The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja is the centre of Nigeria where all the administration and governance is done. It is one of the wealthiest urban areas in Africa, due to the presence of top personalities. Abuja is also ranked among the fastest growing cities globally, and however, leads the African chart.
FCT-Abuja is nicknamed as the centre of unity. This is due to the conglomeration of numerous ethnic groups in the country living together to make up for the 2 million population of the area. Furthermore, we will look extensively at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and highlight the local government areas and prominent towns in each of them.
Overview of FCT-Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also known by the acronym FCT- Abuja, is a federal area in the central middle belt of Nigeria. Abuja is the capital city of the territory. FCT was formed in 1976 after a move to have a centralized capital for the country. The territory was carved out from parts of the states of old Kwara, Niger, Kaduna and Plateau States with the bulk of area also removed out of the old Niger State.
The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is located in the centre of the country, precisely in an area just north of the confluence of the Niger River and Benue River. The territory is shares common boundary with the states of Niger to the West and North, Kaduna to the northeast, Nasarawa to the east and south and Kogi to the southwest.
With FCT-Abuja being the capital of Nigeria, there has been the presence of numerous governmental institutions, foreign embassies. These have been complemented by the availability of many organization and business headquarters strategically located in the heart of the nation. There’s no doubt that all these have led to significant investment in the city. Consequently, it makes FCT-Abuja one of the most preferred option for visitors in the country.
Abuja currently rank 4th in the list of biggest metropolitan population in Nigeria. They are bettered of by Lagos, Kano and Ibadan cities. The people of FCT-Abuja are indigenously of the Hausa ethnic group, and other tribes making up the area. There are a good number of resident tribes like Yoruba, Igbo, Bini, Ijaw, Ibibio-Efik, and other ethnic groups still living there. Also, as Nigeria’s capital city, a lot of foreigners and International personalities are living in the territory.
The vast group of people living in FCT-Abuja has result to the presence of a cluster of distinguishing languages in the territory. The varying indigenous language of FCT-Abuja include Gupa-Abawa, Ganagana, Gade, Gbagyi, Nupe, Gwandar, Ashe, Gbagyi, Gbari, Igbra, Gwandara, Kami and Hausa. Nevertheless, English is the official language of the city, and other major Nigerian languages like Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Edo and Ibibio are also spoken due to availability of the tribe there.
FCT-Abuja is not one of the states in the country, but rather it is a federal territory. It is headed by a minister. The area houses the seat of power in Nigeria, and government federal agencies are all headquartered in the city area.
List of Local Government Areas and Towns in FCT-Abuja
FCT-Abuja is divided into different council areas which is also the local government areas. The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is currently made up of six (6) area councils, which include:
- Abaji
- Abuja
- Bwari
- Gwagwalada
- Kuje
- Kwali
These local government areas have their respective administrative headquarters situated in a central town. Below is the rundown of local government areas and towns in FCT-Abuja.
Abaji
Abaji is a local government area in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The area has a land mass of 992 km² and a population of 98,000 which was recorded as at 2016. It is the land of the Egbira, Ganagana and Hausa people, which makes up as the major occupants of the area. Abaji is a bordering council area in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as it shares boundary Nassarawa, Niger and Kogi states.
Being a developed area, there are lots of urban areas in Abaji. They include notable towns like:
- Nuku
- Sabon Gari
- Manderegi
- Abaji Central
- Abaji North East
- Abaji South East
- Gurdi Rimba
- Ebagi Agyana
- Pandagi Gawu Yaba Alu
- Mamagi.
Abuja Municipal
Abuja or Abuja Municipal is a council area in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It has an administrative headquarter in the central part of Abuja city, being Nigeria’s capital.
The Abuja Municipal council area is located in the centre of the country within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Being in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, the local government is responsible for the administration of the city.
Abuja Municipal is made up of different tribes which occupy the Nation’s capital city. However, the indigenous people of Abuja are the Gbagyi (Gwari), with their language formerly the major of the region language. Other notable ethnic groups in the area include Bassa, Gwandara, Gade, Dibo, Nupe, Koro, and the remaining resident tribes.
Being an urbanised area, there are unnumbered towns and districts in Abuja Municipal. They include the following;
- Garki
- Jabi
- Wuse
- Maitama
- Gwarimpa
- Asokoro
- Nyanya,
- Karu
- Kubwa
- Jukwoyi
- Durumi
- Kukwuaba
- Gudu
- Wuye
- Utako
- Mabuchi
- Jahi
- Kado
- Dakibiyu
- Kaura
- Duboyi
- Gaduwa
- Dutse
- Katampe
- Karmo
- Gwarimpa
- Dape
- Kafe
- Nbora
- Galadimawa
- Lugbe
- Chika
- Kuchigworo
- Pyakassa
- Idu
- Mpape
- Karimu
- Gwagwa.
