Abuja City page (1)

ABUJA CITY PAGE Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria popularly referred to as the Federal Capital Territory replacing Lagos on the 12th day of December 1991 as the Nation's Capital City. The City of Abuja also nicknamed the Center of Unity was incorporated on the first of October 1984 after being carved out from some neighboring states. The original dwellers of the City include the Gbagyi people, the Gwari people, and indigenes of the Gwandara tribe. The City of Abuja is mostly populated by the Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups even though other tribes like the Igbo,Yoruba, Igala amongst several other minority groups within the country have substantial levels of representation within the City. The Predominant languages spoken in the City of Abuja include Hausa, English and its variation popularly known as Pidgin English alongside other indigenous languages spoken at lesser frequencies across the City metropolis. The City of Abuja is domiciled in the North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria with its affairs overseen by a Minister appointed by the sitting President of the Country. Abuja is bordered on the North by Kaduna State, on the South East by Nassarawa State, Kogi State on the South West and Niger State on the West. The City of Abuja has a total area measuring about 1769 km squared with the population of the Capital City alone estimated at around 2.44 million City inhabitants. Due to the political and economic importance of Abuja, the City population has continued to witness a steady growth precipitated by a continuous influx of individuals to the City. This has led to the emergence of satelite towns around the main capital City and these include settlements such as Kuje, Lugbe, Suleja and Gwagwalada. The total population of dwellers in these satellite towns is estimated at over 1,305,000 inhabitants bringing the total population of Abuja to well over 3 million people. The City of Abuja has a Tropical Savanna Climate with an estimated annual temperature of 25 degrees centigrade and an average annual precipitation of 1389 mm. The driest month in Abuja is December with an estimated precipitation of 1mm while the wettest month is September with a monthly precipitation volume averaging about 284 mm. April is usually the City of Abuja's warmest month with temperatures averaging at around 28.5 degrees centigrade while August is the City's coolest month with about 23.9 degrees centigrade average temperature. The City of Abuja is home to a great number of City landmarks. Due to the political relevance of the City, most government Agencies and Parastatals are domiciled in the City. Notable among these are the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters, the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters at the Louis Edet House. Other prominent City landmarks include the Aso rock Villa which is the official residential and operational quarters of the President of the Federal republic of Nigeria, the Zuma Rock and the Millennium Park. The City of Abuja has a number of special events that attract tourists and Visitors from diverse climes and these include the annual Abuja Carnival and the annual Abuja Film Festival. Visitors to the City of Abuja also get to enjoy a wide variety of delicacies plus a range of Cuisines peculiar to the Northern parts of Nigeria where Abuja is domiciled. These indigenous foods include the refreshing and nutritious Fura drink, the Tuwon Shikanfa which is a very tasty meal made from rice pudding and served with a spicy sauce, Pate, Kilishi and the very popular Suya which is grilled meat (usually Chicken or beef) spiced with tomatoes, onions and pepper. BUDGET PLANNING GUIDE FOR TRAVELERS TO THE CITY OF ABUJA On the average, the capital City of Abuja has a higher cost of living when compared to its neighboring Cities. This situation has necessitated the upspring of satellite towns where most workers and businessmen who fall into the middle and lower income financial classes but operate within the Capital City reside for the purpose of cutting cost of living. Below is a comparison of the average costs of some basic commodities and services in the Abuja Capital City with the costs of the same commodities and services in a neighboring state (Kogi). - One 75cl bottled water Kogi- 100 naira, Abuja- 150 naira -A pair of adult male jeans Kogi- 2000 naira, Abuja- 3500 naira -Average yearly rent for a 3 bedroom flat Kogi- 200,000 naira, Abuja- 600,000 naira 12.5kg of cooking gas Kogi- 5000 naira, Abuja- 6,500 naira One litre of Premium Motor Spirit Kogi- 145 naira, Abuja- 145 naira One night stay in a three star Hotel Kogi- 12,000 naira, Abuja- 20,000 naira Taxi Charter for a distance less than 10 kilometers Kogi- 800, Abuja- 1500 naira. TRAVELING TO ABUJA For a prospective traveler to Abuja, there are a number of options available to choose from in facilitating the journey and these include TRAVELING TO ABUJA BY AIR Travelers to Abuja might access the City by Air through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The Airport named after Nigeria's first President was built in the year 2000 and commenced operations in 2002. The Nnamdi Azikiwe international Airport has both International and domestic terminals and lies about 20 kilometers (12.4) miles to the west of the Capital City. Activities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe