List of Parastatals in Nigeria

ABUJA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, MINES & AGRICULTURE
Block 12, A1-Fayyun Street,
Zone 3, Abuja, FCT
P.M.B. 86, Garki
Tel: 09-5230413; 5230453 

ABUJA CHIEF MAGISTRATE COURT
Marnbolo Street
Wuse, Zone 2, Abuja
Tel: 09-5233845 

ABUJA COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND CULTURE
P.M.B. 199, Area 10
Garki,Abuja
Tel: 09-234027 1; 2340381 

ABUJA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BOARD
BlockS, Area 1, Section 2
P.M.B. 152, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2342485 

ABUJA HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE
Off Michael Okpara St.
Zone 5, Wuse, Abuja
Tel: 09-5234988-9 

ABUJA INVESTMENT AND PROPERTY DEV. CO. LTD.
Plot 770, Opp. National
Mosque, Central Business
District Total House, Abuja
Tel: 09-5235193; 5235191 

ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL
Wuse (Opposite Heritage)
Abuja Tel: 09-5231031 

ABUJA URBAN MASS TRANSIT COMPANY
Block D, Area 3
Former Open University
Complex, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2342735; 2342326 

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF COLLEGE OF NIGERIA (ASCON)
3rd Floor, Block 3, Annex 3B,
P.M.B. 150, Shehu Shagari
Way, New Federal Secretariat
Complex, Abuja
Tel: 09-523-6883 

ALUMINUM SMELTING CO. OF NIGERIA LTD. (ALSCON)
21 Zaire Street, Zone 6A
Maitama, Abuja
Tel: 09-523525 1; 5235133
Fax: 09-5235250 

AREA COUNCIL SERVICE BOARD
New Abuja Close, Area 3
Garki, Abuja
P.M.B. 053, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2340553 

AREA COUNCIL STAFF PENSION BOARD
P.M.B. 053, New Busa Close,
Area 3, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-234055 7 

ARMY RESERVE RECRUITMENT AND RESETTLEMENT CENTRE
Block 'A' Open University
Complex, Area 3, Garki
P.O. Box 2011, Abuja 

CALABAR EXPORT PROCESSING ZONES AUTHORITY (CEPZ)
4th Floor, Radio House
Herbert Macaulay Way
(South), P.M.B. 037
Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2343060
Fax: 09-234306 1 

CENTRE FOR DISTANT LEARNING & CONTINUING EDUCATION
University of Abuja, Area 3,
P.M.B. 195, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2342932 

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA (CBN)
Abuja Address: Olusegun
Obasanjo Road/Samuel
Akintola Street, P.M.B. 0187,
Garki, Abuja (near Federal
Ministry of Finance)
Tel: 09-2342132-4;
2343 132-6; 2343142;
2341592 Fax: 09-2343421 

CHRISTIAN WELFARE PILGRIMS BOARD
17, Angola Street, Wuse,
Zone 2, P.O. Box 1651, Garki,
Abuja
Tel: 09-52308 15 

CODE OF CONDUCT BUREAU
The Presidency
Matadi Street, Off Herbert
Macaulay Way, Zone 3, Wuse
P.M.B. 155, Abuja
Tel: 09-52308 18 

COMMITTEE ON DEVOLUTION OF POWER
BETWEEN FEDERAL STATES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Room 056, 12th Floor, Radio
House Area 7, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2343406 

COMMITTEE ON VISION 2010 PROGRAMME
The Presidency
6th Floor, Tower A, Room 1A
6.34, Federal Secretariat
Complex, Shehu Shagari Way,
Abuja 

CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION
Area 11, FCDA Secretariat
P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2342917-8
Fax: 09-2342669 

COUNCIL OF LEGAL EDUCATION
Nigeria Law School
Proposed Abuja Site, Ban,
Abuja (former Centre for
Democratic Studies) 

DAILY TIMES OF NIGERIA PLC
Block 2, Flat S & B Harper
Crescent, Zone 7, Wuse
P.M.B. 115, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-523 1589 

DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION SERVICES
Block E (Ground Floors)
Federal Secretariat, Area 1,
Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-234 1550; 2341397;
2341934-36 

NATIONAL CIVIL REGISTRATION
Sokode Crescent by Michael
Okpara Street, Zone 5,
Wuse, Abuja
Tel: 09-5230667-9


DEPARTMENT OF SOIL EROSION & FLOOD CONTROL
Federal Ministry of Water
Resources & Rural
Development, Plot 444,
Aguiyi Ironsi Street
Maitama District, Abuja 

DEPARTMENT OF STATES & LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AFFAIRS
Radio House, Herbert
Macaulay Way (South)
P.M.B. 279, Garki Post Office,
Area 11, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2343402-3 

DIRECTORATE OF FOOD, ROADS & RURAL
INFRASTRUCTURES (DFRI)
Zone A6, Plot 2848, Off
Ibrahim Babangida Way,
Maitama, P.M.B. 150, Abuja
Tel: 09-5238120 

DIRECTORATE OF PILGRIMS AFFAIRS
Wuse, Zone 4, Opposite
F.H.A. Blocks Beside Sheraton
Hotel Towers, Abuja
Tel: 09-5235 157 

DIRECTORATE OF TECHNICAL AID CORPS
Block 28, Goborone Street
Wuse, Zone 1
P.M.B. 102, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-523 1502; 5230755 

EDUCATION RESOURCES CENTRE
Wuse, Zone 7, P.O. Box 2946,
Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-5233 188; 5230410 

ENERGY COMMISSION OF NIGERIA (ECN)
5th Floor, Radio House
(Opposite International
Conference Centre), Abuja
Tel: 09-2345230; 2345231;
2345247 Fax: 09-2345247 

FCT AGENCY FOR MASS EDUCATION
P.M.B. 163, Area 2, Garki,
Abuja 

FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL COORDINATING UNIT (FACU)
Sheda I(m31, Abuja-Lokoja
Highway, P.O. Box 325,
Gwagwalada, Abuja
Tel: 09-882 1032; 8821033

FEDERAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY OF NIG. (FAAN)
Nnamdi Azikwe International
Airport, Abuja
Tel: 09-523 1082; 5234155 

FEDERAL CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (FCDA)
P.M.B. 24 (Garki Post Office)
Area 11, Garki, Abuja
Ministry of Federal Capital
Territory (MFCT), Secretary
Complex, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2341525; 2341019;
2341549 

FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
P.M.B. 194, Area 3, Garki, Abuja (Former Open University Complex) Tel: 09-2340471-4; 2340506 

FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY FOR FOOD,
ROADS & RURAL INFRASTRCTURE
P.M.B. 140
Area 11, Garki, Abuja 

FEDERAL CHARACTER COMMISSION
Block 2 (1/2/3), New Wing,
2nd Floor, 4B (249-25 7),
P.M.B. 5008, New Federal
Secretariat Complex, Shehu
Shagari Way, Maitama
District, Abuja 

FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY SPORTS COUNCIL
P.M.B. 157, Open University,
Area 3, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-234 1964 

FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY WATER BOARD
Open University Area 3
P.M.B. 164, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2344267 

FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
National Assembly Complex
Asokoro, Abuja
Tel: 09-234 1600 

FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Block 8, Oran Street
Wuse, Zone 1, Abuja, FCT


FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES
Block 10, Oran Street, Zone 1
Wuse, Abuja
Tel: 09-2341784


FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY
Block 10, Oran Street
Wuse, Zone 1, Abuja

FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF
LAND RESOURCES
Block 10, Oran Street
Wuse, Zone 1, Abuja 
 
FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK
Block 4, Oran Street
Wuse, Zone 1,Abuja 

FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
(FEPA)
Independence Way (South),
P.M.B. 265, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-5233379 

FEDERAL FILM DIVISION
Federal Ministry of
Information & Culture
Radio House, Area 10,
Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-523 1016 

FEDERAL FIRE SERVICE
Command Headquarters
Muhammed Buhari Way,
Area 7, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-234 1299; 2341399 

FEDERAL FIRE SERVICE
B Zone Headquarters, Zone 3,
Wuse, Bye Wuse, General
Hospital
Tel: 09-234 1299; 2341399 

FEDERAL HOUSING AUTHORITY (FHA)
Sekou toure Crescent
Off ECOWAS Secretariat
Road, Asokoro,
P.M.B. 101, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2344964; 2344961 

FEDERAL INLAND REVENUE SERVICE (FIRS)
Ministry of Finance Complex
Block B, 2nd Floor Gadastral
Zone A3, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2340939; 2635446
Fax: 09-2635446 

FEDERAL INSPECTORATE OF EDUCATION
Block 'A', 2nd Floor, Open
University Complex, Area 3
P.M.B. 65, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2342769 

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND
CULTURE, EXTERNAL PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT
Radio House, 3rd Floor
Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2346354 

FEDERAL MORTGAGE BANK
New Shopping Centre
Festival Road, Area 2, Garki
District Centre, Abuja 

FEDERAL MORTGAGE FINANCE LTD.
Tafawa Balewa Way,
P.M.B. 440, Plot 693, Area 8,
Garki (Block 5), Abuja 

FEDERAL OFFICE OF STATISTICS (FOS)
Queen Amina Street, Off
Sultan Dasuki Street, Phase 2,
Site 2, P.M.B. 127,
Garki, Abuja 

FEDERAL RADIO CORPORATION OF NIGERIA (FRCN)
Area 1, Kano Street, Garki
Abuja Tel: 09-5233912-3 

FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY COMMISSION
Block 1, Kisumn Street (Old
Block 403), Off Michael
Okpara/Olusegun Obasanjo
Way, Zone 2, Wuse District
P.M.B. 125, Abuja
Tel: 09-523 1857 

FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP DIVISION
Federal Ministry of Education
Wuse, Zone 6
P.M.B. 134, Abuja 

FEDERAL STAFF CLINIC
New Federal Secretariat
Complex 3, Shehu Shagari
Way, Maitama, Abuja
Tel: 09-5233536-8 

FEDERAL URBAN MASS TRANSIT AGENCY
(Special Scheme)
10 Lusaka Street, Zone 6
P.M.B. 4102, Wuse, Abuja
Tel: 09-5233286 

FERTILIZER PROCUREMENT DISTRIBUTION DIVISION
Plot 626, Cadastral Zone A3
Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2343682-4 

FORESTRY MANAGEMENT EVALUATION
AND COORDINATING UNIT (FORMECU)
Block 27, Nouakchott Street
Wuse, Zone 1, P.M.B. 226
Abuja Tel: 09-5232637;
5230685; Fax: 09-5232637 

GENERAL HOSPITAL, WUSE
Zone 3, Wuse, Abuja
Tel: 09-5231209 

GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING CLINIC & RESOURCE CENTRE
Area 3, Wuse, Abuja 

INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND
Area 1, Old Secretariat
Ministry of Industry Block
P.M.B. 126, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2342073 

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE
Herbert Macaulay Way
P.M.B. 141, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2345090 

JOINT ADMISSIONS AND MATRICULATION BOARD
(JAMB)
National Secretariat, Suleja
Road, Bwari
P.M.B. 169, Garki, Abuja 

LEGAL AID COUNCIL (LAC)
Zone 1, Open University
Secretariat, Block 4, Area 3,
Garki, Box 2647, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2342073 

MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION LTD.
6, Gana Street, Maitama,
Abuja 

NATIONAL AGENCY FOR
FOOD & DRUG
ADMINISTRATION AND
CONTROL (NAFDAC)
Plot 1057, Ikeja Crescent,
Garki, Area 2, Section 1
P.M.B. 5023, Wuse, Abuja
Tel: 09-2346380; 2346405;
2346406 

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
LAND DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY (NALDA)
Plot 802, Tafawa Balewa
Malunfashi Close Area 11
P.M.B. 215, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2340185; 2340186 

NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF
NIGERIA
Federal Ministry of
Information and Culture,
Radio House, Area 10, Garki,
Abuja
Tel: 09-523 1018 

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
International Conference
Centre, Opposite Radio
House or Block 6, Gonder
Street, Zone 1, Wuse
P.M.B. 09-5231548; 5231916;
2345090 

NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE
COUNCIL
4, Okene Street, Area 2,
Section 2, P.M.B. 320, Garki,
Abuja Tel: 09-2344482;
2344481; Fax: 09-2340994 

NATIONAL BOARD FOR
COMMUNITY BANKS
48 Usuma Street, Maitarna
District, P.M.B. 236, Abuja
Tel: 09-5232660; 5232661;
5232244; 5235082 

NATIONAL BOUNDARY
COMMISSION
Federal Secretariat, Shehu
Shagari Way, Maitama, Abuja
Tel: 09-5235 170 

NATIONAL
BROADCASTING
COMMISSION (NBC)
14 Bamako Road, Wuse,
Zone 1, Box 5747, Garki,
Abuja Tel: 09-5234526;
5235271 

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR
WOMEN DEVELOPMENT
Better Life Street, Opposite
Ecumenical Centre, Abuja
Tel: 09-2340608; 2340609;
2342481 Fax: 09-2340607 

NATIONAL CLEARING AND
FORWARDING AGENCY
(NM CA)
Blot 441, Zungeru Close,
Area 3, P.O.Box 4011, Garki,
Abuja Tel: 09-2345520 

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR
ARTS & CULTURE (NCACI)
P.M.B. 199, Area 10, Garki,
Abuja Tel: 09-234027 1; 2340381 

NATIONAL COMMISSION
FOR WOMEN AFFAIRS
The Presidency, Asokoro
District, P.M.B. 229, Garki,
Abuja Tel: 09-5233644;
2340436; 2340266 

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF
WOMEN SOCIETIES
Abuja Open University
Complex, Area 3, P.O. Box
562, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-523 1803; 5232889 

NATIONAL COMMISSION
FOR MASS LITERACY,
ADULT AND NON-FORMAL
EDUCATION
Area 3, Block A, 3rd Floor,
Garki, Abuja (Former Open
University)
Tel: 09-234403 1; 2344032 

NATIONAL COMMISSION
FOR REFUGEES
Federal Secretariat, 1st Floor
Annex 1, Shehu Shagari Way,
FCT, Abuja
Tel: 09-5233536; 5235901 

NATIONAL DIRECTORATE
OF EMPLOYMENT (NDE)
Plot 397, Zone 11, House,
Wuse District (Behind High
Court), Abuja, FCT,
P.M.B. 104 Tel: 09-523 1229 

NATIONAL DRUG LAW
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
(NDLEA)
Federal Secretariat
5th Floor, Abuja
Tel: 09-5233996 

NATIONAL ECONOMIC
INTELLIGENCE
COMMITTEE (NEIC)
The Presidency, Federal
Secretariat Complex, 7th
Floor, P.M.B. 298, Garki,
Abuja Tel: 09-5234047 

NATIONAL ECONOMIC
RECONSTRUCTION FUND
(NERFUND)
Towards Berger Junction
(Near ELF Petrol Station),
Plot 2105, Herbert Macaulay
Way, Wuse, Zone 6, Abuja
Tel: 09-2344476; 2344478 

NATIONAL ELECTORAL
COMMISSION OF NIGERIA
(NECON)
Olusegun Obasanjo Way
Area 10, P.M.B. 0184, Garki,
Abuja Tel: 09-234 1363;
2340887 