Bwari
Bwari a local government area council and a prominent urban district in the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria . The indigenous occupants of the area are of the Gbagyi speaking people. Other residents groups like the Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and other foreign groups also live in the Bwari area.
With Bwari city, being the administrative headquarter of the local government area, there are many other urban centres in it. The following is the list of notable towns in Bwari area council:
- Barago
- Baran Rafi
- Barangoni
- Barapa
- Bazango Bwari
- Bunko
- Dauda
- Gaba
- Gidan Baushe
- Gidan Pawa
- Kasaru
- Kubwa
- Kuchibuyi
- Kuduru
- Kurumin Daudu
- Kute
- Ruriji
- Sabon Gari
- Ushafa
- Yaba
- Zango
- Zuma.
Gwagwalada
Gwagwalada is one of the area councils in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It is a local government area in the federal territory. Gwagwalada has an administrative headquarter in the city of Gwagwalada, where the area got it name from. The council area has a land mass of 1,043 km 2 and a population of 157,770 (2006 census).
Gwagwalada local government area council is composed of ten wards, and the area is made up of towns and urban districts which include:
- Zuba
- Ibwa
- Dobi Kutunku
- Tunga Maje
- Gwako
- Paikonkore
- Ikwa.
Kuje
Kuje is an area council in the FCT-Abuja. It has a Local Government Area headquarters in the central part of Kuje city, which is about 40 km southwest of Abuja. Kuje LGA has an area of 1,644 km² and a population of 97,367 at at the last national census in 2006.
There are some urban areas in Like LGA. Presently, Kuchiyako is the most developed area in local government area. Below is the rundown of some notable towns in Kuje:
- Kuchiyako
- Kuje Urban
- Damwa
- Achmbi
- Aduga
- Agwai
- Atsauna
- Baban Kurmi
- Bamishi.
Kwali
Kwali is one of the six local government areas of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It was created on January 1, 1996 by the then military administration of General Sani Abacha. Kwali local government area council is headquartered in the town of Kwali, which the area got it name from.
Kwali area council is made up of about 10 wards, and urban centres. Notable towns in the area include the following;
- Ashara
- Dafa
- Gumbo
- Kilankwa
- Kundu
- Kwali
- Pai
- Wako
- Yangoji
- Yebu.
Conclusion
That’s it on the local government areas and towns in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. We hope you now know where to visit in Nigeria’s capital city. But before making a plan, here are some other things to know about the city area.
There are innumerable attractions in the Nation’s capital. FCT-Abuja boasts of impressive modern architectural buildings and structures which include: National Mosque, National Christian Centre, Ship House (Ministry of Defence) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Headquarters. Other natable fascinating sites are Silverbird Cinemas, Jabi Lake, Millennium Park, Aso Rock, Zuma Rock, Arts & Crafts Village, National Assembly Complex and the National Stadium complex.
Aside the structures, Abuja is well connected with urban roads, and this is complemented with a light rail and air transportation network. FCT-Abuja is the home of various multinational companies, as such a lot of opportunities are available in the city area. Would you mind taking a visit there to see the eye-opening developments?
FAQs
How many LGA are there in FCT Abuja? ›
The territory is currently made up of six local government areas, namely: Abaji. Abuja Municipal. Bwari.
How many towns are in Abuja? ›The Federal Capital Territory consists of 6 different Area Councils namely: Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.
How many districts are there in FCT? ›Federal Capital Territory Senatorial District in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria covers 6 local governments which include: Abuja, Abaji, Kwali, Bwari, Gwagwalada and Kuje.
What are the major towns in Abuja? ›There are five suburban districts: Nyanya, Karu, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, and Jukwoyi. Along the Airport Road (Now Umaru Musa Yar'Adua Express Way) are clusters of satellite settlements, namely Lugbe, Chika, Kuchigworo and Pyakassa.
How many districts are in Abuja? ›Abuja is divided into four districts.
Which is the biggest LGA in Nigeria? ›Toro is a Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Toro local government headquarters is in the town of Toro. The local government has three districts: Toro, Jama'a and Lame district. The local government is the largest local government in Nigeria and west Africa in particular.
What is the biggest town in Abuja? ›Kubwa Abuja Nigeria is one of the largest suburbs in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, located in Bwari Area council, Local government area.
What are the major town in FCT? ›- 1 Abuja — the beautiful, purpose-built national capital city.
- 2 Gwarinpa — the largest single housing estate in Nigeria, a little to the north-west of Abuja.
- 3 Jikwoyi.
- 4 Karshi.
- 5 Lugbe.
- 6 Orozo.
- Asokoro. Asokoro is one of the most high-class districts in Nigeria. ...
- Jabi. Jabi can be considered the younger brother of Maitama and Asokoro, not quite as expensive to live in, but with pretty much all the benefits of residing in those two places. ...
