History

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, Bras?lia. 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 Urtec Company.
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. Squatter settlements and towns have spread rapidly in and outside the city limits. Tens of thousands of people have been evicted since former FCT minister Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai started a demolition campaign in 2003.
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 Muhammad 2010 - the present.

Abuja Country

Nigeria

Population

As per 2006 total population of Abuja was 776,298.

Currency Name

Naira

Climate

Places to Visit

The Aso Rock

A huge granite monolith located in close proximity to Abuja City. The term ?Aso' means victory in the native language, and the locals are called "Asokoro" or the people of victory.

Zuma Rock

Zuma Rock is a large monolith located in Niger State, Nigeria. It is just north of Nigeria's capital Abuja, along the main road from Abuja to Kaduna, and is sometimes referred to as "Gateway to Abuja." It is depicted on the 100 naira bill. Zuma Rock is 725 meters above its surroundings.

Julie Useni Park

Includes a number of wild and domestic animals. Various species of reptiles such as turtles, alligators, lizards, among others, are found in this park. You can get to see antelopes, rabbits, jackals and a wide variety of birds including parrots, geese, ducks and more. recreational facilities, refreshments and comms are available. The park, founded by the Environmental Protection Board.

International Conference Centre

A magnificent edifice overlooking the Radio House, 'molded' and lying in its own lovely garden filled with historic shady pine trees and well paved driveway.
Once you step beyond the heavy metal and glass doors and walk into the foyer, outside of the very high ceiling and marble floor, you are lured to walk up either one of the well laid stair cases on both sides of you or to explore a hooded door way to your far right. Otherwise, walk straight across through the huge double doors in front of you into the main conference hall, the Africa Hall.
All these doors and stairways open up to the endless options of International Conference Centre. The interior has tastefully decorated Conference rooms; varied facilities and high standard of service all contribute to its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Luxurious, spacious and centrally located, the stylish cosmopolitan Conference Centre offers an extensive range of modern facilities and services. Options that the interior of this architectural masterpiece maybe put to are endless, imagine it in a banquet setting, as an in-door exhibition hall or set for a concert. Niger & Benue halls positioned on the ground floor have complete compliment of conferencing facilities to include presentation screen, projector and individual highly sensitive microphone. The chairs are quite comfortable and the floor is fully carpeted. When arranged in Committee setting, each can seat about 80 persons otherwise, in a conference formation; rach hall can hold about 150 persons.

National Mosque

The Abuja National Mosque, also known as the Nigerian National Mosque, is the national mosque of Nigeria, a country with a substantial Muslim population (see Islam in Nigeria). The mosque was built in 1984 and is open to the non-Muslim public out with congregational prayers.
The mosque is located in the capital city, Abuja, and is situated on Independence Avenue, across from the National Christian Centre. It includes a library and a conference room.

City Gate

The existing City Gate for Abuja, Nigeria?s Federal Capital City was erected as a temporary edifice in the wake of movement of the seat of Federal Government from Lagos to Abuja in 1991, to serve the purpose of a ceremonial pavilion, and to also symbolize the ceremonial entrance of the then Federal Government Administration, at the then City limits. The conception of the gate also precluded the symbolism of conveying cultural heritage of the Nigerian Nation, or depicting Abuja as a centre of unity as envisioned by the founding fathers, all of which was not portrayed from the design and outlook. Relocation of the City Gate to a more appropriate and permanent location was to be given due consideration whenever it became auspicious to do so.
The aim of this project is to construct a new City Gate at a site 24.7 Km from the present City Gate. In meeting the project?s functional requirements of city beautification, tourism enhancement, development of culture, with boundary and territorial demarcation, the inherent design challenge is to create a unique symbol of the Federal Capital that would be a landmark of international recognition.
The project seeks to provide an appropriate city monument for the Capital City of Abuja. It would thus incorporate an observatory tower, and among other requirements, accommodate a ceremonial arcade for executive/ protocol functions, a central square with provision for controlled/ light commercial activities, recreational/ picnic spots, and an artificial lake. Development is expected to proceed in phases over time in line with a strategic implementation schedule.
An international architectural design competition will take place in order to select the most outstanding concept for this unique project for which this is a call for candidature. The competition is organized by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Federal Capital Territory, and Abuja. It is a two stage architectural design competition that begins with an Expression of Interest, following which qualified architects would participate in an anonymous design competition.

IBB Golf Course

This is an 18-hole green international standard Golf Course, attracting local and international tournaments in collaboration with major hotels in the city and Golf Association throughout the country. It is located at the Maitama District of Abuja City Abuja Zoological Park.

Grand Square Supermarket

This place came as a great relief to expats in Abuja. It is new - French owned - and has some of the best bread outside Paris. The ice cream is a favorite for all in Abuja, there is a nice restaurant with a great view upstairs. The prices are high - like all in Abuja - but the meats and cheese selection is the best in Abuja. Amigo?s supermarket also deserves praise for its service and selection.