NATIONAL ELECTRIC
AUTHORITY
HEADQUARTERS OFFICE
(NEPA)
Plot 1071, Area 3,
P.M.B. 338, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2346238; 5231275;
5231256 

NATIONAL ELECTRIC
POWER AUTHORITY
District Office
Harare Street, Zone 6, Wuse,
Abuja Tel: 09-523 1256 

NATIONAL FERTILIZER
COMPANY OF NIGERIA
LTD. (NAFCON)
Plot 870, Area II, Garki,
Abuja P.M.B. 183, Abuja
Tel: 09-2342638; 2344183
Telex: 91135 NAFCON NG 

NATIONAL FILM & VIDEO
CENSOR BOARD
Radio House, Area 10
Garki, Abuja, FCT 

NATIONAL HUMAN
RIGHTS COMMISSION
National Assembly Complex
Maitama, P.M.B. 444, Garki,
Abuja Tel: 09-5234900-5
Fax: 09-5234149 

NATIONAL INFORMATION
& DOCUMENTATION
CENTRE (NIDOC)
5th Floor, Wing B, Radio
House, Area 10, Garki, Abuja 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR
PHARMACEUTICAL
RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT
IduAbuja, P.M.B. 21, Garki,
Abuja Tel: 09-523 1602
Fax: 09-5231043 

NATIONAL JUDICIAL
INSTITUTE
Supreme Court Complex
Abuja 

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF
NIGERIA
Festival Road, P.M.B. 1,
Area 2 (Near Shopping
Centre), Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-234105 1; 2341062 

NATIONAL MARITIME
AUTHORITY (NMA)
Maritime House, Plot 1970,
Michael Okpara Street, Off
Herbert Macaulay Way,
Wuse, Abuja
Tel: 09-5237016; 5237017;
5237018; 5237025


NATIONAL MATHEMATICAL CENTRE
OFFICE
Block 332, Zone 3,
P.M.B. 118, Abuja
Tel: 09-52306 18; 5233282;
5230783; 5230784 

NATIONAL MUSEUM
Garki, Abuja
P.M.B. 171, Abuja 

NATIONAL ORIENTATION
AGENCY
Old Secretariat, Area 1
Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2341688; 2341722;
2342534
Fax: 09-6872996 

NATIONAL PARI(S BOARD
Plot 245, Malanje Street
Zone 3, Wuse, Abuja
Tel: 09-5230429 

NATIONAL PLANNING
COMMISSION
New Federal Secretariat
Complex Annex 3, 4th Floor,
Shehu Shagari Way, Maitama
District, Abuja, P.M.B. 230
Garki,Abuja
Tel: 09-5236625; 2343098;
2342089 Fax: 09-2342092 

NATIONAL POPULATION
COMMISSION
P.M.B. 0281, Block 14
Lukulu Street, Zone 3, Wuse
Abuja Tel: 09-5230773;
5230775; 2343172 

NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY
CENTRE
Plot 149B, Abidjan Street
Wuse, Zone 3, P.M.B. 174
Garki, G.P.O. Abuja 

NATIONAL
RECONCILIATION
COMMITTEE (NARECOM)
The Presidency, Federal
Secretariat Complex, 3rd
Floor, Wing B, Shehu Shagari
Way, P.M.B. 9, Maitama,
Abuja Tel: 09-5232370 

NATIONAL RESOURCES
CONSERVATION COUNCIL
Block 405, Wuse, Zone 3,
Abuja Tel: 09-52303 13 

NATIONAL REVENUE
MOBILIZATION
COMMISSION
Old Secretariat, Area 1
Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-5233868-9 

NATIONAL RISK FUND PLC
do Raw Material Research
Development Council
Plot 427, Aguiyi Ironsi Street
Maitama District, P.M.B. 232
Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-5236035 

NATIONAL SEED SERVICE
Federal Department of
Agriculture, Zone 2, Wuse,
Abuja Tel: 09-2342540 

NATIONAL SPORT
COMMISSION (NSC)
New Federal Secretariat
Complex, Maitama District,
Garki, Abuja 

NATIONAL SUGAR
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Plot 1112, Obafemi Awolowo
Street, P.M.B. 299, Abuja
Area 11, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-5234840
Fax: 09-5234048 

NATIONAL UNITY LINE
C/O National Maritime
Authority, Plot 1970, Michael
Okpara Street, Off Herbert
Macaulay, Wuse, Abuja 

NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES
COMMISSION
NUC House, Plot 430, Aguiyi
Ironsi Street (Opposite Public
Complaint Commission)
Maitama District, Abuja
P.M.B. 229, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-5233176-83
Fax: 09-5233520

NATIONAL VETERINARY
RESEARCH INSTITUTE
(NVRI)
Veterinary Clinic, Abuja
P.O. Box 6590, Garki, Abuja 

NATIONAL WAR COLLEGE
(NWC)
Herbert Macaulay Way
(North), Area 10, Garki,
Abuja, P.M.B. 323, Abuja
Tel: 09-2342582; 2340644;
2340545; 2340282 

NATIONAL YOUTH
SERVICE CORPS (NYSC)
J.S. Tarka Street, Off Festival
Road, Area 3, Garki, Abuja
P.M.B. 138, Abuja
Tel: 09-234 1465; 2341438;
2342190 

NEW NIGERIAN
NEWSPAPERS LTD.
Block 27, Flat 13, Area 7
Behind Agura Hotel, Garki
Abuja Tel: 09-234 1925 

NEWS AGENCY OF
NIGERIA (NAN)
Block 28, Benue Crescent
Area 1, Section 1, Garki,
Abuja Tel: 09-2341118
Fax: 09-2341138 

NICON INSURANCE
CORPORATION
Plot 4, SFAX Street, Off
Herbert Macaulay Way,
Zone 4, P.M.B. 5029, Wuse,
Abuja Tel: 09-5236469;
5234939; 5237 120-4
Fax: 09-523 1456;
5237126 

NICON-NOGA HILTON
HOTEL
Maitama District, Aguiyi
Ironsi Road, P.M.B. 200,
Abuja,
Tel: 09-523 181 1-840
Fax: 09-52324 18 

NIGERDOCK NIGERIA PLC
C/O Fed. Min. of Transport
2nd Floor, Annex 3, New
Federal Secretariat Complex,
Shehu Shagari Way,
P.M.B. 1136, Abuja 

NIGERIA AIRWAYS LTD.
Airways House, Plot 681,
Area 8, Garki, Abuja
P.M.B. 6, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2341727; 2341737 

NIGERIA CUSTOMS
SERVICE
Abidjan Street, Opposite
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
P.M.B. 26, Wuse, Zone 3,
Abuja
Tel: 09-5234680; 5236387;
5236389 

NIGERIA DEPOSIT
INSURANCE
CORPORATION (NDIC)
447/448, Central Business
District, (Along Airport
Road), P.M.B. 284, Abuja
Tel: 09-5237710-2 1
Fax: 09-5236007 

NIGERIA EDUCATION
BANK (EDUBANK)
P.M.B. 11, Wuse, Zone 7,
Abuja
Tel: 09-5231078; 5231142;
5231059 Fax: 5231704 

NIGERIAN EXPORT
PROCESSING ZONE
AUTHORITY (NEPZA)
4th Floor, Radio House,
Herbert Macaulay Way
(South), Block A, Area 7,
P.M.B. 37, Garki Abuja
Tel: 2343060 Fax: 2343061 

NIGERIAN FOOTBALL
ASSOCIATION (NFA)
New Federal Secretariat
Complex, Maitama District,
Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-5235904 

