Brief History
Abuja is the capital and eighth most populous city of Nigeria, located in the centre of the country within
the Federal Capital Territory. It is a planned city built mainly in the 1980s based on a master plan by
Japanese architect KenzoTange. It replaced Lagos, the country’s most populous city, as the capital on 12
December 1991. At the 2006 census, the city of Abuja had a population of 776,298 making it one of the
ten most populous cities in Nigeria (placing eighth as of 2006).
According to the United Nations, Abuja grew by 139.7% between 2000 and 2010, making it the fastest
growing city in the world. As of 2015, the city is experiencing an annual growth of at least 35%, retaining
its position as the fastest-growing city on the African continent and one of the fastest-growing in the
world. As of 2016, the metropolitan area of Abuja is estimated at six million persons, placing it behind
only Lagos as the most populous metro area in Nigeria.
Major religious sites include the Nigerian National Mosque and the Nigerian National Christian Centre.
The city is served by the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Abuja is known for being one of the few
purpose-built capital cities in Africa, as well as being one of the wealthiest.
Abuja is Nigeria’s administrative and political capital. It is also a key capital on the African continent due
to Nigeria’s geo-political influence in regional affairs. Abuja is also a conference centre and hosts various
meetings annually, such as the 2003 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting and the 2014 World
Economic Forum (Africa) meetings.
Tourists Attractions and Locations
- Zuma Rock
- Jabi Lake
- IBB International Golf and Country Club
- Millennium Park
- Central Bank of Nigeria
- Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre
- Katampe Hill
- Jabi Lake Mall
- National Children’s Park and Zoo
- Aso Rock
- National Mosque
- National Church (The National Christian Centre
- The National Stadium
- The Nigerian Presidential Complex