuja was selected as the new capital of Nigeria when it was obvious that population pressures, political and ethic divisions necessitated a move from Lagos. On February 4, 1976, a decree was signed establishing the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja and setting up the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the organisation charged with the task of developing the new capital. Physically located in the centre of the country and viewed as neutral both ethnically and religiously, it is where culture and religion meet. The vehicle license plate for the FCT reads “Centre of Unity” a constant reminder that Abuja was selected in the hope of creating a united central city.”
The FCT has borders on the north with Kaduna State, on south-east with Nassarawa State, on the south-west by Kogi State and on the west by Niger state.
As a new capital, Abuja has the advantage of being well-planned over many capital cities. Visitors and arriving residents will be greeted by wide, well-designed and maintained roads and clean streets. Abuja also has excellent access to the wider road network to the rest of the country. It is built on a pre-Cambrian basement (granite) rock complex of distinctive domes and hills, the most striking of which is called Also Rock.
The 1979 master plan called for Abuja to be developed in four phases. It estimated a population of about 3 million by the year 2010 and a maximum population of 4million well into the 21st century. Nearly the entire Phase 1 development has been completed and it includes the following: the Central Business District, the Three Arms Zone (presidency, National Assembly and Supreme Court as well as the Maitama, Wuse, Garki and Asokoro residential and business districts. The Phase 1 area of the city is divided into five (5) districts. They are the Central, Asokoro, Garki, Wuse and Maitama. There are also five districts in Phase 2. They are Kado, Durumi, Gudu, Utako and Jabi. And the Phase 3 districts are Mabuchi, Katampe, Wuye and Gwarimpa. There are also five suburban districts, which are Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Nyanya, Karu and Jukwoyi. Along the Airport Road on the approach to Abuja City are satellite towns, namely Lugbe, Chika, Kuchigworo and Pyakassa. Other satellite towns are Idu (the main industrial zone), Mpape, Karimu, Gwagwa, Dei-Dei (housing the International Livestock market and also International Building materials market).
Most of the diplomatic missions have relocated to Abuja from Lagos; some are using temporary buildings and residences while their permanent structures are being built. The Gwarinpa District, where many of the construction companies’ “Life Camps” are located, has also been developed but lies outside the Phase 1 area. Construction service companies and enterprises continues at a fast pace in Abuja and new places open weekly Phase 2, under development currently, involves the integration of the surrounding Katampe, Mabushi, Utako, Wuye, Durumi, Gudu. Jabbi, Duste and Gaduwa areas into the city. Phase 3 and 4 have not yet been fully planned.
Unfortunately, due to rapid population growth, some of the initial facilities are now being over stretched. The government is aware of this challenge and is working to rectify the situation. The main source of water for Abuja is the Usman Dam. The digital telecommunications system is maintained by Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL). There is also a number of privately owned satellite and mobile phone systems.
Abuja is the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS. It also has the regional headquarters of OPEC.
Abuja City and the FCT have, and still is experiencing huge population growth; it has been reported that some areas around Abuja have been growing at 20 to 30% per year. There has been a prolific development of Squatter settlements and shanty towns on the city limits. Tens of thousands of people have been evicted since former FCT Minister Nasir El-Rufai started a campaign in 2003, aimed at bringing city development back in line with the original master plan.
Both international and domestic flights arrive at the Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. .History
The land now called Abuja was originally the south-western part of the ancient Habe (Hausa) kingdom of Zazzau (Zaria). It was populated fore centuries by several semi-independent tribes. The largest of the tribes was Gbagyi (Gwari), followed by the Koro and a few other smaller tribes. In early 1800s when Zaria fell to Fulani invaders, Muhammed Makau, fled south with some followers and his brothers- Abu Ja and Kwaka. Abu Ja succeeded Makau in 1825.
The full name of the king was Abubakar; Abu was his nickname. By some accounts his fair complexion earned him the nickname“Ja” which means “red” or “fair-skinned” in Hausa. He became known as “Abu-Ja”meaning Abu the red” or “Abubakar the fair one “other sources say that the “Ja” is a shortened form of Ishaku Jatau, his father’s name. King Abubakar founded the kingdom of Abuja.
Abuja became a major commercial centre where goods were exchanged by long distance traders. The inhabitants successfully fought off the Fulani and were not conquered as the neighbouring lands were.
In 1902, Abuja was occupied by the British colonial army. The British re organised the kingdoms and called them “emirates” which means “kingdoms” in Arabic. Until 1975, it remained a quiet part of Nigeria
The problems associated with the capital being in Lagos, as mentioned earlier, led to the search for a new capital that year. Abuja was selected from amongst 33 possible sites. The criteria used for selection included: centrality, healthy, climate, land availability and use, water supply, multi-access possibilities, security , existence of resources, drainage, good soil, physical planning convenience and ethnic accord. The Emir of Abuja at the time, Altai Suleiman Bara, was asked to meet with his Emirate Council to approve contributing four of the five districts to Abuja to become the new capital. The council was divided as some districts considered it too much of a sacrifice; but at the end, they approved the request from the Federal Government. Thus, the Abuja in Niger State contributed 80% of the land of the territory, Plateau State (Now Nassarawa State) contributed 16 percent of the South east territory and Kwara State (now Kogi State) contributed about four percent of the south-west territory.
The Emirate was then asked to give up the Abuja for the Federal Capital Territory. Again the council was divided. In the end, they agreed believing that the name of the emirate would become famous throughout the world. The previous town of Abuja was renamed Suleja after the then Emir of Suleiman Barau and “Ja” the last syllable of the first emir’s name.
Another interesting historical fact is that in the Gbagyi (or Gwan) language, the word “Aso means“success” or “victory” According to tradition, the original inhabitants of the region lived at the base of the rock for centuries without being conquered. The rock was a refuge as well as mystical source strength. Asoro “(Aso Koro”) the name of the one of the local areas, therefore, means“people of victory.” In addition, the term “Aso Rock” is increasingly being used to refer not only to the physical structure of the most imposing rock in the area, but also as a symbol of government power and a nation.
Abuja FCT Administration
There are six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory, each subdivided into words headed by local councils. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory is the overall leader and is appointed by the President of Nigeria
The Three Arms Zone
The “Three Arms Zone” or TAZ is fashioned after Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. where the U. S Congress, the Supreme Court and the White House are within a short distance of each other. In Abuja, the TAZ consists of the presidential Villa, the National Assembly and the Supreme Court, all surrounded by a ring road.
[edit]History
Getting There
By plane
International flights to the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport are offered by several airlines, notably, British Airways, KLM, Luftansa and Virgin. If arriving from the US, Delta Air Lines has a direct flight from Atlanta. Many visitors fly through connecting flights from Lagos. Reliable domestic airlines are Aero Contractors, Arik Air and Chanchangi. From the airport, you are best advised to take the official Green Cabs. You are advised not to share a cab with anyone you don’t know.
By bus
You can travel to Abuja by bus from major cities like Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt. Reliable services include: ABC Transport (air conditioned luxury coaches), Ekene Dili Chukwu, Chisco Transport (CTN) and Young Shall Grow. The preferred bus service would be ABC transport. However, you are advised to make day time bus journeys only from Lagos or Kano. Be aware that bus trips have safety issues (remote possibility of being attacked by robbers). If you are unfamiliar with the country, do not take a bus without an escort. It is not all doom and gloom,On the up side Buses do 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. Journey time from Lagos to Abuja City is approximately 8 hours.
On the plane, you will be required to fill in an immigration form that will be kept by the immigration officials. 
You will need to show your valid passport with a visa for Nigeria upon entering the country. There are free trolleys at the baggage claim area and baggage handlers available to assist you with tour baggage. Be prepared to tip them about N100 for a trolley.
