Brief History of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria
Margaret Odimba esq – Abuja
Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), officially became the country’s capital on 12 December 1991, replacing Lagos due to concerns of congestion and the need for a more centrally located capital. The decision to move the capital was made in 1976 under the leadership of General Murtala Mohammed. Abuja was chosen because of its central location, accessibility from all parts of Nigeria, low population density at the time, and absence of ethnic dominance.
Abuja was purpose-built to be the nation’s capital, with a modern infrastructure layout aimed at accommodating Nigeria’s growing population and serving as a neutral ground for the country’s numerous ethnic groups.
Administration of Abuja
Abuja is unique in Nigeria’s political landscape because it is not a state but a federal territory, administered directly by the federal government through the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), which is under the leadership of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, appointed by the President of Nigeria. The current Minister of the FCT (from 2023) is His Excellency, Honourable Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the 17th minister.
The past FCT ministers are:
Mobolaji Ajose-Adeogun (1927–2023): Served during the military government era from August 1975 to 1979.
John Jatau Kadiya (1936–1997): Held office from December 1979 to February 1982.
Abubakar Iro Danmusa (1935–2010): His tenure spanned from February 1982 to October 1983.
Haliru Dantoro (1938–2015): Briefly served from October 1983 to December 1983.
Mamman Jiya Vatsa (1940–1986): Occupied the position from December 1983 to December 1985.
Hamza Abdullahi (1945–2019): His term extended from 1986 to 1989.
Gado Nasko (b. 1941): Initially served in 1989 and then again from January 1993 to November 1993.
Jeremiah Useni (b. 1943): Held office during the military government from 1993 to 1998.
Mamman Kontagora (1944–2013): Served from August 1998 to May 1999.
Ibrahim Bunu (b. 1950): Oversaw the FCT from June 1999 to January 2001.
Mohammed Abba Gana (b. 1943): His term lasted from February 2001 to July 2003.
Nasir el-Rufai (b. 1960): Notable for his tenure from July 2003 to July 2007.
Aliyu Modibbo Umar (b. 1958): Served as minister from July 2007 to October 2008.
Adamu Aliero (b. 1957): Held office from December 2008 to March 2010.
Bala Mohammed (b. 1958): His term spanned from April 2010 to May 2015.
Mohammed Musa Bello (b. 1959): Oversaw the FCT administration from November 2015 to May 2023.
The FCTA is responsible for managing the city’s infrastructure, urban planning, and security.
The National Assembly legislates for the FCT.
The operations of the FCTA are carried out through Specialized Departments, Secretariats and Agencies. It also has:
a Minister of State
The Permanent Secretary is the Accounting Officer, Chief Policy Adviser and reports to the Minister/Minister of State.
The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) oversees the development of physical Infrastructure of the FCT. He reports to the FCTA Board chaired by the FCT Minister.
Notable administrative changes include the evolution of Area Councils from the Development Areas; relocation of the FCT Headquarters from Gwagwalada to the Federal Capital City, Abuja; and establishment of Secretariats and Agencies.
Representation in the National Assembly:
The FCT has a unique political structure as it is not governed by an elected governor, unlike the 36 states in Nigeria. Instead, it has one Senator – currently represented by Distinguished Senator Ireti Heebab Kingibe, (LP) who represents the entire territory, and two House of Representatives members representing the two constituencies: AMAC/Bwari and Gwagwalada/Kwali/Kuje/Abaji, currently represented by Hon Chinedu Obika and Hon Ajiya Abdulrahman Abayaro respectively.
The six Area Councils:
The territory is divided into six (6) Area Councils, each with its own administrative structure led by elected chairmen. These Area Councils are the grassroots of governance in Abuja.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the Area Councils in Abuja FCT, highlighting their features, attractions, and significance within the capital territory.
1. Abaji Area Council
Abubakar Umar Abdullahi serves as the council chairman as at 2024. The original inhabitants are the Gwari’s and Ganagana’s. The Ona of Abaji is the paramount ruler and is also regarded as the Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs. Abaji hosts several cultural events, including the Ona’s annual festival, which showcases traditional Gwari attire, music, and dances.
Abaji is located in the Western part of the FCT.
