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Federal Capital Territory

“Centre of Unity”

Capital Abuja
Zone North Central
LGAs 6
Population 3,067,500
2026 Budget ₦2.29T

About Federal Capital Territory

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is the capital of Nigeria and the seat of the Federal Government. It was officially established in 1976 and replaced Lagos as the capital in 1991. Abuja is strategically located in the centre of the country and serves as a symbol of national unity.
Historical Background
Long before European contact, the area now known as the Federal Capital Territory was settled by the Gbagyi people (also written Gwari or Gwagyi), a Middle Belt farming people who established communities across the Gwagwa plains centuries ago. The Gbagyi are the most numerous ind… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Federal Capital Territory

Official nameFederal Capital Territory
Capital city Abuja
Slogan / MottoCentre of Unity
Geo-political zone North Central
Local govt areas 6 LGAs →
Population (census) 3,067,500
Population density 419 / km²
Total area 7,315 km²
First governor Col. John Atom Kpera (first FCT Administrator)
2026 budget ₦2.29T →

Frequently Asked Questions — Federal Capital Territory

The capital city of Federal Capital Territory State is Abuja. It is the seat of the Federal Capital Territory State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Federal Capital Territory State has 6 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.
According to the National Population Commission, Federal Capital Territory State has a population of 3,067,500. The state capital Abuja is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 419 persons per km².
Federal Capital Territory State is in the North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.
Federal Capital Territory State was created in 1976. The first governor was Col. John Atom Kpera (first FCT Administrator). Learn more on the Federal Capital Territory State History page.
The Federal Capital Territory State budget for 2026 is ₦2.29T. See the full breakdown on the Federal Capital Territory State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Federal Capital Territory State covers a total land area of 7,315 km². With a population density of 419 people per km².

Government Structure

The FCT is administered directly by the Federal Government through a Minister appointed by the President. Unlike other states, it does not have an elected Governor or State House of Assembly, making its governance structure unique in Nigeria.

Officials

No officials have been added for Federal Capital Territory yet.

Economy of Federal Capital Territory

The economy of the FCT is driven by public administration, construction, real estate, hospitality, and services. Abuja is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa, with continuous infrastructure development and rising foreign investment.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Over 3.5 million residents (estimated). Abuja is highly cosmopolitan, attracting people from all 36 states of Nigeria as well as foreign nationals due to its political and administrative importance.
3,067,500
Population
7,315
Area km²
419
Per km²
6
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Federal Capital Territory

FCT is home to iconic landmarks such as Aso Rock, Zuma Rock (nearby), Eagle Square, National Mosque, National Christian Centre, Millennium Park, and Jabi Lake. It is also known for its organized city planning and modern architecture.

History of Federal Capital Territory State

Long before European contact, the area now known as the Federal Capital Territory was settled by the Gbagyi people (also written Gwari or Gwagyi), a Middle Belt farming people who established communities across the Gwagwa plains centuries ago. The Gbagyi are the most numerous indigenous group in the…
Historical Kingdoms: Gbagyi chieftaincies, Gwandara kingdom, Gade chieftaincies, Bassa Nge settlements
🕐 Read Full History of Federal Capital Territory →

2026 Appropriation

₦2.29T
Total Budget — Federal Capital Territory State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Federal Capital Territory State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Federal Capital Territory State under Governor Nyesom Wike (FCT Minister) totals ₦2.29T. The budget details include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocation (FAAC) and sector allocations covering education, health, infrastructure, security and agriculture.

See full budget details, sector allocations and year-on-year comparison →

Compare State Budgets

See how Federal Capital Territory State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →