Nigeria Moved Its Capital from Lagos to Abuja on 12 December 1991

On 12 December 1991, Nigeria officially relocated its federal capital from Lagos to Abuja, a planned city in the center of the country.

Lagos had been the capital since 1914 (amalgamation of Northern and Southern Protectorates). The move aimed to:

• Decongest Lagos (severe overcrowding, infrastructure strain).
• Promote national unity with a neutral, central location.
• Stimulate development in the Middle Belt.
• Enhance security (Lagos was coastal and vulnerable).

Abuja's master plan (by Kenzo Tange) features wide boulevards, distinct districts, and the iconic Aso Rock backdrop. Lagos remains the commercial and cultural capital.