Building Abuja: The Planned City that Actually Worked
Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, is a shining example of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. It was planned and built as a replacement for Lagos, which had become overcrowded and lacked adequate infrastructure to support its growing population.
The ambitious project began in 1976 under the leadership of General Murtala Mohammed, who saw the need for a new capital that could better serve as the administrative hub of the country.
However, just two years after construction began, General Mohammed was assassinated in a military coup d’état. This led to political instability and delayed progress on building Abuja. But despite these setbacks, successive governments continued to push forward with the development of this planned city.
In 1991, almost 15 years after its inception, Abuja finally became Nigeria’s official capital city. From there on out, it experienced rapid growth and transformation into a modern metropolis with well-planned road networks, state-of-the-art government buildings, and world-class amenities.
Today Abuja stands tall among other planned cities around the world due to its successful implementation despite numerous challenges along the way. Its strategic location at the center of Nigeria makes it easily accessible from all parts of the country while also serving as an important commercial center within.
