Abuja

Abuja was designated in 1976 and built from the 1980s to replace Lagos as capital, laid out on a master plan in the centre of the country below Aso Rock, a granite monolith of around four hundred metres that stands behind the presidential complex and gives the seat of government its shorthand name. The National Mosque with its gold dome and the National Christian Centre with its spire face each other across the central district, which is the arrangement the city's planners intended. The Arts and Crafts Village sells work from across the country. Jabi lake, Millennium Park and Zuma Rock an hour outside on the Kaduna road complete most visits. The city is orderly and expensive by Nigerian standards.

History

Abuja was once the name of the nearby town now called Suleja, and the area is home to the Gbagyi, Abawa, Basa and Gwandara peoples. A decree of 4 February 1976 began the move of the capital from Lagos to a site at the centre of the country chosen for its neutrality, construction started in 1979, and Abuja became the capital on 12 December 1991 (Wikipedia, Abuja).

What's there

• The National Mosque - the gold-domed mosque in the central district.
• The National Christian Centre - the cathedral facing it across the axis.
• Aso Rock - the granite monolith behind the government complex.
• The Arts and Crafts Village - the craft market of work from across Nigeria.

When to go

November to March in the dry season; harmattan in December and January brings haze and cooler nights. The rains from April to October are heavy. Weekends are quieter in the central district.

Practical notes

Abuja is a built administrative capital with few historic sights and little street life compared with Lagos. Prices for accommodation and food are high. Photography near government buildings is restricted and challenged. Distances require taxis or ride apps.

Nearby

Zuma Rock lies northwest; Gurara falls are west.

Key facts