What is the capital of Nigeria?

The capital of Nigeria is Abuja. It serves as the seat of Nigeria's federal government and lies within the Federal Capital Territory near the country's geographic centre.

Nigeria moved its capital from Lagos to Abuja on 12 December 1991. The decision was driven by Lagos's overcrowding and by the desire for a capital viewed as more geographically neutral among Nigeria's major ethnic and regional blocs. A federal decree initiating the move was issued in 1976, and construction of the planned city began in the late 1970s.

Abuja is known for landmarks including Aso Rock, the National Assembly, the Presidential Complex and the Nigerian National Mosque. Its location also helped encourage development inland, while Lagos remained Nigeria's major commercial and maritime centre.

A common mix-up is choosing Lagos because it is Nigeria's largest and best-known city. Lagos was the former capital, but Abuja is the current national capital. Abuja also hosts the headquarters of ECOWAS and regional offices of several international organisations.