FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY - ABUJA

The seat of Government which was in Lagos was formerly relocated to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja on December 12, 1992. The FCT is strategically situated in the centre of the country. It lies above. the hot and humid low lands of the Nger and Benue rivers, North of the alluvial plains formed by the confluence of the two rivers. The Jema's platform, a continuation of the Jos Plateau, extends well into the middle of the territory. Within the geographical context, the Federal Capital Territory consists of a tilted plain rising from an elevation of 300 feet in the south-west corner to above 2,000 feet at the north-east corner. Rising out of this tilted plain are numerous rocky knobs and several ranges of low mountains.

The entire Federal Capital Territory occupies an approximate land area of 8,000 square kilometres.

Abuja is made up of six local government area namely; Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari and Kwali.

The inhabitants of the Abuja countryside are predominantly farmers. In an effort therefore to boost self-sufficiency in food production, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) established the Department of Agriculture. This department is responsible for carrying out the agricultural policy of FCDA. Food crops here include; yam, rice, millet and groundnuts.

In the area of education, adequate provision has been made for the residents in the territory. There are primary and post primary schools spread all over the capital city and the territory as a whole. In addition, the University of Abuja is highly operational.

As a new capital, Abuja has geat potentials. To this end, Government has put in place structures and policies that facilitate the rapid development of the city.

Abuja now boasts of at least three Five Star and one Four Star hotels. They are the NICON Noga Hilton Hotel, the Abuja Sheraton and Towers Hotel, the Agura Hotel and the Hyatt Regency (yet to be completed). There are also other private owned hotels.