- Gwarinpa. ...
- Lokogoma. ...
- Jahi. ...
- Apo. ...
- Life Camp.
Nigeria is a Federal Republic comprising 36 States and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja [35][36]. The states are grouped into six geopolitical zones, the North Central (NC), North East (NE), North West (NW), South West (SW), South East (SE) and South (SS).
What are the new districts in Abuja? ›
The new districts being designed are: Mamusa North, Mamusa East, Parfun North and Parfun South to take care of the deficit of planned plots in Abuja. The proposed four new districts are located at the southward tail-end of the Federal Capital City.
Is Abuja different from FCT? ›Abuja, city, capital of Nigeria. It lies in the central part of Nigeria, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT; created 1976). The city is approximately 300 miles (480 km) northeast of Lagos, the former capital (until 1991).
Where do the rich live in Abuja? ›Asokoro is an exclusive part of Abuja, the place where luxury of the highest order can be found, you might say. A notable place in Asokoro is the Aso Rock Villa, also known as the presidential villa. So it is a pretty secure area as it is where the seat of power is.
Is Abuja bigger than Lagos? ›Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria and the second largest city in Africa behind Cairo. It is considered one of the fastest growing cities in the world and has one of the worst quality-of-life rankings among all major cities. Formerly the capital of Nigeria, it relinquished the title to Abuja in 1991.
Which tribe is dominant in Abuja? ›The Gbagyi were the largest among the ethnic groups that inhabited the land proposed for development when Abuja was chosen as Nigeria's new federal capital.
What is the old name of Abuja? ›The previous town of Abuja was renamed Suleja after the then Emir of Suleiman Barau and “Ja” the last syllable of the first emir's name.
What is the full meaning of Abuja? ›Meaning of Abuja in English
Abuja. /əˈbuː.dʒə/ us. /əˈbuː.dʒə/ the capital city of Nigeria, in the central part of the country: Urban populations in the study were drawn from four state capital cities in Nigeria and the national capital, Abuja.
Abuja, city, capital of Nigeria. It lies in the central part of Nigeria, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT; created 1976). The city is approximately 300 miles (480 km) northeast of Lagos, the former capital (until 1991).
Which LGA is the smallest in Nigeria? ›There are 774 local government areas in the Nigerian government structure, with Kano having the largest number of 44 and the smallest number of 9 belonging to Bayelsa state.
Which state has the lowest LGA in Nigeria? ›Which state has the lowest local government? The Federal Capital Territory, also known as FCT, has the lowest LGAs, Abaji, Abuja, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. It has a landmass of approximately 7,315 per square kilometre. Kano State has the highest Local Government Areas in Nigeria.
Which LGA is the oldest? ›
The oldest, largest and unaltered L.G.A in Nigeria. Akoko-Edo is a local government area in Edo state of Nigeria. Its headquarters is at Igarra.
Who has the biggest estate in Abuja? ›Gwarimpa in Nigeria's capital city Abuja is the largest single housing estate in West Africa. The estate, which was designed and built by the administration of late General Sani Abacha, houses civil servants, diplomats, private businessmen and other high income earners.
Who has the biggest house in Abuja? ›Aliko Dangote's house is one of the most expensive houses in Abuja and one of the largest mansions in Nigeria. It is worth N5 billion.
What are the busiest areas in Abuja? ›- Nyanya: This the border town between Abuja and Nasarawa state. ...
- Kubwa: Kubwa has become the fastest growing satellite town in Abuja.
Abuja has six Area Councils namely; Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and Abuja Municipal (AMAC) (Fig. ...
What is the nickname of Abuja? ›FCT: The capital city is Abuja and its slogan is “Center of Unity”.
How many tribes are in Abuja? ›The 9 indigenous tribes in the FCT are Amwamwa, Bassa, Egbira, Gade, Ganagana, Gbagyi, Gbari, Gwandara and Koro. Which tribe is Amwamwa ?
Which part of Abuja is the safest? ›Asokoro:
It is one of the most exclusive districts of Abuja and houses virtually all of the federal cabinet ministers as well as most of the diplomatic community in the city. Asokoro is a high class neighborhood and the most secure in the city.
Asokoro. Asokoro is known as the haven for top government officials and it's recognized as Abuja's most exclusive district.
Is Abuja expensive to live in? ›The cost of living in Abuja is deceptively high. Although cheaper than Lagos, the city is more expensive than other African giants such as Johannesburg and Nairobi, as can be seen in Abuja's ranking in Mercer's 2022 Cost of Living Survey, which placed the city as the 147th most expensive out of 227 cities.
What are the villages in Abuja? ›
- Abacha Barracks.
- Apo.
- Damagaza.
- Dantata.
- Durumi I.
- Durumi II.
- Durumi III.
- Dutse.
