Abuja

Abuja officially became the capital of Nigeria on December 12, 1991, taking over from Lagos. The decision to move the capital to Abuja was made to have a capital that was situated in a more central location and was less congested than Lagos. The choice of Abuja was made by the military government citing its strategic location, as it was more centrally placed geographically, and it was seen as a neutral area with very few inhabitants, making it a location where all Nigerians could feel at home. The transition to Abuja was part of a broader policy by the government to try to foster unity by relocating the capital from its traditional seat.

Abuja was the host city for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that took place from December 5 to December 8, 2003. This high-profile event brought together leaders from the Commonwealth of Nations, including Queen Elizabeth II. The summit focused on development challenges, globalization, democracy, and human rights. Hosting the CHOGM in Abuja was seen as a significant achievement for Nigeria, showcasing the city as a capable and modern capital suitable for international events. It was also an opportunity for Nigeria to emphasize its role on the African continent and within the Commonwealth.

On April 14, 2014, a bombing occurred at a bus station in Nyanya, on the outskirts of Abuja, Nigeria. The attack killed at least 88 people and injured more than 200 others. The extremist group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the bombing. This tragic event was one of a series of deadly attacks orchestrated by Boko Haram, which has been based in northeastern Nigeria but had expanded its violent insurgency across the country. The bombing highlighted the serious security challenges Nigeria faced at the time and increased international attention on the efforts needed to combat terrorism in the region.

On April 21, 2015, the iconic Abuja City Gate officially reopened following extensive renovations. The structure, which is located on Shehu Shagari Way, serves as a main entry point into the capital city of Nigeria and symbolizes the pride and unity of the Nigerian people. The renovations were aimed at beautifying the city and improving its status as the capital of Nigeria. The City Gate is significant as it often serves as the backdrop for welcoming foreign dignitaries and for national celebrations. The refurbishment project was part of broader efforts to maintain Abuja's infrastructure as it continues to grow and develop.

On December 2, 2015, Abuja was officially put forward as Nigeria’s bid city for hosting the 2019 All Africa Games. This was announced following a successful bid by Nigerian authorities who wanted to capitalize on Abuja’s existing infrastructure and its history of hosting large sporting events. The 2015 announcement was part of Nigeria's broader strategy to enhance its presence on the African sporting stage and promote unity through sports. The All Africa Games is a multi-sport event held every four years, similar to the Olympics but for African countries, and hosting it is seen as a prestigious opportunity.

On October 27, 2018, a gas pipeline explosion occurred in the Kubwa village area of Abuja, leading to several fatalities and injuries. The explosion was due to a gas leak and was a part of a series of such incidents linked to pipeline vandalization and improper handling of industrial infrastructure. The Abuja disaster renewed calls within Nigeria for stricter regulations and oversight concerning infrastructure safety. This event emphasized the importance of reinforcing safety measures and ensuring proper maintenance to prevent future disasters, given Abuja's significance as Nigeria’s capital and political hub.

In an unprecedented move, a mass trial of Boko Haram suspects was held in Abuja courts resulting in the conviction of numerous individuals on March 8, 2019. The trial was a significant event in Nigeria's legal and judicial history, representing a determined effort by the Nigerian government to process the large number of suspects detained during military operations against the insurgency. This event highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism and its complexities. The trials were also part of the broader push to end the Boko Haram insurgency that had caused immense suffering in Nigeria and their legal processing turned the spotlight on Nigeria’s efforts to dispense justice through its rule of law.

The #EndSARS protests that gained global attention also saw significant events unfold in Abuja. On October 20, 2020, Nigerian security forces confronted peaceful protesters in Abuja as part of the nationwide demonstrations against the SARS (Special Anti-Robbery Squad), a controversial police unit accused of abuses and corruption. The protests in Abuja were marked by significant tension and attracted international attention due to alleged human rights violations. The #EndSARS movement was a call for systemic police reform and good governance in Nigeria, bringing together youths and civil society actors advocating for change.

On August 1, 2021, Abuja took a major step towards improving its transportation infrastructure with the launch of its first official mass transit company. This initiative aimed to address the growing transportation needs of the city's rapidly increasing population. The mass transit company was established to provide reliable, safe, and efficient public transportation, reducing traffic congestion and pollution in the capital. The introduction of organized public transport was seen as a significant development to support Abuja's urban growth and enhance the quality of life for its residents while promoting environmentally friendly commuting options.

On July 5, 2022, the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja was attacked, leading to the escape of hundreds of inmates, including convicted terrorists. The attack was carried out by heavily armed insurgents who breached the prison's perimeter using explosives, resulting in significant damage and chaos. The prison break raised serious questions about the security measures in place and highlighted the vulnerability of Nigeria’s correctional facilities. This incident was particularly concerning for national security as it involved the escape of high-profile individuals who posed further threats to the public safety and order in the region.