Abuja
Abuja is a new city built in the 1990s as the new Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. It feels like a more modern city and a lot less busy than Lagos.
What you need to know about Abuja
Language: English is the national language of Nigeria and it is spoken throughout Abuja.
Currency: Nigerian Naira.
Banking: ATMs can be found in the city and are accepted at restaurants and bars you eat or drink at. You can also find an ATM in better hotels in the city, plus there are several banks in the area.
Weather: The weather in Abuja is hot, and it is super warm in the summer time. Winter never gets too cold compared to European winter temperatures so your bigger consideration is just hot hot it will be when you arrive.
Abuja is best described as having a tropical climate that feels different depending on the season. You will be greeted by a hot & humid 'cooler' season, relative to a potentially scorching hot summer. From November through March, the dry season is marked by blistering temperatures, clear sky, and occasional sandstorms created mostly due to the harmattan wind. The highs are around 35°C (95°F) and the evening temperatures are circa 15°C (59°F), indicating significant temperature differences between day and night. The extreme is that it can even reach 40°C (104°F) on rare occasions.
In the 1970s, after the Biafran War, it was decided to move Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to a neutral city, and Abuja became the country’s capital. Since then all of the Nigerian government agencies have moved to Abuja as well as embassies from other countries. Abuja boasts a central location. This purpose-built city divided into 4 districts, all with wide tree-lined streets, high-rise office buildings and apartment blocks.
Today, Abuja is still under construction and it’s not as noisy, dirty or exciting as other Nigerian cities. But it’s the perfect introduction to Nigeria, and Africa, for that matter, because it’s clean, less crowded and noisy.
The city is dominated by Aso Rock, an ancient 400m high outcrop that looms over the pretty government buildings. There are a few attractions to see, including Zuma Rock, the National Mosque, Parade Square, Wuse Market and the National Church.
A great base from which to explore the rest of Nigeria, Abuja is growing into its role as a capital, and in time will become an exciting, vibrant city.
Abuja is a way more chilled city with only about 15% of the population of Lagos.
Abuja was designed for automobiles, with a loop route encircling the city and wide avenues. Unfortunately, getting about without a car is difficult, and stringent zoning restrictions ensure that most dwellings are located distant from business areas. Abuja, unlike Lagos, does not suffer from massive traffic congestion or "go slows."
The faster the speed at which automobiles drive, however, the greater the potential of hazardous accidents. This is exacerbated by traffic lights that fail to function during regular power outages, as well as drivers' proclivity to disobey lines and speed near to several other cars. Because traffic collisions are common, drive conservatively. Keep your doors shut and windows closed at all times in the interest of safety.
Services such as Uber have become more prevalent in recent times, and your hotel can easily arrange an airport transfer car for you, that you will usually pay in cash unless the hotel puts it onto your bill - be sure to check this so that you do not double pay for your fare!
Best time to visit: In the winter, December to February, when the temperature is warm but not unbearable as it is in summer.
Best Area for Sightseeing: See Things to do in Abuja below for inspiration.
Shopping in Abuja: Handicrafts are superb here, and you can pick up stunning wood carvings, paintings and leatherwork. The Wuse Market, the city’s main market ,offers a range of products including clothing, music, electronics and souvenirs. There are also several shopping plazas with fancy stores.
Food & Restaurants in Abuja: You’ll find several excellent eateries in Abuja particularly in the Wuse II district. Dining here, however, is not cheap by Nigerian standards. We'd still say to check it out rather than eating in your hotel every night.
Nightlife: It’s definitely not as lively as Lagos, and the nightlife is also expensive in Abuja. The Elephant Bar, part of the Sheraton Hotel, offers good live music and is a good option to visit for a bit of atmosphere.
Things to do in Abuja:
- Shop till you drop at the bustling Wuse Market.
- Make the trip to Zuma Rock, which is an incredible geological feature.
- Take the kids to the city’s only amusement park, Magic Land.
- Visit the Abuja Millennium Park, with its lush open spaces. Aso Rock is also located here.
- Discover the little Currency Museum of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Best way to get around: Rather hire a private driver than rent a car when you’re not exploring on foot. Also, there are plenty of taxis and motorcycle taxis, called ‘okada’. You will 100% need a car when you arrive at the airport because it takes around 30-45 minutes to drive to your hotel from there, depending on where you book. Roads are good and a lot less crowded though compared to other parts of the country so if you book a driver that knows the area then you will be totally fine. Your hotel can arrange a transfer easily for you on request.