Employment Opportunities for Spouses
Spouses are technically allowed to work only if they are issued a work permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. To get a work permit, spouses will need a letter of invitation from the company hiring them. They will also need to provide verification that the employer has agreed to add them to their official quota for foreign employees. The most opportunities exist for technical jobs such as doctors, engineers, nurses and teachers. Occasionally, job opportunities with diplomatic missions and other international organisations arise. These are mostly clerical or secretarial work.
Embassy/High Commissions Registration
It is important for visitors who plan to spend more than just a few weeks in Nigeria to register with their Embassies and/or High Commissions. Registration is good for both social and safety reasons. Some Embassies invite their nationals to attend special events (national day, visit of dignitaries, etc) and they need to know how to contact you to let you know about these opportunities. Likewise, some Embassies have a “warden” system establishment alert their citizens on general safety issues. The warden system can also be used to contact you in the event of a personal emergency. Registration is a simple process that should not take more than a few minutes. Be sure to bring your passport and local contact information, including contact information via a neighbour and/or friend who might be able to help you in an emergency. The locations and phone numbers of the High Commissioners and Embassies in Nigeria are located at the end of this section.
Nigerian National Assembly, Abuja
In light of the ethnic and religious divisions of Nigeria, plans had been devised since Nigeria's independence to have its capital in a location deemed neutral to all parties. The location was eventually designated in the centre of the country in the early 1970s as it signified neutrality and national unity. Another impetus for Abuja came because of Lagos' population boom that made that city overcrowded and conditions squalid. The logic used was similar to how Brazil planned its capital, Brasília. Construction broke ground and was dedicated in the late 1970s but, due to economic and political instability, the initial stages of the city were not complete until the late 1980s.
The master plan for Abuja and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was developed by International Planning Associates (IPA), a consortium of three American firms: Planning Research Corporation; Wallace, McHarg, Roberts and Todd; and Archisystems, a division of the Hughes Organization. The master plan for Abuja defined the general structure and major design elements of the city that are visible in the city's current form. More detailed design of the central areas of the capital, particularly its monumental core, was accomplished by Kenzo Tange, a renowned Japanese architect, with his team of city planners at Kenzo Tange and Urteccompany.
Most countries relocated their embassies to Abuja, and many maintain their former embassies as consulates in Lagos, still the commercial capital of Nigeria.
Abuja is the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the regional headquarters of OPEC.
Abuja and the FCT have experienced huge population growth; it has been reported that some areas around Abuja have been growing at 20% to 30% per year.[3] Squatter settlements and towns have spread rapidly in and outside the city limits.[2][4] Tens of thousands of people have been evicted since former FCT minister Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai started a demolition campaign in 2003.[5]
The FTC's ministers have been as follows: John Jatau Kadiya, 1979–1982; Iro Abubakar Dan Musa 1982–1983; Haliru Dantoro 1983–1984;Mamman Jiya Vatsa 1984–December 1985; Hamza Abdullahi 1986–1989; Gado Nasko 1989–1993; Jeremiah Timbut Useni 1993–1998;Mamman Kontagora 1998–1999; Ibrahim Bonu 1999–2001; Mohammed Abba Gana 2001–2003; Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai 2003–May 2007;Aliyu Modibo 2007–2008; Adamu Aliero 2008–2010; Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed 2010–the present.
[edit]Districts
The Phase 1 area of the city is divided into five districts: the Central, the Garki, Wuse, Maitama, and Asokoro. There are also five districts in Phase 2. They are Kado, Durumi, Gudu,Utako and Jabi. And the Phase 3 districts are Mabuchi, Katampe, Wuye and Gwarimpa.
There are five suburban districts: Nyanya, Karu, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, and Jukwoyi. Along the Airport Road are clusters of satellite settlements, namely Lugbe, Chika, Kuchigworoand Pyakassa. Other satellite settlements are Idu (the main industrial zone), Mpape, Karimu, Gwagwa, Dei-Dei (housing the International Livestock market and also International Building materials market).
