Abuja

Abuja
Federal capital city and local government area
National Assembly Complex
National Christian Centre
National Mosque
Aso Rock
Central Bank Headquarters
Moshood Abiola National Stadium
Flag
Seal
Nickname: 
ABJ
Abuja
Location of Abuja in Nigeria
Abuja
Abuja (Africa)
Coordinates: 9°4′N 7°29′E / 9.067°N 7.483°E / 9.067; 7.483
CountryNigeria
TerritoryFederal Capital
Settled1828
Incorporated1 October 1984
Declared capital12 December 1991
Named afterAbu Ja
Government
 • TypeCity management
 • BodyAbuja Metropolitan Management Council
 • Minister of the Federal Capital TerritoryNyesom Wike
Area
[1]
 • Federal capital city and local government area
1,476 km2 (570 sq mi)
 • Urban
927 km2 (358 sq mi)
Elevation
360 m (1,180 ft)
Population
 (2022 estimate)[1]
 • Federal capital city and local government area
1,693,400
 • Rank7th
 • Density1,100/km2 (3,000/sq mi)
 • Urban
3,770,000[3]
 • Urban density4,066/km2 (10,530/sq mi)
 • Metro
4,025,000[2]
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (WAT)
Postal codes
900211–900288
ClimateAw
Websitefcta.gov.ng fcda.gov.ng myfctagov.ng

Abuja (/əˈbuːdʒə/ ə-BOO-jə) is the capital city of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,[4] strategically situated at the geographic midpoint of the country within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). As the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria, it hosts key national institutions, landmarks, and buildings spread across its over 50 districts. It replaced Lagos (the most populous city in Nigeria) as the capital on 12 December 1991.[5][6]

Abuja's geography is defined by Aso Rock, a 400-metre (1,300 ft) monolith left by water erosion. The Presidential Complex, National Assembly,[7] Supreme Court, and much of the city extend to the south of the rock. Zuma Rock, a 725-metre (2,379 ft) monolith, lies just north of the city on the expressway to Kaduna.[8][9][10]

At the 2006 census, the city of Abuja had a population of 776,298[11] and 179,674 households[12] making it one of the ten most populous cities in Nigeria (eighth place in 2006). According to the United Nations, Abuja grew by 139.7% between 2000 and 2010, making it the fastest-growing city in the world.[13] 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.[14][15]

Major religious sites include the Nigerian National Mosque and the Nigerian National Christian Centre. The city is served by the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.[16][17][18] Abuja is known for being one of the few purpose-built capital cities in Africa, as well as being one of the wealthiest.[19]

Abuja is Nigeria's administrative and political capital. It is also a key capital on the African continent due to Nigeria's geopolitical influence in regional affairs.[20] 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.[20][21] Abuja joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2016.

  1. ^ a b "Federal Capital Territory (Nigeria)". City Population. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  2. ^ "Abuja 2024".
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Demographia was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Abuja | Geography, Development, & Population". Britannica. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  5. ^ Roman Adrian Cybriwsky, Capital Cities around the World: An Encyclopedia of Geography, History, and Culture, ABC-CLIO, USA, 2013, p. 2
  6. ^ Alkasum, Abba (2012). ABUJA: The making of a capital city, 1976–2006.
  7. ^ "National Assembly | Federal Republic of Nigeria". www.nassnig.org. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  8. ^ "Zuma Rock". Visit Nigeria Now. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  9. ^ Alofetekun, Akin (28 May 2008). "All Eyes on Zuma Rock". The Sun. Archived from the original on 23 March 2010. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  10. ^ Ngwan, Nenpan (21 September 2023). "Highest Rock in Nigeria: The Top 10 Biggest Rocks and Hills". buzznigeria.com. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  11. ^ Cite error: The named reference plac was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  12. ^ Ogwueleka, Toochukwu Chibueze (1 August 2013). "Survey of household waste composition and quantities in Abuja, Nigeria". Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 77: 52–60. doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2013.05.011. ISSN 0921-3449.
  13. ^ Cite error: The named reference euromonitor2010 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  14. ^ Cite error: The named reference abujafacts5 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  15. ^ Aguochi, O.J.J (2004). Abuja: Birth of the colossus. Stirling Horden publishers.
  16. ^ "Cheap Flights To Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport – Travelstart.com.ng". www.travelstart.com.ng. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
  17. ^ "Abuja airport clocks 40, to begin parking service". Punch Newspapers. 28 September 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
  18. ^ "Making Nigerian Airports W'Africa Regional Hub". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
  19. ^ Cite error: The named reference bbc was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  20. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference amlsnconference was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  21. ^ "Aso Rock Declaration on Development and Democracy: Partnership for Peace and Prosperity". The Commonwealth. December 2003. Archived from the original on 26 January 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
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