Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territories – Federal Capital II Basic 4 Nigerian History Lesson Note

Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territories

Present Federal Capital Territory:

• Name: Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja
• Created: 1976
• Became Capital: 1991

The Correct Answer About Nigeria’s Federal Capitals

Lagos (1960-1991)

• Type: Federal Capital (not Federal Capital Territory)
• Status: Was the seat of federal government
• Current Status: Commercial capital and former federal capital

Abuja (1991-Present)

• Type: Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
• Created as FCT: 1976 (territory carved out)
• Became Active Capital: December 12, 1991
• Created by: General Murtala Mohammed (FCT) and General Ibrahim Babangida (moved capital)

Why Lagos Maintains Special Federal Status

1. Historical Importance

• Former seat of federal government (1960-1991)
• First capital of independent Nigeria
• Many federal institutions already established there

2. Economic Significance

• Largest economy in Nigeria
• Major seaport for international trade
• Financial center of West Africa
• Commercial hub of Nigeria

3. Infrastructure

• Already developed federal facilities
• International airport (Murtala Muhammed)
• Major seaport (Lagos Port Complex)
• Banking and financial institutions

4. Strategic Location

• Gateway to Nigeria from the sea
• Connection point for international business
• West African commercial center
• Access to international markets

5. Practical Reasons

• Expensive to move all federal institutions
• Some institutions work better in Lagos
• International connections already established
• Expertise and experience concentrated there

Location of Lagos on Map of Nigeria

Geographic Location:

• Southwest Nigeria
• Lagos State
• Atlantic Ocean coastline
• Border with Ogun State
• Close to Benin Republic

Important Features:

• Victoria Island – business district
• Lagos Island – old commercial center
• Ikeja – state capital and airport location
• Apapa – major port area
• Lagos Lagoon – water body

Coordinates:

• Latitude: About 6.5°N
• Longitude: About 3.4°E
• Coastal city on the Atlantic Ocean

Federal Institutions Still in Lagos

Major Federal Institutions:

• Central Bank of Nigeria (regional office)
• Federal High Court (Lagos Division)
• Nigerian Ports Authority headquarters
• Federal Ministry regional offices
• Nigerian Custom Service headquarters
• Federal Inland Revenue Service offices

Comparison: Abuja vs Lagos

Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks:

• Nigeria currently has _______ Federal Capital Territory
• The FCT is called _______
• Lagos was Nigeria’s capital from _______ to _______
• Abuja became the capital in _______

2. True or False:

• Nigeria has two Federal Capital Territories today ( )
• Lagos is still the Federal Capital of Nigeria ( )
• Abuja FCT was created in 1976 ( )
• Lagos maintains some federal institutions ( )

3. Why does Lagos maintain special federal status?

• a) It’s the largest city
• b) Historical importance and federal institutions
• c) It has the best weather
• d) It’s close to other countries

4. Circle what Lagos still has:

• Presidential Villa
• Federal High Court
• National Assembly
• Nigerian Ports Authority
• Supreme Court
• Central Bank offices

5. Match the status with the territory:

• Abuja → Current Federal Capital Territory
• Lagos → Former Federal Capital (special status)

6. Where is Lagos located on the map?

• a) Central Nigeria
• b) Northern Nigeria
• c) Southwest Nigeria
• d) Southeast Nigeria

7. Complete the timeline:

• Lagos as Federal Capital: _______ to _______
• Abuja FCT created: _______
• Abuja became active capital: _______

8. Short Answer:

• What is Nigeria’s current Federal Capital Territory?
• Why does Lagos still have federal institutions?
• Where is Lagos located in Nigeria?
• When did Abuja become Nigeria’s capital?

9. Map Exercise: Draw a simple map of Nigeria and mark:

• Location of Abuja (center)
• Location of Lagos (southwest coast)

Answer Key:

1. one, Abuja, 1960, 1991, 1991
2. False, False, True, True
3. b) Historical importance and federal institutions
4. Circle: Federal High Court, Nigerian Ports Authority, Central Bank offices
5. Matching as shown above
6. c) Southwest Nigeria
7. 1960, 1991, 1976, 1991
8. Abuja / Historical importance and established institutions / Southwest Nigeria on the coast / 1991
9. Students should draw basic map showing Abuja in center and Lagos in southwest coastal area