[edit]Central District
Skyline of Abuja Central District
Abuja's Central District is between the foot of Aso Rock and into the Three Arms Zone to the southern base of the ring road. It is like the city's spinal cord, dividing it into the northern sector with Maitama and Wuse, and the southern sector with Garki and Asokoro. While each district has its own clearly demarcated commercial and residential sectors, the Central District is the city's principal Business Zone, where practically all parastatals and multinational corporations have their offices. An attractive area in the Central District is the region known as the Three Arms Zone, so called because it houses the administrative offices of the executive, legislative and judicial arms of the federal government. A few of the other sites worth seeing in the area are the federal secretariats alongside Shehu Shagari Way, Aso Hill, the Abuja Plant Nursery, Eagle Square (which has important historic significance, as it was in this grounds that the present democratic dispensation had its origin on May 29, 1999) and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier across the road facing it. The National Mosque andNational Church of Nigeria are opposite each other on either side of Independence Avenue. A well-known government office is the Ministry of Defence, popularly nicknamed "Ship House".[citation needed]
[edit]Garki District
Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja
The Garki District is the area in the southwest corner of the city, having the Central District to the north and the Asokoro District to the east. The district is subdivided into units called "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. Visitors may find this system confusing.
Garki is presently the principal business district of Abuja. Numerous buildings of interest are in this area. Some of them include the General Post Office, Abuja International Conference Centre along the busy Herbert Maculay Way, Nicon Luxury Hotel (formally known as Abuja Sofitel Hotel and Le Meridian), Agura Hotel and Old Federal Secretariat Complex Buildings (Area 1). A new five-star hotel, Hawthorn Suites Abuja, is in Garki II.
Area 2 is mainly used for residential purposes, although a zoological garden as well as Garki Shopping Centre are in Area 2. Several banks and other commercial offices are located along Moshood Abiola Way in Area 7. The headquarters of the Nigerian Armed Forces — Army, Airforce and Navy — are all in the Garki District.
The tallest building in this district is the Radio House, which houses the Federal Ministry of Information and Communications, and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) stations and corporate headquarters are based in Garki. The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) which oversees and runs the Administration of the Federal Capital Territory has its offices in Garki.
The Office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is in Area 10. Other places of note include the Arts and Culture Centre and The Nigerian Police Mobile Force headquarters in Area 10. The Abuja Municipal Area Council, which is the local government administration has its headquarters in Area 10. The new United States Embassy is in the Garki district.
[edit]Wuse District
A house in Wuse District, a suburban area of Abuja
Wuse District is the northwestern part of the city, with the Maitama District to its north and the Central District to its south. The District is numbered Zones 1-8. The Wuse Market is Abuja's principal market (Zone 5). The second most important post office in the city is here. This district houses the Sheraton Hotel and Towers (Zone 4), Ibro International hotel, the Foreign Affairs Ministry Headquarters (Zone 1) and Nigerian Customs Services Headquarters, Corporate Affairs Commission (Zone 5), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration (NAFDAC) (Zone 7), Wuse General Hospital, and the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation. Just as Garki District has Garki II, Wuse has Wuse II. This is distinct from Wuse Zone 2.[citation needed]
[edit]Maitama District
National Communications Headquarters, Abuja
Maitama District is to the north of the city, with the Wuse and Central Districts lying to its southwest and southeast respectively. This area is home to the top bracket sections of society and business, and has the reputation of being very exclusive and very expensive. Interesting buildings include the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, National Communications Commission Headquarters (NCC), National Universities Commission (NUC), Soil Conservation Complex, and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The British High Commission is located along Aguiyi Ironsi Way, in Maitama. Also, the Maitama District Hospital is another notable building in Maitama. Maitama District is home to many of the European embassies.
[edit]Asokoro District
Abuja Residential Duplex in Asokoro District
Asokoro District, the doyen of the districts, houses all of the state's lodges/guest houses. The ECOWAS secretariat is a focal point of interest. Asokoro is to the east of Garki district and south of Central district. It is one of the most exclusive districts of Abuja and houses virtually all of the federal cabinet ministers; in addition, the Presidential Palace (Aso Rock) is in Asokoro district. By virtue of this fact, Asokoro is the most secured area of the city.