international Airport are coordinated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also has its head office within the Airport's premises. Several domestic and International Airlines carry out flights from different Cities in the world to Abuja and these include Aero contractors, Air Peace and Arik Air which fly to Abuja from several Nigerian Cities such as Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Kano. A large number of International Airlines also conduct flights from different Cities across the globe to Abuja and these include the AKSY Airline that conveys passengers from cities like N'djamena, Yaound?, and Lome to Abuja plus the British Airways and Lufthansa Airlines which fly into Abuja from London, UK and Frankfurt, Germany respectively. An alternative Airport for persons traveling to Abuja is the Kaduna International Airport located in the neighboring City of Kaduna which first opened for operations in 1982 and is a distance of about 253.5 kilometers(157.2 miles) from the Abuja Capital City. TRAVELING TO ABUJA BY ROAD Prospective travelers to Abuja who wish to access the City by road from various parts of Nigeria can utilize a number of Bus Mass Transit services. Prominent among these are the ABC Transport Services Limited- This company provides shuttle services from different parts of Nigeria to Abuja in fully air conditioned Buses with journies terminating at the ABC bus terminal at 36 Ekukinam street, Utako district Abuja. Price list of ABC Transport Nigeria Ltd from cities in Nigeria include Owerri to Abuja- 7050 naira Lagos to Abuja- 7100 naira Enugu to Abuja- 5100 naira. PEACE MASS TRANSIT COMPANY This Company provides bus shuttle services from different parts of Nigeria to Abuja in Air conditioned and non air conditioned buses. The transport company has a terminal at number 39 Ajose Adeogun street Utako, Abuja. TRAVELING TO ABUJA BY RAIL Presently, there are daily light rail shuttle services from Kaduna to Abuja in modern coaches at the cost of 1500 naira for executive class tickets and 1050 for standard class tickets. Train facilities are also available from Lagos to Abuja terminating at the Kubwa terminal, the Idu terminal or the Saburi Dei Dei terminal. INTRA-CITY TRANSPORTATION IN ABUJA Travelers to Abuja can move around within the city Metropolis by using the following options Motorcycles-These are restricted to small streets and avenues and are not allowed on major roads in the City. Average cost is 70 naira. Tricycles- These are allowed on some but not all roads within the City.Tricycles ply specific routes in ABUJA.Average cost is 100 naira. Public taxis- These convey between 3-5 persons at a time along a specific route with passengers alighting at their respective stops. Average cost is 100 naira Personalized/Private Cabs- These offer personalized services. Clients book these cabs for an agreed fee and get conveyed to their destinations. Includes companies like Uber and Taxify. Average cost is 1500 naira. FUN ACTIVITIES TO BE ENGAGED IN WITHIN ABUJA There are a lot of interesting things Visitors to abuja can get engaged in and these include visiting interesting places like The Zuma Rock- This is a large Monolith located along the Suleja-Abuja link road. This wonderful work of nature measures about 725 meters in height. It is also captured in the 100 naira note. National Mosque Abuja- Located along Sani Abacha Way in the Central Business District, this imposing edifice is the National worship Center of Nigeria's Muslim population. Aso Rock Villa- This is the seat of Government and the official residence of Nigeria's President. A very beautiful edifice surrounded by the Aso rock and lush green vegetation. Other places of interest to be visited by travelers to Abuja include the Nigerian Police Force headquarters, Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters and the NNPC towers. PLACES TO HANG OUT IN ABUJA Visitors to Abuja have a number of cozy spots to enjoy some quality time alone or with friends and loved ones. These include Millennium Park- This is the largest public Park in Nigeria and is located in the serene Maitama district of Abuja. This luxurious getaway spot which measures over 80 acres of land was commissioned by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth (11) in December 2003. Dunes Center- Located at no 44 Aguiyi Ironsi Way, Maitama Abuja, this excellent hangout spot offers choice drinks, excellent music, great tasting food plus small chops all in a cool atmosphere. Usman Dam- This is found along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway and is a top choice hangout place especially for lovers. Offers green vegetation and natural splendor perfect for romantic settings. Other popular hangout spots in Abuja include the Jabi Lake and the Gurara falls. SHOPPING IN ABUJA- COMMODITIES TO BE BOUGHT IN THE CITY OF ABUJA A lot of items can be bought in Abuja. These include edible stuff such as the City's popular foods, groceries plus a host of fruits and salads and non edible stuff like clothing and clothing accessories, electronics, books etc. WHERE TO SHOP IN ABUJA Popular shopping Centers in Abuja include CEDDI PLAZA- This is Abuja's most prominent shopping center and boasts of 55 specialty shops which include a bookstore, fashion boutiques, home interior design stores, gift shops, a pharmacy and Children's entertainment shop. This shopping plaza is located at 264 Tafawa Balewa