Suleja

Suleja (35 kms away from Abuja on the Kaduna road). Suleja is home to Zuma Rock (the rock on the back of the 100 naira note (money)). It is worth a look; see the haunted, abandoned hotel next to the rock. In Suleja, there are pottery stores. Suleja is famous for its glazed pottery. About 90 minutes from Suleja is Gwara Falls, great day trip to falls, take picnic, though no swiming due to water borne diseases.

Occasions

Abuja Carnival

Nigeria's cultural diversity is phenomenal. An exploration of this diversity will no doubt take an adventurer on a journey into hundreds of cultures with individual uniqueness and peculiarities. The annual Abuja Carnival features remarkable sights and sounds of Nigeria, showcase the creative spirit of Nigerian people, hospitality and passion for festivity.
Abuja Carnival which started gradually assuming the status of Africa?s most prestigious, colorful and prominent cultural carnival. Events ranging from street parties, Floats, Boat regatta, Durbar, Masquerade displays, Music concerts, Exhibitions, After-parties, and Food fair have been carefully selected.

Durbar Festival

The Durbar festival is celebrated at the culmination of the two great Muslim festivals, Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha. On the big days there is a parade of ornately dressed horsemen and Emirs in ceremonial robes in Katsina.
The day begins with prayers followed by processions of horsemen to the public square in front of the Emir's palace. Here, each village group takes their assigned place before the Emir arrives last of all with his splendid retinue. Groups of horsemen then race across the square at full gallop with swords drawn pass a few feet from the Emir and stop to salute him. After all the action, the Emir and his chiefs retire to the palace and drumming, dancing and singing continue into the night.

Obudu Mountain Race Beckon

The Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race is an annual 11.25 km mountain running competition that takes place in late November in Obudu, Cross River State, Nigeria. First held in 2005, it has the largest total prize-money available of any mountain race and is known as "the world's richest mountain race". The men's and women's competition winners receive US$50,000 each, and there is a total prize pot of around $250,000.
The combination of the distance of the race and the rewards on offer means that it attracts world-class road running athletes as well as mountain running athletes. It is an associate member race of the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) and is also endorsed by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Abuja Public Holidays

Date	Month	Description
1	January	New Year?s Day
3	January	New Year?s Day Holiday
15	February	Eid-el-Mouloud (The Prophet?s Birthday)
22	April	Good Friday
25	April	Easter Monday
1	May	Labour Day
2	May	Labour Day Holiday
27	May	International Children?s Day
29	May	Democracy Day
30	May	Democracy Day Holiday
12	June	June 12th Commemoration (Lagos State)
22	August	Bayelsa Peace Day (Bayelsa State)
27	August	State Foundation Anniversary (Jigawa State)
30	August	Eid-ul-Fiter (End of Ramadan)
31	August	Eid-ul-Fiter Holiday
1	October	National Day
3	October	National Day Holiday
5	November	Eid-ul-Kabir (Feast of Sacrifice)
6	November	Eid-ul-Kabir Holiday
26	November	Islamic New Year (Kano State)
25	December	Christmas Day
26	December	Boxing Day
27	December	Christmas Day Holiday

Food

Jollof Rice with Stew
Beans & Plantain
Semovita (Vegetable, Egusi, Okro, Oha Soup)
Garri (Vegetable, Egusi, Okro, Oha Soup)
Amala (Vegetable, Egusi, Okro, Oha Soup)
Semovita, Garri, Ora Amala with Afang or white Soup
Chicken (Crunchy, Crispy or Pappered)
Snail
Fish
Assorted Meat
Beef or Goat
Goat Meat Papper Soup
Cow Intentine Pepper Soup
Uk Wobi Pepper Soup
Isiewu Pepper Soup
Fresh Fish Pepper Soup
Cow Tail Pepper Soup
Coleslaw Salad
Ppepper Chicken Salad
Chicken Mayo

Emergency Contact Numbers

Ambulance	199
Police	09- 8702367, 09- 8702368, 08061581938, 08032003913, 07057337653 - 199, 08061581938
Fir Brigade	08032003557 (Hotline) 09-4830212 08035924500 08059665799 09-2341299 09-8731969

Tourist Information

Nigerian Tourist Office, Abuja: +234 (0)9 870 1075/ 76
Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation
Address: Phase II, Federal Secretariat,
Block A, 1st Floor, Shehu Shangari Way, Abuja.
Phone: +234 9 2340534, 2348975, 2348970, Fax: +234 9 2340714, 2343037

Traveling

By plane

International 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 programmed 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.

By bus

You can travel to Abuja by bus from major cities like Lagos, Benin, Kano and Port Harcourt. Reliable services include: ABC Transport (with air-conditioned 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.