NIGERIA IMMIGRATION
SERVICE
Immigration Headquarters,
Block 'B', Old Secretariat,
Garki, P.M.B. 038, Abuja
Tel: 09-2341594 

NIGERIA IMMIGRATION
SERVICE
(Passport Office), 2nd Floor,
Area III, Garki, P.M.B. 038,
Garki, Abuja.
Tel: 09-234-1594 

NIGERIA INSTITUTE OF
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
(NIIA)
Plot 820, Uyo 2, Area 11,
Garki, Abuja.
Tel: 09-2340095 

NIGERIA LABOUR
CONGRESS
Area 1, Section 1, Dekina
Close, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-5233867 

NIGERIA LIQUIFIED
NATURAL GAS (NLNG)
Plot 947, A2 Wuse Distrist
Abuja 

NIGERIAN AGRICULTURAL
AND COOPERATIVE BANK
LIMITED
NACB Plaza, Central Area,
P.M.B. 153, FCT, Abuja.
Tel: 09-2346168-9 

NIGERIAN PRISON
SERVICES
Prison Services Headquarters
Old Secretariat, Area 1,
P.M.B. 16, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 2341709 

NIGERIAN AGRICULTURAL
INSURANCE CO. LTD.
Plot 452, Tafawa Balewa
Way, P.O. Box 3754, Area 3,
Garki, Abuja
Tel:2342070; 2342071;
5231337 

NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
Corporate Headquarters
Plot 19, Behind CBN
Quarters, Garki, P.M.B. 326,
Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2344589-3 

NIGERIAN EDUCATIONAL
RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
(NERDC)
Lokoj a-Kaduna Road,
P.M.B. 91, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-8821114; 8821614 

NIGERIAN
EXPORT-IMPORT BANK
(NEXIM)
Plot 795, Ibrahim Babangmda
Drive Central Business
District, Garki, P.M.B. 276,
Abuja
Tel: 09-2346141-60 

NIGERIAN EXPORT
PROMOTION COUNCIL
Block 312, I(umba Street,
Zone 2, Wuse, Abuja
Tel: 09-5230930; 5230931;
5233381; 5233388 

NIGERIAN INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT BANK
LIMITED
Opposite National Mosque,
Central Business District,
Tofa House (1st Floor)
P.M.B. 205, Abuja.
Tel: 09-2346504-5 

NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF
ADVANCED LEGAL
STUDIES
Supreme Court of Nigeria,
Three Arm Complex, Central
District, Abuja.
Tel: 09-2346504-5 

NIGERIAN MOBILE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
LIMITED "M-TEL"
3, M-Tel Street Off Aminu
Kano Crescent, Wuse II,
Abuja, P.M.B. 5028, Abuja
Cellular: 090-409065 

NIGERIAN NATIONAL
MERIT AWARD
C/O Political Affairs Office
Federal Secretariat Shehu
Shagari Way, P.M.B. 09, Abuja 

NIGERIAN NATIONAL
PETROLEUM
CORPORATION (NNPC)
Temporary Headquarters
Plot 639, Usuma Street,
Maitama AS, Abuja
Tel: 09-5234760


NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE
Force Headquarters
P.M.B. 56, Abuja, Area 10,
Garki, Abuja.
Tel: 09-2343081; 2340756 

NIGERIAN PORTS
AUTHORITY (NPA)
Tofa House, Plot 770, Central
Business District Area, Wuse
(Near Central Mosque)
Tel: 09-5237140-4
Fax: 09-5237143 

NIGERIAN POSTAL
SERVICE (NIPOST)
Corporate Headquarters
P.M.B. 12537, Area 10, Garki,
Abuja, FCT
Tel: 2342162; 2341704;
2341363 

NIGERIAN PRISON
SERVICE
Prison Headquarters, Garki,
Abuja P.M.B. 16, Garki, FCT
Tel: 09-2341709 

NIGERIAN RAILWAY
CORPORATION (NRC)
Yellow House, Plot 739, Off
Ibrahim Babangida Aye,
Maitama District,
P.M.B. 5016, Abuja, FCT
Tel: 09-5231912-13 

NIGERIAN REINSURANCE
CORP.
N4 17 UAC Commercial
Complex Plot 272 & 273,
Central Area, P.M.B. 292
Garki, Abuja.
Tel: 09-523674 1; 5234213
Fax: 09-5234213 

NIGERIAN SECURITY
PRINTING AND MINING
CO. LTD.
Plot 862, AreaII, New FCDA
Secretariat Road, P.M.B. 144,
Garki, Abuja,
Tel: 09-2341102; 2341749;
2342753 Fax: 09-2342753 

NIGERIAN SHIPPERS'
COUNCIL
51, Usuma Street, Maitama
District P.M.B. 296, Garki,
Abuja. Tel: 09-5230653 

NIGERIAN SOCIAL
INSURANCE TRUST FUND
Behind Nigeria Export Import
Bank, Muhammadu Buhari
Way, P.M.B. 446, Garki,
Abuja. 

NIGERIAN STUDENTS
LOANS BOARD
Zone 7, Wuse District
P.M.B. 11,Abuja
Tel: 09-523 1059 

NIGERIAN
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
PLC (NITEL)
2, Bissau Street, Off Herbert
Macaulay Way, Zone 6, Wuse
Abuja.
Telex: 91544, NITEL NG
Fax: 09-5230252


NITEL TERRITORIAL
HEADQUARTERS
Block 3 1st floor, Open
University Complex
P.M.B. 20, Abuja
Tel: 09-2341311; 2342707 

NIGERIAN TELEVISION
AUTHORITY (NTA)
Opposite Radio House
P.M.B. 55, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-2341025; 2341120;
2341179; 2341946 

NIGERIAN TELEVISION
AUTHORITY (NTA)
Network Station, Area 11
P.M.B. 55, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-23459 12; 2345916 

NIGERIAN TOURISM DEV.
CORPORATION
Block 2, Sedafu Street
Zone 4, P.M.B. 167, Wuse,
Abuja.
Tel: 5230418; 5233 191-2
Fax: 5230902 

OFFICE OF THE ACCOUNT
GENERAL OF THE
FEDERATION
do Federal Ministry of
Finanace, Garki, Abuja.
Tel: 09-2340949 

OFFICE OF THE
AUDITOR-GENERAL OF
THE FEDERATION
Federal Ministry of Finance
Opposite Central Bank
P.M.B. 14, Garki, Abuja.
Tel: 09-5234020
Fax: 09-5235322 

OFFICE OF
ESTABLISHMENTS AND
MANAGEMENT SERVICE
Federal Secretariat 3rd Floor,
Abuja.
Tel: 09-5234936 

OFFICE OF THE
INSPECTOR OF GENERAL
POLICE
do Nigerian Police Force
Area 10, Garki, Abuja. 

OFFICE OF THE JOINT TAX
BOARD
Revenue House, P.M.B. 33,
Garki, Abuja. 