Way, Central Business Area, Abuja. GRAND SQUARE MALL- Located at no 2 National Boulevard, Central Business District. This shopping center offers shoppers a wide range of goods which include household items, electronics and interior decor equipments. JABI LAKE MALL- This shopping Center overlooks the Jabi Lake and offers a breathtaking view of the lake and its environs. The shopping Mall boasts an array of commodities which include gadgets, fashion items, sporting goods, Children's toys etc. Visitors to Abuja can also get their commodities from markets such as the Wuse Market located in Wuse where buyers can get mostly foodstuff and provisions from plus the Fish market in gwarimpa where the major commodity on sale is fish and other sea foods. FOOD IN ABUJA ABUJA has a number of dishes and foods peculiar to the City and the region in general. These include Kilishi, Suya, Fura and Tuwon Shinkafa. These foods alongside other local and international dishes can be accessed by Visitors to Abuja from eateries such as WAKKIS- This restaurant offers a menu of Indian, Asian and Vegetarian friendly dishes. Located at plot 171 Aminu Kano Crescent, Abuja. YAHUZA SUYA SPOT- Yahuza Suya spot is located at 48 Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse 2 and offers Suya served with cabbage, pepper and onions. There is also an assortment of drinks to go with the barbecued meat. Other popular eateries and restaurants in Abuja include the Jevinik Restaurant, the Bukka Restaurant and the Secret Garden. The average cost of a meal in a restaurant in Abuja Capital City is 9000 naira. HOTELS IN ABUJA Travelers to the City of Abuja have a variety of hotels and other lodging facilities to choose from. Based on budget, the hotels in Abuja have been grouped into cheap and luxury hotels to help the prospective traveler plan effectively in choosing the lodging facility that suits his/her budget and taste. FIVE CHEAP HOTELS IN ABUJA (1) AJOY HOTELS- Located at plot 757,along 69A, 2 Crescent in Gwarinpa estate, this Hotel offers travelers nice facilities and good hospitality services at affordable prices. Services on offer at the Ajoy Hotel include well-spaced and air conditioned rooms plus comfortable beds and sofas. (2) ALEXIS HOTEL- This Hotel boasts facilities such as ensuite bathrooms fitted with modern shower facilities, regular power supply and guaranteed security all at a cheap price. The Alexis Hotel is located at plot 6B Obafemi Awolowo way Zone B4, Jabi District ABUJA. (3) HOTEL ROSEBUD- Situated at 33 Port Harcourt Crescent, off Gimbiya street, area 11, Garki, this nice Hotel is quite easily accessible from any part of the City metropolis and boasts of facilities such as an African Restaurant with a menu of mouthwatering dishes plus 24 hours room and Laundry services. (4) RITMAN HOTEL- This Hotel offers guests excellent services and facilities such as wireless internet access and complimentary breakfast plus rooms with flat screen television sets and multi-channel cable connection. Located at no 5 Christina Ajayi Okunuya street Road 2, Gwarinpa, this Hotel is bound to give the traveler to Abuja comfort and satisfaction at a good price. (5) PARKVIEW HOTELS- The Parkview Hotel is located at Plot 2390, Takoradi street, opposite the Amusement Park, Wuse zone 1. Services on offer at this Hotel include shuttle services to and from the Airport, a business center, a well stocked bar and lounge plus adequate Car parking space. These services and more come at a cheap price. The average cost of spending a night at the Hotels in the above category is 12,500 naira. FIVE LUXURY HOTELS IN ABUJA The City of Abuja has an array of luxurious Hotels which include (1) TRANSCORP HILTON HOTEL- This elegant and tastefully designed Hotel is located at no 1 Aguiyi Ironsi street in the classy and serene Maitama district. This Hotel offers a grand size outdoor pool and breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains amongst other top grade facilities. (2)SHERATON HOTELS- This Hotel is just a 40 minutes drive away from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport and boasts a staggering 12 floors and 540 rooms fully fitted with world class room facilities. This Hotel provides great luxury and is located at number 1 Ladi Kwali Way, Maitama. (3) GRAND TOWERS HOTEL- Located at plot 11391, Cadastal zone1, Katampe district 1. This Hotel offers exotic services such as a world class fitness center, an intercontinental restaurant and breathtaking scenery and aesthetics. (4) NICON LUXURY HOTEL- This is a luxurious Hotel located at no 903 Tafawa Balewa way, Garki. This Hotel is a true definition of luxury and travelers to the City of Abuja who choose to lodge in this facility are guaranteed world class services such as spacious rooms with luxurious king sized beds, excellent interior decor, intercom telephones and top notch security services. (5) NORDIC HOTEL- Situated at plot 1322 Shehu Yar Adua boulevard in Mabushi, this World Class Hotel offers guests excellent facilities like an outdoor pool, a fully equipped gym, and a Restaurant with a rich menu that cuts across different continents. The average cost of lodging for a night at Abuja's Luxury Hotels is 73,000 naira. The City of Abuja offers several sights and sounds which make for a great stay within the City so just call your travel agent, pack those bags and make the trip to the Center of Unity for a refreshing and exciting time.