Kubwa is a residential district in Bwari, one of the local government areas in the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria. It is one of the major suburbs within the metropolitan area of Abuja.
Who owns Abuja base? ›| Motto | Learn to live |
|---|---|
| Founder | Sen. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed |
| Chancellor | Sen. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed |
| Vice-Chancellor | Prof Tahir Mamman |
| Location | Abuja , Federal Capital Territory , Nigeria 9.00752772063946, 7.405993526148776 |
The panel's recommendation for the setting up of the new Federal Capital City at Abuja was accepted and the Federal Government then promulgated Decree number 6 of 1976 which created the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Abuja officially became Nigeria's capital on 12 December 1991.
Is WUSE a city in Abuja? ›Wuse is a district near Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory, North Central Nigeria.
Which city was the Federal Capital Territory before Abuja? ›Lagos was the capital of Nigeria from 1914 - 1991; it was stripped of this title when the Federal Capital Territory was established at the purpose-built city of Abuja.
Who is the richest woman in Abuja? ›Folorunsho Alakija, the 70-year-old business magnate, is the wealthiest woman in Nigeria in 2022, with an estimated net worth of $1 billion, according to Forbes. She is also the founder of many African multi-national companies such as Famfa Oil, and Rose of Sharon Group, among others.
Who owns the best house in Abuja? ›Aliko Dangote's Mansion
Aliko Dangote has lived in this house in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for up to 12 years. Aliko Dangote's luxurious mansion is worth about N5 billion and is among the most expensive houses owned by a businessman in Nigeria.
Photo Credit: @abuja The 'IBB Boulevard' is arguably one of the most beautiful street in#Abuja.
Is it better to live in Lagos or Abuja? ›Lagos is always bursting with activities with its posh hotels, restaurants and places to explore. This city has become the face of tourism compared to Abuja. You can immerse yourself in deep cultures, surroundings and histories- from spiritual shrines, beaches, parks and many more.
Is Abuja cheaper than Lagos? ›
Cost of living in Abuja (Nigeria) is 37% cheaper than in Lagos (Nigeria)
Is Lagos safer than Abuja? ›The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Tuesday, assured that Abuja, the nation's capital remains the safest and most peaceful city in the country.
What language do they speak in Abuja? ›Abuja's population includes over 250 ethnic groups from almost every corner of Nigeria. While English is the official language, other languages are spoken as well including Yoruba, Ibo, and Hausa.
What is the oldest tribe in Nigeria? ›The Ijaws: oldest tribe in Nigeria.
What are the 3 major tribes in Nigeria? ›There are three major ethnic groups in Nigeria (Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo) with about 250 other ethnic groups commonly referred to as minor ethnic groups.
What are the names of the LGAs in Abuja? ›Contexts in source publication
Abuja has six Area Councils namely; Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and Abuja Municipal (AMAC) (Fig. ...
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) - Abuja Municipal Area Council, Federal Capital Territory.
What are the 13 local government in Nasarawa State? ›It has thirteen (13) Local Government Areas namely Akwanga, Awe, Doma, Karu, Keana, Keffi, Kokona, Lafia, Nasarawa, Nasarawa Eggon, Obi, Toto and Wamba.
What is the LGA of lugbe Abuja? ›Gwarimpa Estate is a developed district situated in Phase 3, in the capital city of Nigeria, Abuja. It is the largest single housing estate in Nigeria and in West Africa.
What is the name of the finest place in Abuja? ›
Dunes Centre Abuja
It is one of the places that projected Maitama as the best Abuja urban area. It houses a relaxation center, restaurant, and supermarket.
About. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport serves the Nigerian city of Abuja and is among the busiest in the country. The airport is managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
Is WUSE a local government in Abuja? ›Wuse is a district near Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory, North Central Nigeria.
What are the 18 local government area? ›There are 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs): Akoko-Edo, Etsako East, Etsako Central, Etsako West, Owan West, Esan North-East, Esan Central, Esan South-east are in the Derived Savanna; Ovia South-West, Ovia North-East, Igueben, Egor, Uhunmwonde, Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon are in the lowland rainforest, four LGAs ( ...
What are the 33 local government? ›Local Government Areas: 33 LGAs: Akinyele, Afijio, Egbeda, Ibadan North, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-West, Ibadan South-East, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ido, Irepo, Iseyin, Kajola, Lagelu, Ogbomosho North, Ogbomosho South, Oyo West, Atiba, Atigbo, Saki West, Saki East, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, ...
What are the 20 local government? ›- Agege (Headquarters at Agege) ...
- Ajeromi-Ifelodun (Headquarters at Amukoko) ...
- Alimosho (Headquarters at Akowonjo) ...
- Amuwo-Odofin (Headquarters at Festac Town) ...
- Apapa (Headquarters at Apapa) ...
- Badagry (Headquarters at Badagry) ...
- Epe (Headquarters at Epe)