Why was Nigeria’s federal capital moved from Lagos to Abuja?

The federal capital of Nigeria was moved from Lagos to Abuja in December 1991 to address several critical issues facing the former capital. By the mid-1970s, Lagos suffered from severe environmental pollution, significant traffic congestion, and the growth of slums due to overcrowding.1

The site for Abuja was selected for its central location within the country and its ease of accessibility. Unlike the coastal, low-lying environment of Lagos, the new capital was built on the grass-covered Chukuku Hills, offering a more salubrious climate with less humidity. Additionally, the choice of Abuja provided the government with a location characterized by low population density and ample availability of land, allowing for the development of Nigeria's first planned city and providing necessary space for future national expansion.2