Nigeria started to discuss the possibility of moving its capital out of Lagos. Lagos was plagued by congestion, pollution, and lack of infrastructure. It was muggy and hot outside.
It was also located right on the coast, making it more vulnerable to attack. This logic led to Brasilia being chosen as Brazil's next capital. But the results were not as expected.
Abuja, an eight-year-old city, was made the capital of the country in December 1991. It replaced Lagos as the country’s seat of government.
Lagos did not express any resentment by quickly filling the voids created by the departure of diplomats or officials.
Lagos, Nigeria's most populous city, is home to 10 million people. It also serves as the commercial hub of Nigeria's $510bn economy.
Here's how it all happened
Nigeria's high oil prices made it a wealthy country during the 1970s oil crisis. This fueled innovation across the country, including construction of the Alaska oil pipeline. This could have played a role in the establishment of latest rape victim news in nigeria capital.
This allowed Nigeria to begin planning for new capital. The immediate motivation to develop was provided by politics. General Murtala Rahman Mohammed, the new head state following the resignation of General Yakubu Goron's administration, on July 29, 1975, convened an advisory council to look at the possibility of transferring capital.
Particularly, the fate Lagos, at that time serving as both a federal headquarters and state government headquarters was in question. The panel's decision was to relocate the federal capital.
Nigeria was looking for a central place where all tribes could be represented immediately after the Biafran civil War. The chosen location needed to have a good climate, enough land and sufficient water.
Abuja was selected from 33 locations. All of these characteristics were taken into consideration in the selection process: centrality; healthy climate; land availability; water supply; multi-accessibilities; multi-resources; drainage; and decent soil.
This information was broadcast by Mohammed in 1976.
The region is not under the control of the two largest ethnic groups in the country. We believe that a new capital would be built on this pristine territory as a symbol for unity and unity in Nigeria. All Nigerians will be able to access the Federal Territory.
He warned of the dangers associated with land speculation.
To prevent speculation from the Federal Territory, all land must be vested in Federal Government immediately.
General Mohammed declared a champion newspaper nigeria peace and unity to close his speech.
A week later, he was murdered. He had a vision, however, that was fulfilled.
International Planning Associates (IPA), a group of businesses, won a competition. It was quite a bit of planning. Instead of following a grid pattern like in Islamabad and Brasil, designers used the land's natural curves as a guide to create more organic streets.
A designated area was created for government and cultural institutions as well as residential and retail. The infrastructure of the government included water supplies, schools and health facilities as well as public transportation.
In 1980, construction started. The population was only 15,000 at the time. Water and telephone infrastructure could support a million people. A university was founded in 1988. It was a great success.
Abuja was populated at a pace that exceeded the construction of new homes. Water that was once considered plentiful became scarce, which led to the construction dams to store and generate electricity. Private developers were encouraged in the Mbora District to build.
President Obasanjo declared universal education a national priority and created 285 public schools, 80 private schools and 65 secondary schools. 300 doctors moved to Abuja where there were several hospitals. The new slogan for the city will be “Center of Unity”.
The Federal Capital Territory of Abuja was thus created. A smaller Federal Capital City was also created to represent Nigeria's hopes for unity and glory. Plateau State (now Nassarawa State), Abuja, provided 80% of the territory's territory, while Plateau State (now Nassarawa State), gave 16% of South East territory and Kwara State, now Kogi State, contributed 4% of South West territory.
Abuja's old town was once home to kizz daniel newswho were forced from their homes when the city was renamed as the Federal Capital Territory (FTC). Committees investigated all options for moving. Decree No. 6 of 1979 provided compensation for households and religious institutions such as mosques and churches. 6 of 1979.
Abuja is home to approximately 50% Muslims, while the entire city is home to 40% Christians. On October 10, 1977, one million naira were agreed upon for the relocation of people and houses of worship in Niger, Plateau and Kwara. The people, however, were slow to respond.
On February 4, 1976, the order naming Abuja Nigeria's Federal Capital was made law. For another 15 years, the capital would not be moved.
After the failed coup attempt of 1990, President Ibrahim Babangida decided that Nigeria's capital would be moved from Lagos to Abuja. This was because it was being overrun by drug smugglers.