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Abuja is widely known as the capital city of Nigeria. Contrary to popular opinion, it is not among the 36 states of Nigeria. If Abuja were added, there would be a total of 37 states in Nigeria.
Abuja is actually one of the local government areas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). As its name suggests, the FCT is a federal territory in North-central Nigeria. It is worth noting that unlike other states in Nigeria which are headed by elected governors, the FCT is headed by a minister who is appointed by the President.
In this article, we will highlight the local government in FCT and their headquarters. We’ve also included fun-facts about the FCT and Abuja towards the end of this article.
Local Government in FCT and their Headquarters
The table below outlines the six local government areas we have in FCT and their respective headquarters:
| S/n | Local Government | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abaji | Abaji |
| 2 | Abuja Municipal | Garki |
| 3 | Bwari | Bwari |
| 4 | Gwagwalada | Gwagwalada |
| 5 | Kuje | Kuje |
| 6 | Kwali | Kwali |
Fun Facts about the FCT and its Local Government Areas
1. Size and Number of LGA
The FCT covers a total land area of about 7,290 km², covering six Local Government Areas with its capital in Abuja. It is almost as large as Enugu which is the 8th smallest state in Nigeria.
2. Administration
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is the government agency responsible for managing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria. The FCTA is led by a Minister, who is appointed by the President, and supported by a Permanent Secretary, a experienced civil servant.
While the Minister oversees the overall strategy and direction of the FCTA, while the Permanent Secretary handles the day-to-day operations and implementation of policies.
3. Current Leader
The current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is Ezenwo Nyesom Wike. He was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on August 16, 2023, to lead the administration of the FCT. Before becoming the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike served as the Governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023.
4. Notable Locations
The Federal Capital Territory is home to several industries, head offices, recreational and religious centres. All these makes the FCT a hub of political, economic, social, and cultural activity in Nigeria. Some of these locations include:
- Aso Rock Presidential Villa, the official residence and office of the President of Nigeria
- National Assembly Complex, the seat of the Nigerian legislature
- Supreme Court of Nigeria, the highest court in the land.
- University of Abuja, a prestigious federal University in Nigeria.
- National Christian Centre (Formerly Ecumenical Centre), a prominent Christian worship center
- Abuja National Mosque, a major Islamic worship center.
- National Stadium, a multi-purpose sports complex.
- Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the main airport serving Abuja.
- National Hospital, a leading healthcare facility.
- National Library of Nigeria, a major repository of knowledge.
- National Gallery of Art, showcasing Nigerian art and culture.
- Ladi Kwali Pottery Centre.
- Millennium Park, a popular recreational spot.
- Silverbird Entertainment Centre, a shopping and entertainment complex.
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Wrap up
In conclusion, the six local government areas are the foundation of the FCT, each playing a vital role in the nation’s capital. Understanding their administrative structures is crucial for effective governance and community development. Thank you for reading, and we hope you found this post informative!
Abdulbasit Toriola is an emerging voice in Nigerian cultural commentary and social analysis. From his corner in Lagos, he documents Nigerian history, current affairs, and explores the extraordinary journeys of Nigerians beating the odds. His works have been published on Africa Prime News and Opinion Nigeria. Connect with Abdulbasit on Twitter @blackboymusings for daily insights into Nigerian life and culture.
