The Federal Capital Territory holds Abuja, Nigeria’s capital since 1991, in the country’s geographic middle. It was created by decree in 1976, replacing Lagos as the seat of government mainly because Lagos had grown too crowded to function well as a capital.
The territory borders Niger State to the west and north, Kaduna to the northeast, Nasarawa to the east and south, and Kogi to the southwest.
Before Abuja was built, the area was largely Gbagyi land, home to the Gwari people, and their communities still live across the territory today alongside the Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and dozens of other groups who moved in once the capital took shape.
The territory sits on ground rich in marble, tin, clay, mica, and tantalite, though its economy today runs mainly on government administration, real estate, and the services that come with hosting foreign embassies and federal offices.
The Abuja National Mosque and the National Christian Centre stand close to each other near the city center, a deliberate pairing meant to represent Nigeria’s two largest faiths. Aso Rock, the massive granite outcrop behind the presidential villa, is the territory’s most recognizable natural landmark.
As the seat of government, Abuja is home to the country’s most senior political figures day to day, and its FCT Minister, currently Nyesom Wike, effectively runs the territory the way a state governor would elsewhere.
A central Abuja district mixing residential streets with offices and restaurants.
Low-density district in northern Abuja, largely residential and diplomatic.
A large satellite town north-west of central Abuja, popular with commuters.