[edit]Gwarimpa District
One of Abuja's smaller shopping centres
Gwarimpa is the last district in the Abuja Municipal Area Council. It is a 20-kilometer drive from the central district and contains the largest single housing estate in Nigeria, the Gwarimpa Housing Estate. The estate was built by the administration of General Sani Abacha and is the largest of its kind in Africa. It provides residence for the majority of the civil servants in federal ministries and government parastatals. The ECOWAS Court has an official quarters for the President and Members of the Court in Gwarimpa.
[edit]Weather and climate
The FCT experiences three weather conditions annually. This includes a warm, humid rainy season and a blistering dry season. In between the two, there is a brief interlude of harmattan occasioned by the northeast trade wind, with the main feature of dust haze, intensified coldness and dryness.
The rainy season begins from April and ends in October, when daytime temperatures reach 28 °C (82.4 °F) to 30 °C (86.0 °F) and nighttime lows hover around 22 °C (71.6 °F) to 23 °C (73.4 °F). In the dry season, daytime temperatures can soar as high as 40 °C (104.0 °F) and nighttime temperatures can dip to 12 °C (53.6 °F). Even the chilliest nights can be followed by daytime temperatures well above 30 °C (86.0 °F). The high altitudes and undulating terrain of the FCT act as a moderating influence on the weather of the territory.
Rainfall in the FCT reflects the territory's location on the windward side of the Jos Plateau and the zone of rising air masses. The annual total rainfall is in the range of 1100 mm to 1600 mm.
[edit]Vegetation
The FCT falls within the Guinean forest-savanna mosaic zone of the West African sub-region. Patches of rain forest, however, occur in theGwagwa plains, especially in the gullied train to the south and the rugged southeastern parts of the territory. These areas of the FCT form one of the surviving occurrences of the mature forest vegetation in Nigeria.
[edit]Skyline
The Abuja skyline is made up of mostly mid-range and a few tall buildings. Only recently have tall buildings begun to appear. Most of the buildings are modern, reflecting that it is a new city.
Plans have been made to build skyscrapers such as the Millennium Tower which is currently under construction. When finished, this structure will loom 170 meters above the city. The tower will be part of a huge cultural development complex called the Nigeria National Complex including the Nigeria Cultural Centre, a 120.000 m2 structure dedicated to the art and culture of Nigeria. The Cultural Centre and the Millennium Tower have been designed by the Italian architect Manfredi Nicoletti.
| Federal Secretariat Buildings |
| Ship House, Defense Headquarters |
| National Church of Nigeria |
|
[edit]Abuja International Airport
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is the main airport serving Abuja and the surrounding capital region. It was named after Nigeria's first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. The airport has international and domestic terminals.
[edit]Landmarks
[edit]Parks and open areas
Abuja is home to several parks and green areas with the largest one being Millennium Park. Millennium Park was designed by world renowned architect Manfredi Nicoletti and was officially opened by the United Kingdom's Queen Elizabeth II in December 2003.
[edit]Sister cities
Brasília, Brazil 
Detroit, United States 
Kanpur, India
[edit]References
- ^ "Explore Abuja City". Stay in Abuja dot com.
- ^ a b "Life of poverty in Abuja's wealth". news.bbc.co.uk. BBC News, Tuesday, 13 February 2007. 2007-02-13. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
- ^ "World Bank Conference: African Regional Roundtable on Upgrading Low-income Settlements". www.citiesalliance.org. World Bank, 3–5 October 2000, Johannesburg, South Africa, p. 16. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
- ^ "Resettlement Issues, Squatter Settlements and the Problems of Land Administration in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital". fig.net. 5th FIG Regional Conference Accra, Ghana, 8–11 March 2006. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
- ^ Polgreen, Lydia (13 December 2006). "In a Dream City, a Nightmare for the Common Man". nyt.com (New York Times, 13 December 2006). Retrieved 2007-08-10.
[edit]External links
