Abuja: The Heartbeat of Nigeria

• HelloSannu
  [sahn-noo]
• GoodbyeSai anjima
  [sigh ahn-jee-mah]
• YesEh
  [eh]
• NoA'a
  [ah-ah]
• Please/You're welcomeDa so
  [dah soh]
• Thank youNa gode
  [nah goh-deh]
• Excuse me/SorrySamu da sauki
  [sah-moo dah sah-kee]
• How are you?Yaya dai?
  [yah-yah dye]
• Fine. And you?Yaya. Kuma kake?
  [yah-yah. koo-mah kah-kay]
• Do you speak English?Kana son magana da Turanci?
  [kah-nah sohn mah-gah-nah dah too-rahn-chee]
• I don't understandBa na fahimci
  [bah nah fah-heem-chee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIna son dubawa na bidiyo, don Allah
  [ee-nah sohn doo-bah-wah nah bee-dee-yoh, dohn ah-lah]
• I don't eat meatBa na ci abinci
  [bah nah chee ah-been-chee]
• Cheers!A karshe!
  [ah kahr-shay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIna son kudi, don Allah
  [ee-nah sohn koo-dee, dohn ah-lah]

• Help!Taimaka!
  [tie-mah-kah]
• Go away!Zuba!
  [zoo-bah]
• Call the Police!Kira bakin kai!
  [kee-rah bah-keen kah-ee]
• Call a doctor!Kira likita!
  [kee-rah lee-kee-tah]
• I'm lostNa yi wani
  [nah yee wah-nee]
• I'm illNa yi lafiya
  [nah yee lah-fee-yah]

• I'd like to buy...Ina so na siya...
  [ee-nah soh nah see-yah]
• I'm just lookingNa zaba nake
  [nah zah-bah nah-kay]
• How much is it?Shi ne yadda kake?
  [shee nay yah-dah kah-kay]
• That's too expensiveWannan ya fi kudi
  [wahn-nahn yah fee koo-dee]
• Can you lower the price?Zaka bata kudi?
  [zah-kah bah-tah koo-dee]

• What time is it?Me yake da sa'a?
  [may yah-kay dah sah-ah]
• It's one o'clockYa sa'a daya
  [yah sah-ah dah-yah]
• Half past (10)Da rabi (goma)
  [dah rah-bee goh-mah]
• MorningRana
  [rah-nah]
• AfternoonRana
  [rah-nah]
• EveningRana
  [rah-nah]
• YesterdayJibi
  [jee-bee]
• TodayYau
  [yow]
• TomorrowGobe
  [goh-bay]
• 1Daya
  [dah-yah]
• 2Biyu
  [bee-yoo]
• 3Uku
  [oo-koo]
• 4Hudu
  [hoo-doo]
• 5Biɗi
  [bee-dee]
• 6Shida
  [shee-dah]
• 7Bakwai
  [bah-kwai]
• 8Takwas
  [tah-kwahs]
• 9Tara
  [tah-rah]
• 10Goma
  [goh-mah]

• Where's a/the...?Ina...
  [ee-nah]
• What's the address?Me sunan...
  [may soo-nahn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Zaka nuna min (a cikin rubutu)?
  [zah-kah noo-nah meen (ah chee-keen roo-boo-too)]
• When's the next (bus)?Me yake zaɓi na gaba?
  [may yah-kay zah-bee nah gah-bah]
• A ticket (to ....)Katin tikit (zuwa ....)
  [kah-teen tee-keet (zoo-wah)]

Abuja's history dates back centuries, with the area initially inhabited by various ethnic groups including the Gwari, Koro, and Gade peoples. These groups lived in small, scattered settlements and engaged in farming, hunting, and trade. The region's strategic location made it a melting pot of cultures and an important trading hub.

The city of Abuja was formally established in the 1980s as a planned capital city for Nigeria. The decision to move the capital from Lagos to Abuja was made in 1976 by the military government, led by General Murtala Mohammed, to address issues of congestion and ethnic imbalance. The new capital was intended to be centrally located and neutral, reflecting Nigeria's diversity and unity.

The construction of Abuja began in earnest in the early 1980s under the supervision of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). The master plan, designed by the International Planning Associates (IPA), aimed to create a modern city with well-organized sectors, efficient transportation networks, and green spaces. The city was officially declared Nigeria's capital on December 12, 1991.

Since becoming the capital, Abuja has experienced rapid economic growth and urbanization. The city's economy is driven by government administration, real estate, construction, and services. Landmark projects such as the Abuja National Mosque, Aso Rock Presidential Villa, and the Nigerian National Assembly complex symbolize the city's modernity and importance.

Despite its modern appearance, Abuja retains a rich cultural heritage. The city hosts several traditional festivals, including the annual Gwari Day, which celebrates the culture and history of the Gwari people with music, dance, and traditional ceremonies. The city is also home to the National Cultural Institute and various galleries that showcase Nigerian art and culture.

Abuja is known for its scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, lush vegetation, and striking rock formations such as Aso Rock and Zuma Rock. These natural features are not only visually stunning but also hold cultural and historical significance for the indigenous peoples of the region. The city's parks and gardens offer residents and visitors serene environments to relax and enjoy nature.

Abuja is a significant diplomatic center, hosting numerous foreign embassies, international organizations, and diplomatic missions. The city's role as Nigeria's political and administrative heart makes it a hub for international relations and diplomacy in West Africa. Major conferences and summits are frequently held in Abuja, further enhancing its global profile.

Abuja is served by Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV), located approximately 40 kilometers from the city center. Several international airlines operate flights to and from Abuja, connecting it to major cities around the world. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use ride-hailing services to reach your accommodation. Alternatively, some hotels offer shuttle services for their guests.

Abuja has a range of transportation options including taxis, ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt, and public buses. The city’s bus rapid transit (BRT) system is an affordable option for getting around. Car rentals are also available but driving can be challenging due to traffic and road conditions. For short distances, motorbike taxis known as 'okadas' are commonly used.

The official currency in Nigeria is the Nigerian Naira (NGN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions, street vendors, and in more remote areas. ATMs are available throughout the city, and most banks offer currency exchange services.

Abuja is generally considered safer than many other parts of Nigeria, but it is still important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Be cautious in crowded places to protect against pickpocketing. Neighborhoods such as Gwarinpa and Garki are generally safe, but areas like Nyanya and Mararaba have higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Major hospitals like National Hospital Abuja and Garki Hospital offer emergency medical services. For police assistance, contact the nearest police station or dial 911. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. It is polite to greet people with 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon'. Public Transport: Do be respectful and avoid loud conversations. Be cautious with your belongings. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake, and use the right hand when giving or receiving items. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings politely. Avoid eating or drinking in public during the Ramadan fasting period.

To experience Abuja like a local, visit Jabi Lake Mall for shopping and leisure activities. Explore local markets such as Wuse Market for a variety of goods and traditional items. Enjoy local cuisine at Bukka restaurants or try street food like suya. Engage with locals who are known for their hospitality and willingness to share cultural insights. Don’t miss the Millennium Park for a relaxing day out, or the Abuja Arts and Crafts Village for unique souvenirs.