PEOPLE'S BANK OF
NIGERIA (PBN)
Area 2, Shopping Center
Garki, Abuja.
Tel: 09-2342445 

PETROLEUM
EQUALIZATION FUND
(MANAGEMENT) BOARD
Plot 541, Usuma Street
Cadastral Zone AS, Maitama
District, Abuja.
Tel: 09-5232964 

PETROLEUM (SPECIAL)
TRUST FUND (PTF)
Plot 802, Airport Road, Zone
A0, Central Business District,
P.M.B. 5007, Abuja. (Near
NDIC)
Tel: 09-5236691-8 

PUBLIC ACCOUNT
COMMITTEE
Area 1, Block A3, Opposite
Labour Garrage, Garki, Abuja
P.M.B. 263
Tel: 09-2340947-8 

RAW MATERIALS
RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
(RMRDC)
Plot 427, Aguiyi Ironsi Street
(Near NUC)
Maitama District, Abuja
P.M.B. 232, Garki, Abuja
Tel: 09-5236035 

RIVER BASIN
AUTHORITIES
do Federal MInistry of Water
Resources
Area 1, Secretariat, Abuja.
Tel: 09-2342415
Fax: 09-5233017 

SAVANNAH SUGAR
COMPANY LTD.
Plot 2009, Bissau Street Off
Herbert Macaulay Way, Zone
6, Abuja.
Tel: 09-523 1298; 5232956
Fax: 09-5233017 

SECRETARY TO THE
GOVERNMENT OF THE
FEDERATION
3rd Floor, Block "B"
Presidency, Federal
Secretariat (New) Complex,
Shehu Shagari Way, Central
Area, Abuja
Tel: 09-5239250; 5233540
5233745 

SECURITY AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION (SEC)
Plot 585, Asokoro
Aaso Rock, Abuja, FCT
Tel: 09-2344904 

SHEDA SCIENCE & TECH
COMPLEX
The Presidency
1st Floor, Federal Secretariat
Shehu Shagari Way,
P.M.B. 186, Garki, Abuja.
Tel: 09-52339 16; 5233917
5233918 Fax: 09-52339 19
Sheda Complex Site
Lokoj a-Abuj a Road
Sheda via Abuja. 

STANDARD
ORGANIZATION OF
NIGERIA (SON)
do Federal Ministry of
Industry, Old Secretariat,
Area 1, Garki, Abuja.
Tel: 09-2341721; 2341387 

STRATEGIC GRAINS
RESERVE DEPARTMENT
Federal Ministry of
Agriculture, Block 1, Manzini
Street, Zone 4, Wuse, Abuja
Tel: 09-5231217 

WEST AFRICAN
EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL
(WAEC)
Secretariat Road, Gwagwalada
P.M.B. 67, Garki, Abuja.
Tel: 09-882 1045 

WUSE POST OFFICE
Maputo Street, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja

TRANSITION
IMPLEMENTATION
COMMITTEE (TIC)
International Conference
Center, Garki, Abuja.
Tel: 09-2345090 

URBAN DEVELOPMENT
BANK OF NIGERIA PLC.
Julius Berger Junction, Wuse,
Zone 6, BehInd New Nigerian
Bank P.M.B. 272, Garki,
Abuja.
Tel: 09-5233655; 5233345
5233727
Telex: 91488 URBAN AB. NG
Fax: 09-5233737 

VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT)
OFFICE
Federal Ministry of Finance
Complex, Abuja.
Tel: 09-2340603
Fax: 09-2 635446 

VOICE OF NIGERIA
2, Farannah Street, Zone 2
P.O. Box 7310, Wuse, Abuja.
Tel: 09-5230487

NIGERIA: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Nigeria is a Federal Republic composed of 36 States, and a Capital Territory, with an elected President and a Bi-cameral Legislature. It operates the Presidential system of Government with three distinct but complementary arms namely the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary, each acting as a check on the other two.

The Executive arm of Government, at the Federal level, consists of the President, the Vice-president and other members of the Federal Executive Council, while at the State level, it is made up of the Governor, the Deputy Governor and other members of the State Executive Council.

The Legislature is equally found at the Federal and State levels. The Federal Legislature comprises a 109- member Senate and a 360-member House of Representatives. The two, combined, is known as the National Assembly (the equivalent of the American Congress). At the State level, the Legislature is known as the House of Assembly.

The President, The Governor, their Deputies, as well as members of the Legislature at both Federal and State levels are elected, under the present constitution, for four years, renewable only once. The Senate President is the Head of the Federal Legislature.

The Judiciary interpretes the laws and adjudicates in conflicts between the Executive and the Legislature. It carries out these functions through the various established courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court of the land, followed by the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, Magistrate Court, Area Court and Customary Court.

Long before the creation of the entity called Nigeria, the various peoples that existed independently then had established their own indigenous systems of administration. There were recognized political entities such as the Benin Empire, Kanem Bornu Empire, Sokoto Caliphate, Oyo Empire, to mention a few. The Empires and Kingdoms had established contact with one another and with other peoples, through trading activities.

Earlier in the 19th Century, the British had conquered the different parts of the present Nigeria at different times, and established control and authority over them. These areas were grouped into Protectorates namely Lagos, Niger Coast (also known as Oi1 River Protectorate), and the Northern Protectorate. For ease of administration and control, the Northern Protectorate, and the Southern Protectorate (made up of Lagos and Niger Coast) were amalgamated in 1914 by the British. Thus come into existence the country presently known as NIGERIA.

As time went on, British colonial rule, with its attendant alienation and subjugation of the indigenous people, resulted in agitation for self-government. The history of Nigeria was therefore dominated by 'struggle for freedom' between 1922 and 1959. Notable Nigerians like Sir Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnnmdi Azikwe, Chief Sire Ahmadou Bello, Chief Anthony Enahoro, to mention but a few, are known as the founders and fathers of Nigerian NATIONALISM.

Given this struggle, the British gave some concessions to Nigerians. This gave rise to the series of constitutions that come into existence, to assuage the feelings of the people. The constitutions included the Clifford Constitution of 1922, the Richards Constitution of 1946, the Macpherson Constitution of 1951, and the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954.

Although, with these constitutions, Nigerians were allowed limited contributions in the affairs of their own land, this could not stop the continuous clamour for total independence from colonial rule which had engendered social sufferings, as well as discrimination in the areas of employment, education, health, creational facilities, coupled with unjust and high taxation.

On 1st October 1960, Nigeria became self-governing from British colonial rule and was administered at the center by the Federal government and three regions Governments in the East, West and North of the country. In 1963, the Midwest Region was carved out of the Western Region making a federation of four Regions. During this First Republic, a parliamentary system of government was in operation. This lasted till January 1966.

The first military intervention in Nigeria occurred in January 1966 when the civilian government was overthrown in a military coup. This effectively marked the beginning and succession of military governments in the nation's political history. Military-rule continued till 1979 when the then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo handed over power to the civilian government of President Shehu shagari.

In the second Republic of President Shehu shagari, Nigeria adopted the Presidential system of government with an Executive President as the Head of the Federal Government. The administration was in power until 1983 when it was overthrown in a coup and the military once again come into governance. Nigeria again witnessed another round of military governments until 1993 when General Ibrahim Babaginda the head of the military government, put in place an interim civilian administration charged with conducting elections. This interim administration lasted for only three months when it was replaced in a palace coup by the military. The new military administration was headed by General Sani Abacha.

General Sani Abacha's Government ruled the country from 1993 to 1998 when the Head of State suddenly died in June 1998. It must be pointed out that during this particular regime, Nigeria faced tremendous opposition from the International Community over human rights abuses, culminating in Nigeria's suspension from the Commonwealth. Indeed, at this period, Nigeria was treated like a pariah nation, tolerated only by a few and abandoned by other countries, including her traditional allies like Britain and Canada.

With the sudden death of General Abacha in June 1998 General Abdulsalami Abubakar headed the new military administration, and was immediately confronted with the Herculean task of drawing Nigeria back from the brink of collapse and restoring her image. Admirably, this administration rose up to the occasion. The issue of human rights abuses was immediately addressed with the release of all political detainees and prisoners. The Government also announced and implemented a political transition program that ushered in a new civilian government in May 1999. Precisely in less than one year. Thus, General Abubakar administration was able to restore democracy back in Nigeria. Within that period too, Nigeria gradually regained her voice in the comity of nations. The administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was inaugurated on May 29, 1999. Simultaneously, executive governors were also sworn-in in the 36 states constituting the present Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In the Presidential System of Government that is now in place, there is a National Assembly (equivalent of US Congress) comprising two clambers namely the Senate and House of Representatives. There is a State Assembly in each of the 36 States. Also there are 774 local governments throughout the Federation representing the third-tier of government.