Abaji Wards
| Abaji Central | Abaji North East | Abaji South East |
| Agyana/Pandagi | Rimba Ebagi | Nuku |
| Alu Mamagi | Yaba | Gurdi |
| Gawu |
2. Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC)
The Current Council Chairman is Christopher Zakka Maikalangu. AMAC was originally Inhabited by the Gwari (Gbagyi) people. The Gwari people recognize the Ona of Abaji as their paramount ruler. Gwari culture is rich in festivals, including the Gwari Nkwa Festival, where traditional dances, music, and rituals are performed.
The Area Council located in the Eastern part of the FCT, is divided into districts, with the Central Business District serving as the commercial hub, and surrounding districts serving as residential, diplomatic, and governmental functions. It houses the 3 arm zone: Key governmental institutions, including the Presidential Villa , National Assembly Complex and The Supreme Court, underscoring its significance as the political epicenter of the nation.
Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Wards
| City Centre | Garki | Kabusa |
| Wuse | Gwarimpa | Jiwa |
| Gui | Karshi | Orozo |
| Karu | Nyanya | Gwagwa |
3. Bwari Area Council
John Gabaya is the council chairman as at 2024. Originally Inhabited by the Gwari and Koro people. The Esu Bwari is the traditional ruler, and celebrate festivals like the Zhibaje Festival, which marks the end of the farming season and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.
Bwari, located in the North Eastern part of the FCT, represents a unique blend of rural charm and urban development, it encompasses a diverse landscape, including both bustling urban centers and serene rural communities. The area is known for its picturesque scenery, with rolling hills, verdant farmlands, and lush vegetation lending it a tranquil and scenic allure.
Bwari Wards
| Bwari Central | Byazhin | Dutse Alhaji |
| Igu | Kawu | Kubwa |
| Kuduru | Shere | Ushafa |
| Usuma |
4. Gwagwalada Area Council
Alhaji Abubakar Jibrin Giri is the council chairman as at 2024. Gwari and Koro were the original inhabitants. The Aguma of Gwagwalada serves as the paramount traditional ruler. Gwagwalada celebrates various cultural festivals, such as the Ankwai Gwari festival, a post-harvest festival celebrating the fertility of the land.
Gwagwalada, located in the North Western part of the Federal Capital Territory, is a region renowned for its blend of educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and natural beauty. As one of the six area councils in the FCT, Gwagwalada encompasses a diverse landscape, ranging from bustling urban centers to serene rural communities.
| Ikwa | Zuba | Ibwa |
| Dobi | Kutunku | Tungan Maje |
| Gwako | Paiko | Staff Quarters |
| Gwagwalada Centre |
5. Kuje Area Council
The current council chairman as at 2024 is Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo. Gwari and Bassa people were the inhabitants. The Gomo of Kuje is the traditional ruler. Kuje celebrates festivals such as the Gomo’s coronation anniversary and agricultural festivals that reflect the rich farming culture of the people.
Kuje Area Council, nestled in the South Eastern part of the Federal Capital Territory, is a region characterized by its rural charm, cultural heritage, and scenic landscapes. Kuje encompasses a diverse terrain, including rolling hills, farmlands, and picturesque villages, making it a destination rich in natural beauty and cultural significance.
Kuje Wards
| Kuje | Chibiri | Gaube |
| Kwaku | Kabi | Rubochi |
| Gwargwada | Gudun Karya | Kujekwa |
| Yenche |
6. Kwali Area Council
Current Council Chairman is Danladi Chiya. Originally inhabited by the Gwari and Bassa people. The Etsu Kwali is the traditional ruler. Kwali is famous for its pottery and crafts. Traditional pottery-making is a part of the culture here, as well as festivals that celebrate local craftsmanship
Kwali, situated in the South Western part of the Federal Capital Territory, is a region distinguished by its rich cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and natural beauty. Kwali encompasses a diverse landscape, ranging from rural villages to scenic waterfalls, making it a destination that offers both cultural immersion and outdoor adventure.
Kwali Wards
| Kwali | Yangoji | Pai |
| Kilankwa | Dafa | Kundu |
| Ashara | Gumbo | Wako |
| Yebo |
