Have You Ever Visited Abuja?
While the former capital of the country was Lagos, the city of Abuja, which was prepared with a new settlement plan, took over the title of capital from Lagos since the 1990s.
Former Capital Lagos, New Capital Abuja:
This week, I will try to introduce you to the city of Abuja, which has been the capital of Nigeria in recent years. Nigeria is located at a considerable level in terms of population in the world. While the former capital of the country was Lagos, the city of Abuja, which was prepared with a new settlement plan, took over the title of capital from Lagos since the 1990s. For this reason, since all the construction, especially the public buildings, is carried out in a planned way, its appearance and features, which are extremely different from normal African cities, will definitely attract your attention when you visit.
Abuja is a city built in a strategic position:
The city of Abuja, which is located in a geographical region that is not on the sea and can be considered in the central parts of the country, has a medium-sized airport with a single runway. However, inside and outside of the terminal, it has been established with extremely modern features and has a useful feature. Currently, due to the COVID measures, you will first be welcomed by the health officials and then you will be able to finish your procedures in a short time by taking your place in the queues for passport procedures, which are not too long. After all the passengers have passed through customs with x-ray device following the receipt of the suitcases, you will find yourself outside the terminal in the transfer area for the place where you will stay with the direction signs.
Accomodation:
In the city, there are many luxury hotels with affordable prices. Arriving by solving the transfer option to your accommodation without coming here will solve the security problems you may experience from the beginning. Unfortunately, these are extremely unsafe areas. Theft, extortion and injury in the city are considered to be extremely common. Your efforts to travel without security measures may end in unpleasant incidents. Even when we come on duty, we continue to be transferred to the hotels where we will stay in private minibuses, with the curtains closed and accompanied by armed guards. For this reason, if you see people with guns in the city, especially around cars, know that these are bodyguards. Because here, foreigners can usually get this type of service either from the security companies of the hotels with which they have agreed in advance or from the hotels they are in. That's why, when you come to your hotel, you will immediately notice the places where the weapons are left and other prohibition warnings as you go through the x-ray security again with your luggage.
Human Structure and Characteristics:
The people of the country are extremely large and have aggressive features. In an environment where almost everyone speaks English and French, you can often witness people arguing with each other in their local language. The cause can be anything, but you can often encounter it. Although it is a place where traffic runs from the right, preferring secure hotel transfers instead of car rental and taxi will be a safer choice for this city. When you start with so much negativity, you might wonder why people want to come here. Most foreigners come here for business and commerce, partly because it is the capital city and public buildings and officials reside here. You will be able to observe the phenomenon I mean more easily when you come across many people who have meetings for this purpose in the lobby and eating areas of the hotel you are staying at.
Aso Rock: Symbol of the City
While the city was structured in a planned way, Aso Rock (a granite rock in the form of a large hill) was taken as the center and the city was built around it, starting from the public buildings by making it a symbol. It is stated that this rock, which has become a symbol, does not have any features, and that the view of Abuja can be watched from its summit, which is reported to take only about 5 hours. Apart from this, other structures worth visiting in the city are the Abuja National Mosque and the National Christian Center. Apart from these, Jabi Lake and Shopping located in the city center are among the preferred places. You can take boat trips on the lake, wander around, and benefit from the Shopping Center. Let me remind you that the prices, especially for local products, can be extremely high. If I give an example that coke is around 6 dollars, beer is 10 dollars and pizza is around 15 dollars, I think I could arouse some ideas for you.
Social Life and Entertainment Venues:
There are many restaurants and cafes in the city, and they serve with not very cheap prices. You will see mostly Chinese and European options among the possibilities for many cuisines of the world. I would like to remind you that local dishes are a little difficult to choose because they contain very heavy oil. Even in restaurants, the issue of hygiene is not given much importance, and you should pay special attention to this issue, including the water flowing from the fountains. I strongly recommend that you do not put ice in your drink, even brush your teeth with bottled water. Making an effort not to be bitten by mosquitoes during sunrise and sunset in your outdoor environments will prevent you from catching possible malaria.
You can even feel the indication that it is a very active city in terms of nightlife, even in the hotels where you will stay. There are bars and nightclubs in most of the hotels, and they are heavily preferred by local and foreign guests. If you happen to be here, I wish you a pleasant and safe trip.
