Abuja FCT, Nigeria - First Impressions !!

Abuja FCT, Nigeria - First Impressions !!

The Federal republic of Nigeria is the most populous and vibrant country in the African continent. A country that has its fair share of problems, opportunities, strengths and weaknesses but most certainly with a great potential to be included in the list of fast developing countries (BRICS to BRINCS).  I am working in Nigeria for a short term research and advisory assignment with a global development agency based in Abuja FCT, the capital city and so far I have nothing but all praises for this place. 

Prior to 1991, Lagos was the capital of Nigeria but it can be still termed as the commercial capital. Abuja is home to most federal ministry offices and many multinational corporations although the first choice of these multinationals is usually to set up base in Lagos. Abuja is extremely well planned in terms of roads and resources. The roads are beautifully done up, a sight that is a bit rare in many other parts of Nigeria. Even during the busiest hours of the day, one is rarely stuck for long in ‘bumper to bumper’ traffic jams. Almost everything in Abuja is within 45 minutes of reach.

Although Abuja is not a tourism destination as much as many other parts of Nigeria, Abuja in itself is an extremely beautiful city. There are an ample number of buildings and modern structures but Abuja will fail to give you the perception of a “concrete jungle”. Simply traveling by car/cab from one place to another is a delight in its own way. Taking a cab on Abuja streets is an experience in itself. There are no fare meters or prepaid cabs on the road. You stop a cab decide on a price and the cab takes you to your destination. The funny part is when you ask for a destination, the cab drivers says an amount say 500 Naira, you say 300, the driver says 400 and the next step is you deny the cab. The cab goes a little further and there pops out a hand saying “come on in”; this is an everyday routine. The funny part is you know the appropriate price, the cab driver knows that you know the appropriate price but this ritual of bargaining, denial and acceptance still has to take place.

Compared to other cities in Nigeria, Abuja is said to be one of the most expensive cities. Fuel on the other hand is cheap, very cheap compared to India, less than half the petrol rates per litre. Food, entertainment, real estate, laundry, grocery etc. is almost 5 fold the price you will find in other cities except Lagos and Calabar.

A mid-day meal at a decent restaurant will cost you approximately 15-20 dollars, which is expensive as compared to the price of meals in other developing nations. Most of the products on the supermarket shelves are imported and by most I mean 90 to 100%. Although my friends from Ghana and Gambia, some of the other West African countries mention that those countries are equally expensive. Nigerian cuisine is just fabulous, a variety of dishes are meat based and if you happen to be a non-vegetarian, you are in for a real treat. Major part of the menu in various restaurants & canteens comprises of beef, fish, chicken, yam, plantain and rice. My favourites so far have been Jollof rice, fried plantains and Moin-Moin. Jollof rice is flavoured fried rice with tomato, chilli, onions and other veggies, sometimes even meat and Moin-Moin is a steamed pudding made of beans and other veggies.

There are quite a few popular malls here but they are not that crowded. The stores are mostly occupied by local retailers and boutiques and there are fewer branded stores here. Shopping in Abuja is mainly done in commercial complexes often referred to as plazas and the “mall culture” is yet to come into existence.

People here are warm, friendly and helpful. Reading about Nigeria in the news may make you worry in terms of security but overall I have found Abuja to be pretty safe. There are certain internal conflicts that this country is dealing with but overall many places in the country are fairly safe to travel to.

In the coming days, I am set to travel to a few places within and around Nigeria and look forward to share some more experiences with you so stay tuned and pour in your questions, comments and suggestions.