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Abuja

Introduction

Abuja is the capital of Nigeria and has a population of about 800,000. The city is located in the central part of the country and is in fact a planned city. It was built during the 1980s and officially became Nigeria's capital on 12th December 1991 replacing the former role of Lagos as the capital. It is the administrative heart of the country, and many countries have their embassies here. Although it has some fine museums, monuments and other landmarks to visit, not many people go here. Many people live in shanty towns despite the fact that it is said to be one of the wealthiest cities in Nigeria.

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Sights and Activities

Abuja National Mosque

Abuja National Mosque, also known as the Nigerian National Mosque, is the national mosque of Nigeria. The mosque was built in 1984 and is only open to muslims. Located just outside the city of Abuja this mosque also has a wonderful library. The large gold dome and four marinates make for an impressive religious building.

National Christian Centre

The National Christian Centre, also known as the National Church of Nigeria, is the main Christian place of worship in the country. Located outside the city of Abuja this is an interdenominational church. The church is designed in a neo-gothic style and has many pivoted arches with a wide nave leading to the main alter. There are also several nice stained glass windows and an organ is installed on the side of the chapel. When not in use for Christian ceremonies it is possible to tour the church, sometimes with a guide.

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Events and Festivals

Abuja Carnival

Abuja Carnival 2010, November 27 - 30. Also called the Jubilee Carnival because it coincides with Nigeria's 50th anniversary of its Independence on 1 October 2010. The main carnival events are:

26th November 2010 - Cultural Exhibition at 4:00pm
27th November 2010 - Main Street carnival at 9:00am, Opening Ceremony at Eagles Square at 5:00pm
28th November 2010 - Youth & Children Event, Durbar at 3:00pm, Exhibition of the Traditional Cuisine at OPG at 5:00pm, Cultural Night at 7:00pm
29th November 2010 - Street Show for Masquerade, Boat Regatta at Jabi Dam at 3:00pm, Command Performance at Transcorp Hilton at 7:00pm
30th November 2010 - Second Street Carnival at 9:00am, Closing Ceremony at Eagles Square at 5:00pm
27th - 29th November 2010 - Musical Fiesta at the Eagles Square - 7:00 pm till dawn

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Weather

In centrally located Abuja, there is single rainy season from June to September and a long and hot dry season from October to April. The total amount of rain is much less compared to the southern and coastal zones. Temperatures during the hot season can reach well around 40 °C during the days. From December to February the hot, dry and dusty Harmattan wind blows over this area, causing problems in Abuja as well.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg Max	34.7 °C	36.8 °C	36.9 °C	35.6 °C	32.7 °C	30.6 °C	29.1 °C	28.9 °C	30 °C	32 °C	34.4 °C	34.6 °C
Avg Min	20.4 °C	25.5 °C	24.3 °C	24.7 °C	19.5 °C	18.3 °C	21.9 °C	17.7 °C	17.5 °C	21.4 °C	15.7 °C	15.5 °C
Rainfall	1.7 mm	5.4 mm	11.3 mm	62.8 mm	134.1 mm	164.2 mm	217.5 mm	262.7 mm	253.4 mm	103.2 mm	3.7 mm	1.2 mm
Rain Days	0.1	0.2	1.3	4.2	9.4	12.3	14	16.2	15.9	8	0.3	0.1

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Getting There

By Plane

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) is the second largest airport in the country and the 14th biggest in the whole of Africa. KLM flies directly from Amsterdam to Abuja, while a few other airlines serve place futher away like Dubai, Atlanta, Frankfurt and London. From Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) near Lagos, there are flights to Abuja as well. Airlines that fly here include Aero Contractors, Bellview Airlines, Arik Air andVirgin Nigeria. Flights originate from many other cities in Nigeria and neighbouring countries or other countries in this part of Africa.