The Federal Capital Territory is the administrative territory of Nigeria, set aside as the seat of the national government. It is the area where the country's capital city and most of its federal institutions are based, so a visit here is as much about how Nigeria is governed as about the places you see.
What the territory is
Unlike the country's states, the Federal Capital Territory is administered directly by the federal government. Its core purpose is to house the capital city and the federal institutions that run the country, which gives the area a distinctly official character compared with other parts of Nigeria.
What a visit offers
- A look at the workings of national government, through the federal institutions based in the territory.
- The experience of a planned administrative city, quite different from older commercial centres elsewhere in the country.
- A base from which to explore the wider region of Nigeria, in the heart of the country.
Planning your trip
Because the territory is built around government business, it suits travellers with a particular interest in politics, public administration or the story of how Nigeria chose its capital. Those looking for a beach or a traditional market scene may find the surroundings and the mix of activities different from what they expected. Check current entry requirements and local conditions before you go, as these can change.
