Hottest Zones in Abuja

The iconic leader and one-time president of South Africa, the late Nelson Mandela once said "why bother to visit Europe, you will find it all here". This statement was in reference to Abuja the now famous Federal Capital territory of the most populous black nation in the world.

According to the United Nations, Abuja grew at the rate of 139.7% between 2000 and 2010, making it the fastest growing city in the world. As at 2015 the city was still experiencing an annual growth of at least 35%, still retaining its position as the fastest growing city on the African continent and one of the fastest in the world.

The centrally located Nigerian city was created in 1980. It officially became Nigeria’s capital on 12 December, 1991 replacing Lagos; though Lagos remains the country's most populated city in Nigeria. Abuja is among the most expensive cities in Africa and has become a real estate hotspot. There are several places in Abuja that can be termed small heaven due to the structures and beauty of houses and serene environment. However, since not all fingers are equal, there are some zones that stand unrivalled.

Here are the five hottest zones in Abuja in terms of real estate worth and prestige.

ASOKORO

Asokoro is recognized as Abuja's most exclusive district for most serving ministers and top government officials. It is ultimately close to the seat of power not only in Nigeria but the entire West African region. It houses Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) secretariat, National Intelligence Agency, World Health Organization (WHO) office etc. Also, Aso Rock, a prominent land mark in Abuja is situated in Asokoro district. Asokoro is not just for anybody; even if you think you are rich you may still need to cut that rich coat according to your size due to the cost of living in Asokoro. Many comfortable Nigerians can't even rent an apartment in Asokoro not to talk of owning a land. Rents start from 4 million for two bed-room flats, and that is not talking about the few expensive shops around where you may spend some people's annual salaries on a single spree. In fact, you have to be insanely wealthy to stand your ground in Asokoro.

MAITAMA

This is one of the major districts of Abuja, and also one of the prestigious areas. Maitama is home to most embassies and high commissions. It is an exclusive and expensive area where Nigeria's big men reside.

Most people who live in Maitama are diplomats, ministers, government functionaries, former or serving governors and their families, senators or big time contractors, but not regular civil servants or ordinary Nigerians. If you can cough out #2.5 million for a two bed-room flat for twelve months or spend close to #100,000 for regular groceries for a family of four at any of the expensive supermarkets, then you can live in Maitama. The Dome, Independent National Electorial Commission, Nigerian Communication Commission, British Council, Transcorp Hilton and Ministers hill are some of the distinguishing places in Maitama. This area is the high end section of society and business, and has the reputation of being very exclusive and very expensive. You may want to compare Maitama to Victoria Island in Lagos.

WUSE

Wuse is divided into zones (zones 1-7), there is also Wuse II which is different from Wuse zone 2, and a more expensive area. Notable places in Wuse include Wuse market, AP plaza, Banex plazas, Emab plaza, General Post Office, FRSC, NAFDAC, FERMA, Sheroton Hotel, Rockview Hotel, SilverBird Cinema, EFCC and AGIS. Wuse II is very close to Maitama and also shares its exclusivity. The area is one of the busiest places in the city.

Wuse has most of Abuja’s upscale restaurants and hospitality centers. It's where you will find the exclusive stores: Juice Place 2, Quarter Cafe, Woks and Koi, The Nail Bar or Bloomsbury Plaza among other high flying places where the big spenders in town love to frequent. This district competes with Maitama for living costs, but is more of a commercial district. The few residents in this area make you understand with their lifestyles the differences between high class living.

 

GARKI

Garki district takes the 4th spot because it doesn't really fall into the league of top places like Wuse 2 or Maitama in terms of high cost of living. However, it still is quite an expensive area though not compared with the big guns. For instance, Garki 2 has some of the most expensive supermarkets and shopping malls, just in case you are dreaming of purchasing regular consumables. Rent in this part of the city is also quite high and a two bed-room flat could go for between #1.5 million to #2.5 million per year depending on which part you find yourself in.

The Garki district is the area in the southwest corner of the city, having the central district to the north and the Asokoro district to the east. The district is subdivided into units called "Areas". Distinctive naming convention of "Areas" is used to refer to parts of Garki. These are designated as Areas 1 to 11. Garki II is used to differentiate the area from Garki area 2.

Garki is presently the principal business district of Abuja. Numerous buildings of interest are located in this area. Some of them include the General Post Office, Abuja International Conference Centre located on Herbert Macaulay way, and Nicon Luxury Hotel. A zoological garden as well as the Garki shopping Centre are located in area 2. The Army Headquarters, Airforce Headquarters and Navy Headquarters are all located in the Garki district. The tallest building in this district is the Radio House. This houses the Federal Ministry of Information and Communications, and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) station, The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) which oversees and runs the administration of the Federal Capital Territory is located in Garki.

Other places of note include the Central Bank of Nigeria, Art and Culture Centre and the Nigerian Police Mobile Force Headquarters in Area 10. The Abuja Municipal Area Council, which is the local government administration, has its headquarters in Area 10. The new United States Embassy is also located in the Garki district. Garki is definitely a place in Abuja you can't miss. It attracts all and sundry to its domain.

GWARINPA

Gwarinpa is believed to be the largest housing estate in West Africa. This probably is the only area that can accommodate the average civil servant. It is home to many upper middle class people who want a decent alternative to Maitama or Wuse 2. Houses here are still quite expensive.

Gwarinpa district is in phase 3 development plan of Abuja. It became popular when Gwarinpa Housing Estate in the district was built. There is also another residential area called life-camp in the Gwarinpa district. Most construction companies in Abuja have staff quarters in life-camp.

Gwarinpa is about 15 minutes drive to the central business district and about 20km from the Abuja Airport. Gwarinpa is mainly a residential area though some businesses, especially service oriented businesses like banks and eateries are springing up very rapidly. Most of these businesses are located on the three major roads in Gwarinpa. The roads are First Avenue, Second Avenue and Third Avenue. Within Gwarinpa Estate there are also some small estates. These include Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Estate, War College Estate, FHA Estates, Citec villas, Abuja Model City, etc.

There are real estate opportunities in Gwarinpa, some areas in the district are still developing, and there are still some undeveloped plots in the area.