It is evident from the above political history that the military had dominated power for close to 30 years. The country is still undergoing a learning process and will continue to strive to nurture democracy and all its institutions to full development. The nation has come to accept that civilian democracy is the form of government that can guarantee full participation by the entire citizenry, ensure good governance, rapid progress and socio-economic development.

Since democracy was restored in the country there has been a gradual and impressive transformation of the political landscape. In 1999 only 3 political parties contested elections in Nigeria. But in 2003, 25 new political parties were registered by the national Electoral body, bringing to 28 the number of political parties that contested the 2003 elections.

The key test to the political future of Nigeria still lies in an enduring civilian governance. Elections conducted by civilian administration in 1965 mad 1983 had failed and led to military interventions. Nigerians are, therefore, now strongly determined, more than ever, to lay a solid foundation for an enduring democracy that would be the pride of future generations of Nigerians. The present civilian government has shown its commitment to even development of the country and cases of marginalization in certain parts of the country.

Today, Nigeria enjoys peace inspire of periodic crises, because consultation in handling issues. The administration is determined to transform the country, in line with democratic principles, into a land of opportunity, equity, of government's use of dialogue and progress and prosperity for all.

Garlic 'remedy for hypertension'

Posted by Jenson Okereke on November 18th 2010
[Garlic 'remedy for hypertension']

The Garlic

Garlic may be useful in addition to medication to treat high blood pressure, a study suggests.

Australian doctors enrolled 50 patients in a trial to see if garlic supplements could help those whose blood pressure was high, despite medication.

Those given four capsules of garlic extract a day had lower blood pressure than those on placebo, they report in scientific journal Maturitas.

The British Heart Foundation said more research was needed.

Garlic has long been though to be good for the heart.

Garlic supplements have previously been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce high blood pressure in those with untreated hypertension.

In the latest study, researchers from the University of Adelaide, Australia, looked at the effects of four capsules a day of a supplement known as aged garlic for 12 weeks.

They found systolic blood pressure was around 10mmHg lower in the group given garlic compared with those given a placebo.

Researcher Karin Ried said: "Garlic supplements have been associated with a blood pressure lowering effect of clinical significance in patients with untreated hypertension.

"Our trial, however, is the first to assess the effect, tolerability and acceptability of aged garlic extract as an additional treatment to existing antihypertensive medication in patients with treated, but uncontrolled, hypertension."

Experts say garlic supplements should only be used after seeking medical advice, as garlic can thin the blood or interact with some medicines.

Ellen Mason, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said using garlic for medicinal purposes dates back thousands of years, but it is essential that scientific research proves that garlic can help conditions such as raised blood pressure.

She said: "This study demonstrated a slight blood pressure reduction after using aged garlic supplements but it's not significant enough or in a large enough group of people to currently recommend it instead of medication.

"It's a concern that so many people in the UK have poorly controlled blood pressure, with an increased risk of stroke and heart disease as a consequence. So enjoy garlic as part of your diet but don't stop taking your blood pressure medication."

News About Nigeria

History

Much has been said and written about Nigeria, her people and culture, economy and politics, that sheds light on the tremendous potential of this African Giant. However, little is known to the outside world about the many exciting tourist attractions available in Nigeria: Historic sites nestled amid rivers and rain forests, breathtaking mountain vistas, remote creek villages, miles of pristine beaches and exotic national wildlife reserves. There are also museums, festivals, music and dance, a rich cultural melange right down to everyday traditional markets. These are just some of the spectacular sights and sensual delights awaiting the traveler to Nigeria.

Nigeria has the largest population of any country in Africa (about 120 million), and the greatest diversity of cultures, ways of life, cities and terrain. With a total land area of 923,768 sq. km. (356,668 sq. mi.) Nigeria is the 14th largest country in Africa. Its coastline, on the Gulf of Guinea, stretches 774 km (480 mi.). Nigeria shares its international border of 4,470 km (2513 mi.) with four neighbors: Chad, Cameroon, Benin, and Niger. Until 1989 the capital was Lagos, with a population of about 2,500,000, but the government recently moved the capital to Abuja.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Nigeria lies entirely within the tropics yet there are wide climactic variations. In general, there are two seasons, dry and wet, throughout Nigeria. Near the coast, the seasons are less sharply defined. Temperatures of over 90°F are common in the north, but near the coast, where the humidity is higher, temperatures seldom climb above that mark. Inland, around the two great rivers, the wet season lasts from April-Oct. and the dry season from Nov.-March. Temperatures are highest from Feb-April in the south and MarchJune in the north; they're lowest in July and Aug. over most of the country.

HISTORY

Virtually all the native races of Africa are represented in Nigeria, hence the great diversity of her people and culture. It was in Nigeria that the Bantu and SemiBantu, migrating from southern and central Africa, intermingled with the Sudanese. Later, other groups such as Shuwa-Arabs, the Tuaregs, and the Fulanis, who are concentrated in the far north, entered northern Nigeria in migratory waves across the Sahara Desert. The earliest occupants of Nigeria settled in the forest belt and in the Niger Delta region.Today there are estimated to be more than 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria. While no single group enjoys an absolute numeric majority, four major groups constitute 60% of the population: Hausa-Fulani in the north, Yoruba in the west, and Igbo in the east. Other groups include: Kanuri, Binis, Ibibio, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Efik, Nupe, Tiv, and Jukun.

EMPIRES

Kanem-Borno: While there is no direct evidence to link the people of the Jos Plateau with the Nok culture, or the Eze Nri of today with Igbo Ukwu, the history of Borno dates back to the 9th Century when Arabic writers in north Africa first noted the kingdom of Kanem east of Lake Chad. Bolstered by trade with the Nile region and Trans-Saharan routes, the empire prospered. In the next centuries, complex political and social systems were developed, particularly after the Bulala invasion in the 14th Century. The empire moved from Kanem to Borno, hence the name. The empire lasted for 1,000 years (until the 19th Century) despite challenges from the HausaFulani in the west and Jukun from the south.

Hausa-Fulani: To the west of Borno around 1,000 A.D., the Hausa were building similar states around Kano, Zaria, Daura, Katsina, and Gobir. However, unlike the Kanuri, no ruler among these states ever became powerful enough to impose his will over the others. Although the Hausa had common languages, culture, and Islamic religion, they had no common king. Kano, the most powerful of these states, controlled much of the Hausa land in the 16th and 17th Centuries, but conflicts with the surrounding states ended this dominance. Because of these conflicts, the Fulanis, led by Usman Dan Fodio in 1804, successfully challenged the Hausa States and set up the Hausa-Fulani Caliphate with headquarters in Sokoto, commanding a broad area from Katsina in the far north to Ilorin, across the River Niger.

Yoruba: In the west, the Yoruba developed complex, powerful city-states. The first of these important states was Ile-Ife, which according to Yoruba mythology was the center of the universe. Ife is the site of a unique art form first uncovered in thel93Os. Naturalistic terracotta, bronze heads and other artifacts dating as far back as the 10th Century show just how early the Yoruba developed an advanced civilization. Later, other Yoruba cities challenged Ife for supremacy, and Oyo became the most powerful West African kingdom in the 16th and 17th Centuries. The armies of the Oyo king (Alafin) dominated other Yoruba cities and even forced tribute from the ruler of Dahomey. Internal power struggles and the Fulani expansion to the south caused the collapse of Oyo in the early 19th Century.

