Abuja

Located in the centre of Nigeria, Abuja is the capital city in the Federal Capital Territory. Abuja legitimately attained this status on 12 December 1991 replacing the role of the previous capital Lagos. Abuja whose estimated population stands at 1,078,700 people is divided into 5 major districts -the Central, Garki, Maitama, Wuse, and Asokoro. Well planned Abuja’s is a multi-purpose built city whose geography has been modified by the two renowned rock formations around it- the Zuma Rock and the Aso Rock. Aso Rock- is a 400m above sea-level monolith that was left by erosion. The imposing Zuma Rock usually referred to as the ‘Gateway to Abuja’ is situated off the main road from Abuja to Kaduna where the state of Niger ends. This is definitely worth a visit. It is also reported to be the exact geographical center of Nigeria.

The master plan for Abuja defines the general structure and major design elements of the city that are visible in its current form. Abuja is the home of The National Assembly, Presidential Complex, and Supreme Court. States also relocated their embassies here. Abuja also doubles as home of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and has the regional headquarters of OPEC. Giant shopping malls, pharmacies and many government reservation areas are seen it the city.

It is a religious city and home of the National Mosque and the National Christian Centre. The city is served by an ultra modern Airport Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Along the Airport Road are clusters of satellite settlements, namely Pyakassa, Chika, Lugbe and Kuchigworo The population on the semi-developed edges of the city lives in shanty towns such as Karu which initially was planned to house civil servants as well as lower income families. The city has experienced enormous population escalation, also reported documented that some areas around it have been growing at 20 to 30% annually. Squatter settlements and towns have spread rapidly in and outside the city limits. Abuja’s supremacy to these heights came as a result of Lagos’ population boom that made that city overcrowded and conditions unclean.

Another interesting attraction is the Abuja Plant Nursery at the foot of Aso Rock. This botanical garden has an amazing collection of species of flowers, fruits, trees and many other plants. Several facilities and amenities to attract tourists are gradually coming up in the vicinity. In Africa, this city is famously known as being one of the wealthiest with classy surroundings. It’s indeed a beautiful place to be that it requires a day’s trip for anyone before life expires.