Abuja
- Current minister: Nyesom Wike
- Founded: 1828, Incorporated; October 1, 1984, Declared capital; December 12, 1991
- Area:
- Capital:
- Geopolitical Zone: North Central
- HDI (2021): 0.646; medium, 7 of 37
- ISO 3166 code: NG-FC
- Population: 776,298
- Postal Code: 900001
- Official Website:
- Slogan: Centre of Unity
Background
Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria and is situated in the central part of the country, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The city is approximately 300 miles (480 km) northeast of Lagos, which was the former capital.
Population
In 2006, the population of Abuja was recorded as 776,298 people. According to the United Nations, Abuja grew by 139.7% between 2000 and 2010, making it the fastest-growing city in the world.
History
Abuja was founded in 1828 and was incorporated on October 1st, 1984. It was declared the capital of Nigeria on December 12th, 1991. The city was built in the 1980s and is based on a master plan created by International Planning Associates (IPA), a consortium of three American planning and architecture firms.
FCTA Administration
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is a Nigerian ministry that administers the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. It is headed by a minister appointed by the country’s president, assisted by a permanent secretary, who is a career civil servant.
Here is a list of past Ministers of the FCTA:
- Mobolaji Ajose-Adeogun (1976–1979)
- John Jatau Kadiya (1979–1982)
- Iro Abubakar Dan Musa (1982–1983)
- Haliru Dantoro (1983–1984)
- Mamman Jiya Vatsa (1984–1985)
- Hamza Abdullahi (1986–1989)
- Gado Nasko (1989–1993)
- Jeremiah Timbut Useni (1993–1998)
- Mamman Kontagora (1998–1999)
- Ibrahim Bunu (1999–2001)
- Mohammed Abba Gana (2001–2003)
- Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai (2003–2007)
- Aliyu Modibbo Umar (2007–2008)
- Adamu Aliero (2008–2010)
- Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (2010–2015)
- Mohammed Musa Bello (2015 – 2023)
Universities
Abuja is home to several universities including the University of Abuja and Nile University of Nigeria.
Postal Code
The postal code for Abuja is 900001.