Benin: Benin developed into a major kingdom during the same period that Oyo was becoming dominant to the west. Although the people of Benin are primarily Edo, not Yoruba, they share with Ife and Oyo many of the same origins, and there is much evidence of cultural and artistic interchange between the kingdoms. The King (Oba) oE Benin was considered semi-divine and controlled a complex bureaucracy, a large army, and a diversified economy. Benin's power reached its apex in the 16th Century.

IGBO AND THE DELTA STATES Many Nigerian cultures did not develop into centralized monarchies. Of these, the Igbo are probably the most remarkable because of the size of their territory and the density of population. Igbo societies were organized in self-contained villages, or federations of village communities, with a society of elders and age-grade associations sharing various governmental functions. The same was true of the Ijaw of the Niger Delta and people of the Cross River area, where secret societies also played a prominent role in administration and governmental functions. But by the 18th Century, overseas trade had begun to encourage the emergence of centralized systems of government.

SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

ABEOKUTA means 'under the rock', derived from the Olumo Rock, the town's most famous landmark. Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, lies on the Ogun River amid rugged, rocky hills, offering excellent photo opportunities. Home of adire cloth, Abeokuta has an intriguing array of markets which sell a wide range of exotic goods. Olumo Rock, sacred to the Egba people, is on the east side of the Ogun river. Visitors should engage a guide from the tourist center at the bottom of the rock where one can explore the caves used as sanctuary during the Yoruba civil war. At the rock's summit, visitors can enjoy a tremendous view of Abeokuta and the Ogun River.

BENIN CITY is steeped in history. World-renowned Benin bronze scuptures date back to the 15th Century when the Oba of Benin ruled the large and powerful Edo kingdom, a period when bronze casting was an art used to glorify the Oba. In 1897, a British expeditionary force sacked Benin and hauled off many of the bronzes to London. Still, several good examples of the bronze artifacts remain in both the Benin and Lagos Museums. Today, bronze casting is still continued in several streets in the city, including Igun and Oloton streets. Another attraction in Benin is Chief Ogiamen's House, a prime example of Benin traditional architecture built before 1897. The house miraculously survived the "Great Fire" during that period which destroyed most of the city.

IBADAN was until recently the largest indigenous African city. Located along the edge of a thickly wooded forest belt, it was called Eba-Odan, meaning a town at the edge of the forest.' Today it's the capital and main commercial center of Oyo state. Places of interest include Dugbe market, a huge traditional marketplace, the Parliament Building, the University of Ibadan, Nigeria's premiere university, its Teaching Hospital and Cocoa House. Ibadan is also close to the historic towns of Oyo, Ogbomosho, Ijebu-Ode, Ife, Ilesha, and Oshogbo.

ILE-IFE, the ancient city of Ile-lfe, in Osun State, is truly unique. The Yorubas consider it to be the cradle of creation and civilization. Legend says that it was at Ife that Oduduwa, sent by Olodumare, the Yoruba creator-god, established the first land upon the waters that covered the earth, thus founding Ife. His sons spread to other parts of Yoruba to create further kingdoms. Ile-lfe became a remarkable center for arts, producing both terracotta figures and bronzes dating from the 12th to 15th Centuries, second only in fame to the Benin bronzes.

LAGOS, on Lagos Island, has been settled since the 15th Century, when Yoruba groups used it as a refuge from outside attacks. It was a trading post between the Benin Kingdom and the Portuguese until the arrival of British traders in the 19th Century, presaging the colonization of the interior. Lagos is divided into several parts, each with its distinctive character. The heart of the city is Lagos Island (Eko), containing most of Nigeria's commercial and administrative headquarters. It is linked to the mainland by three road bridges, and to Ikoyi Island and Victoria Island by road. The latter are mostly residential areas with palatial houses, expansive gardens and five star hotels in a gorgeous setting. Tourist attractions in the city include The National Museum, The National Theater and miles of beautiful beaches (see pages 26 & 27). Finally, Oba's Palace sits majestically on Lagos Island, portions of which are over 200 years old with a newly contructed extension.

ONDO area has many fascinating tourist attractions including the Ikogosi Warm Spring, Idanre Hills, Ipolo-Iloro Water Falls, Ebomi Lake and the Museum at Owo. The most popular are Ikogosi Warm Spring and the Idanre Hills. The Ikogosi Warm Spring, located in a valley in Ikogosi Town, northeast of Akure, is ideal for camping or picnics. The Idanre Hills, with curious dome-shaped peaks, are located in Idanre, southwest of Akure. The hills have a socio-religious significance, having protected inhabitants from invaders during inter-ethnic wars in the distant past.

SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

ANAMBRA STATE offers many exciting attractions throughout the area, including the Ogbunike caves, Agulu Lake, Igbo-Ukwu archaeological excavations and the Aguleri Game Reserve. Onitsha, located on the Eastern bank of the River Niger, is famous for its robust market and commercial activity. The traditional Ofala festivals, performed by royalty in Anambra, are rare pageants of color and fanfare. Calabar is an attractive city on the bank of the New Calabar River, near its confluence with the Cross River, which has a long history as the regional port of eastern Nigeria. Residents here trace their ancestots back to Babylon before the time of Christ.

First visited by the Portuguese at the end of the 15th Century, CALABAR is also the center from which many missionaries ventured forth in the 19th and 20th centuries, including Mary Slessor, who arrived in Calabar in 1875. Places of interest include the National Museum in the old Residency Building. The building was prefabricated, shipped from Britain and erected atop Consular Hill in 1884, later known as Government Hill. The museum itself is history, a vibrant colonial stylecitadel commanding superb views of Calabar and the Calabar River. The museum traces the history of Calabar and the surrounding areas in a spacious setting. Enugu is the center of the Nigerian coal industry, situated in attractive, hilly country with wide roads and expressways and main arteries leading north, south, east and west.Sites in Enugu include a branch of the National Museum, the Iva Valley Coal Mine Museum (where coal was first mined in 1909), and University of Nigeria faculties. It also boasts one of the best hotels in Nigeria, the Nike Lake Hotel. Oron is in the southeast corner of the Akwa-Jbom State, on the Cross River, and is worth visiting for its National Museum. The Museum, overlooking the river, encases the history of the local Ibibo people plus an important collection of wooden Ekpo memorial carvings that portray the male ancestors of the Ibibo people, believed to be two to three centuries old.

OWERRI is predominantly inhabited by the Igbo penpIe. The Igbos are renowned for their music and dancing, especially the colorful masquerades in which the dancers wear elaborate masks. Places of interest include an amusement park, the Nekede Botanical and Zoological Gardens, the Palm Beach Tourist Village at Awomama and the Oguta Lake Holiday Resort, which has recently developed into an international tourist center.

PORT HARCOURT is the capital of River State and is the center of the oil industry in Nigeria. It is called "The Garden City" because of its abundance of trees and parks. Now the second most important port in Nigeria, Port Harcourt did not exist before 1913. Nearby are the two historic ports of Bonny and Brass, formerly connected with the slave trade, but which now serve as oil ports and terminals. The town is a good base from which to explore the local creek villages and towns. The local people include Elk, Kalabari and Ibos, not to mention British, French, American and Dutch, who work in the oil fields.

Sites include the State Museum, which features many examples of local culture including masks and carvings. The Cultural Center on Bonny Street has a stage and auditorium for plays, dancing and a shop where tourists can purchase local handicrafts. The Azumint Blue River sports beautiful clear water with sandy beaches. Tourists can rent canoes for a ride down the river to stop at a beachside picnic site, outfitted with wooden chairs, tables and grills for a pleasant riverside barbecue.

