Abuja

Abuja, estimated population 1,078,700, is the capital city of Nigeria. When it was decided to move the national capital from Lagos in 1976, a capital territory was chosen for its location near the center of the country. The planned city was located in the center of what is now the Federal Capital Territory. Abuja officially became Nigeria's capital on 12 December 1991. The city is designed by Kenzo Tange, a renowned Japanese architect, along with his team of city planners at Kenzo Tange and Urtec company. Shaped like a crescent, it was intended to reflect the will of the Muslim faithful, who sanctioned this design. Abuja is located at 9°10' North, 7°10' East (9.1667, 7.1667). [1]

This is the Aso Rock in Abuja:

Most countries moved their embassies to Abuja and maintain their larger former embassies as consulates in the commercial capital, Lagos.

Abuja's feature is Aso Rock, a 400-metre monolith left by water erosion. The Presidential Complex, National Assembly, Supreme Court and much of the town extend to the south of the rock. "Aso" means "victorious" in the language of the (now displaced) Asokoro ("the people of victory").

Other sights include the Nigerian National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre cathedral. The city is served by the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, while Zuma Rock lies nearby. Much of the city has not yet been built as planned, and many buildings have not yet been completed.

Abuja City is one of the cities bidding for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.