Abuja (Nigeria) > Reviews (2)

I've revised my review of Abuja, Nigeria for everyone.. I originally wrote it (plus 3-4 others) within a week of joining and didn't realise the format and protocol... hopefully I do now!

OK.. Abuja is the new capital of Nigeria, which if you're not sure is in West Africa... Basically very similar to the New York/Washington idea of cities, where Abuja is purely a government building city (like Washington) and the old capital Lagos is the bustling city (Like New York). Unlike Lagos which is on the sothern coast, Abuja is very much inland, and quite central to the country.

Everyone speaks English, of sorts, though it's worth picking up a few words of one of the local languages (There are three main local languages, and many many other tribal languages). They have a great phrase in Nigeria, which they use all the time! "You're Welcome" is said when you meet someone, when you're saying goodbye, just as a polite gesture... etc.. And always with a smile and normally a handshake too.. though be aware that with the very hot weather, the handshakes are very sweaty!

There are only a handful of reliable hotels, Sheraton & Hilton being the main two. US Dollars are pretty much accepted everywhere, and it's advisable to use cash where possible. Even to pay for the hotel.. After staying at the Sheraton, and using my card just once, I had four fraudlent uses of my card.. Of course costs in the hotels are normal western prices, it's not until you leave there and venture out to the markets and local shops that you'll find the bargains... you'll still pay more than a local, but much cheaper than at home!

When I was there, the weather was very hot and sunny, and I'm pretty sure it doesn't change a great deal during the year (except for the monsoon season!).

As a relatively new and also political capital, there's not a great deal of entertainment or nightlife for tourists, except of course at the hotels where you can see local dancing, arts & craft fairs and the like. There is a golf course which is used mainly by expats and embassy staff, and of course the amazing Aso Rock is worth a trip to.. (Smaller version of Ayers Rock!)

Many airlines are now flying directly into Abuja, partly because it's grown so much over the past 5-6 years, and partly because it's a much safer and easier place to deal with than Lagos. So to get there you can either fly domestically via Lagos, or fly direct into Abuja with BA from London. Though I'd recommend direct as the domestic terminals are a sight to see once you've settled in the country, not when you're just arriving. They are amazing, it looks like complete mayhem from outside but it all seems to work and everyone gets to where they want to go.. maybe not with their luggage, but hey!

As for the stories of crime in Nigeria, that's mainly based in Lagos. Abuja has too many important officials and visitors for them to risk too much crime, and as it's the city that has the Military and Police based, they tend to be pretty much everywhere.

If you're interested in finding out more.. then take a look at www.abujacity.com.