Abuja is the capital of Nigeria. Because most Nigerian government agencies are now headquartered in Abuja and most other countries' embassies have been relocated from Lagos to Abuja, it is a surprisingly expensive city.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Abuja is very beautiful. One of few purpose-built capital cities in the world planned and built from scratch, it has an excellent road network, a beautiful rolling terrain and modern Nigerian architecture. However, power is often erratic. It is part of the Federal Capital Territory and one of the six local area councils, formally known as the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). It is surrounded by the other councils which include Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali, Bwari, and Abaji.
1 Kurudu – a rural area in Abuja municipal area council 2 Nyanya – a suburban district and major way in and out of the FCT Gwarinpa - the largest housing estate in Nigeria, a bit to the north-west of the centre of Abuja.
Car or taxi is the main mode of getting around Abuja: public transport is limited. However, the Abuja Light Rail provides service mainly on the west side of the city, and provides connections between the city, rail station and the airport. Abuja has a few strict driving laws that are enforced by different bodies of the government. The prominent road traffic and driving control enforcement bodies include VIO, FRSC, the Police. Seat belts are required of the driver and front seat passenger. The vehicle can be impounded and not released until the fine is paid. It will be helpful to have your papers updated as to avoid getting into trouble.
Abuja is a beautiful city. The tourist attractions are: 1 Aso Rock. A 400m monolith and the city's most noticeable feature. 2 Millennium Tower. Topped out in 2015, this 160-m tower is quite amazing. It is a part of the National Cultural Centre, which is under construction as of 2017. 3 National Mosque. Built in 1984, open to non-Muslims except during prayer. 4 National Church of Nigeria (National Christian Centre). A large inter-denominational church built in a neo-Gothic style. 5 National Assembly Complex. 6 Millennium Park. A large recreational park which serves as the main getaway for residents. It was inaugurated by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2003.
1 Jabi Lake (Jabi Recreational Park), 26 Alex Ekwueme Way, Jabi. Can go for a stroll, ride horses, take a boat ride, buy fresh fish, relax and read a book, etc on this good-sized lake. (updated Feb 2023) 2 National Children's Park and Zoo Abuja (just east of Millenium Park, on the other side of A234.). Daily 8AM-6PM price=₦ 400 adults. This zoo has a number of animals representative of Africa (e.g. lion, zebra, camel), but there has been a bit of a reputation of animal neglect. In 2018, many news outlets reported on animal cruelty with the institution based on the condition of a malnourished camel there. (updated Aug 2020) 3 Usuma Lower Dam.
Food prices in Abuja are high, especially for Western food. There are, however, many good restaurants in Abuja that are worth the money. Of course, whether you live in Abuja or are just visiting, there are times when you are willing to pay a little extra for the simple fact that there are few to no alternatives. 1 Exclusive Supermarket, 1202 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II. A cafe/coffeeshop at the back of the supermarket sells good salads, a few Lebanese dishes, icecream, coffee and standard pizza and grilled food. Cheap (Nicoise Salad takeout for ₦1000). (updated Jan 2023) Naira Restaurant, Accra Street, Wuse Zone 5, Wuse, ☏ +234 815 480 4614, nairarestaurant@gmail.com.
Drinks are available all over Abuja and are very overpriced. Average US$20 for some mixed drinks, US$5-9 for a local beer. Buy beer from the Market and you will save a lot of money. The major hotels have bars and restaurants. Watch out for the call girls, if you ignore them, they get really offended. If you are not interested, just say so and have a short conversation, then they will leave you alone. 1 Smoothies Parlor, Near YoBella Kids Zone, B002 Sticks and Stones Plaza, Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Abuja. (updated Feb 2023) 2 Ceddi Plaza, Near Kingfem Group Of Companies, Plot 264 Ahmadu Bello Way, Mabushi 900103, Abuja (3F4Q+2RM). has a bar on the basement level.
Abuja tends to be a sharp contrast against the background of the rest of Nigeria. While car hijackings and armed robbery are high in Lagos, and kidnapping of foreign oil workers is prevalent in the Niger delta, Abuja, in sharp contrast, is one of the safest metropolitan cities on the continent. However, as the economic situation degrades, the safety tends to degrade as well. General security measures like elsewhere in the world should be observed. Like anywhere else in the world, it's always a good idea to have company when exploring unfamiliar places. If you're driving, observe simple measures like keeping your car door locked when parked to avoid opportunistic crime.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Abuja typically sees ~27°C daytime highs and 30 rainy days.
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