UMUAHIA is home to the National War Museum where relics of the Nigerian civil war are on display, including weapons and fascinating local inventions. Other attractions include the Akwette Blue River Tourist Village and Uwana Beach. Visitors to Akwette will be impressed with its unique weaving industry.

CENTRAL NIGERIA

ABUJA, in 1976, was selected by the Federal Government to become the new seat of government; and in 1992, the first of four stages of this move to Abuja was launched with most of the senior government officials now in Abuja. Besides being the administrative seat of government, Abuja is a beautiful city surrounded by rolling hills, with ample mountaineering potential. The Gwagwa Hills, near Suleja, the Chukuku Hills, the Agwai Hills and the famous Zuma rocks are just some of the awe-inspiring manifestations of nature's beauty in the area.

BIDA is a lively town, famous for its handicrafts and colorful market, and is the principal city of the Nupe people. Bida is famous for its glass beads, cloths, silver and brass work, it's carved 8-legged stools made from a single piece of wood, and decorative pottery. Bida's market truly stands out as a traditional showcase of local commerce in Nigeria.

GURARA FALLS is on the Gurara River in Niger State, on the road between Suleja and Minna. Particularly impressive during the rainy season, the falls span 200 meters across with a sheer drop of 30 meters, which creates a dazzling rainbow effect as the water cascades over the top into a cloud of spray below.

ILORIN, an ancient city, is the southernmost point of Fulani expansion and bears characteristics of both north and south. It has often been described as the gateway between the two because of its strategic location, and as a result offers a good base for visiting the surrounding area. Tourist sites in Ilorin include the Mimi's Mosque and residence built in 1831, the first mosque in Ilorin, and the magnificent new Central Mosque, built during the reign of Zul-Gambari, the late Emir of Ilorin. Both attest to the Islamic culture of the city. Another attraction is the Dada pottery workshop in Okelele quarters, the largest pottery factory in Nigeria. Other local tourist sites in Kwara State include the Esie Museum of stone figures. Over 1,000 soap stone figures of men and women, sitting on stools or kneeling, with elaborate hairstyles and facial marks. Little is known about the figures, being products of a very old civilization. Esie museum houses the largest collection of stone figures in sub-saharan Africa.

OWU FALLS, in Kwara State is the highest and most spectacular natural waterfall in West Africa, at its best during the rainy season. The waterfall cascades 330 feet down an escarpment with rocky outcrops to a pool of ice-cold water below.

LOKOJA is an historic colonial town. Due to its location at the confluence of the two great rivers, the Niger and Benue, it became the headquarters of the Royal Niger Company in the 19th Century. The headquarters building, still standing, was prefabricated in London and shipped to Nigeria, where it was assembled without using a single nail. Also in Lokoja is the Iron of Liberty, located in the compound of the first primary school in northern Nigeria. Here, many slaves were freed at the end of the slave trade.

MAKURDI is located on the bank of River Benue, one of the two great rivers in Nigeria. For visitors to the area, there is a zoological garden in Makudi and Goven Hills, Ushango Hills and Bassa Hills, and fishing and boating on the Benue River. In Igbor there is the Ikure Wildlife Park.

OKENE is the home of the Igbira, an industrious people renowned for their farming abilities and their beautiful woven cloth. Picturesque Okene, nestled atop several rocky hills, is a fascinating place to visit. The craft of cloth weaving still continues to thrive here and the cloth remains highly-prized throughout Nigeria. For tourists in the area, Okene has a thriving market, open every other day, where there is a section dedicated to the woven cloth.

KOTON-KARFI is located west of Okene and about 20 miles north of the confluence of the rivers Niger and Benue. For anyone who enjoys fishing, Koton-Karifi is a paradise, for the multiples of the Niger tributaries are teeming with fish.

NORTHEAST NIGERIA

BAUCHI is an old Hausa town surrounded by an appealing range of rolling hills, is close to both the Yankari Game Reserve, approximately 1½ hours away to the southeast, and the site of the Geji Rock Paintings, located on the Bauchi-Jos road. In Bauchi, tourists may also visit a memorial and library dedicated to Sir Abubakari Balewa, the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, who was assassinated in 1966. The library houses many of Balewa's personal papers.

JOS has always been a popular destination for tourists due to its height above sea level (4062 feet). Jos has two golf courses, Rayfield and Plateau, plus a polo club and other sports/entertainment offerings. The National Museum in Jos is one of the best in Nigeria, especially for archaeology and pottery, where many fine examples of Nok heads and artifacts, circa 500 BC - 200 AD, are displayed. The Pottery Hall has an exceptional collection of finely crafted pottery from all over the country. On the same grounds, the Museum of Architecture contains life-size replicas of Nigerian architecture, from the walls of Kano to the Mosque at Zaria to a Tiv village. Other attractions in the area include the wildlife park, nestled amid 8 sq. km (3.09 sq. miles) of unspoiled savanna bush, where the rare pygmy hippopotamus is successfully being bred in 'hippo pool.'

Lions roam a large enclosure that simulates their natural habitat and visitors will also find elephants, red river hogs, jackals, chimpanzees, crocodiles and numuerous other animals to view. The Shere Hills can be seen to the east of Jos and offer a prime view of the city below. Assop Falls is a small waterfall (again, best seen in the rainy season) which could make a pleasant picnic spot on a drive from Jos to Abuja. RIYOM ROCK is a dramatic and photogenic pile of rocks balanced precariously on top of one another, with one resembling a clown's hat, observable from the main Jos-Gimi road. Kura Falls is a refreshing area forwalks and picnics, with scenery reminiscent of the Scottish highlands.

MAIDUGURI is a handsome, impressive town with broad streets and plentiful trees, presiding over strong traditions and a culture dating back more than 1,000 years. Maiduguri is an ideal place for seeing the Kanuri people, with their fine tribal markings, and the Shuwa women, adorned with plaited hairstyles and flowing gowns.

The BORNO REGION around Maiduguri is one of the most fascinating places in Nigeria. Along the northern borders of the state is Sahel-Savannah country, endowed with rolling sand dunes punctuated by oases in the dry season, yet covered with vegetation during the rainy season. Southern Borno is generally green savannah land, enlivened by hills and rock formations, while toward the Cameroon border, visitors will enjoy majestic mountain visages.

The BULATURA OASES are on the western side of Borno State northeast of Nguru. This is the desert in a Hollywood film set: dunes, camels and palm trees around an oasis. The severe beauty of this place offers a special treat to visitors who have yet to experience such a daunting landscape. The oases are also excellent for bird-watchers; in the dry season there are thousands of palaerartic migrants which congregate there.

YOLA, on the upper reaches of the Benue River, lies in close proximity to some of the most scenic areas of Nigeria, situated along the mountainous border with Cameroon. The Mambilla Plateau (see pages 22 & 23) is within a day's journey from Yola, as are the Shebshi mountains to the south.

The GWOZA HILLS are breathtaking. They are located southeast of Maiduguri, and southeast of the village of Gwoza Valley, along the Cameroon border.

MANDARA MOUNTAINS are also in this area, stretching from south, in the Mambilla, to Mubi in the north. The Mandaras provide some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Africa. Itis suggested that tourists in the area take at least a week to enjoy both the Nigeria and Cameroon sides of these mountains.

NORTHWEST NIGERIA

KANO CITY, the oldest major city in Sub Saharan Africa, dates back more than a thousand years. For centuries it was one of the most active commercial centers in West Africa. Today, it is Nigeria's third largest city and the largest city in the north. Centrally located, Kano City acts as a terminus for all of northern Nigeria, linked by road and communications with all other major population centers in the region. By virtue of its historic role as trading center between the Sahara, down south to Zaria, Kano remains a living, modern day relic of a rich past.

The Emir's Palace in Kano is the past incarnate with its old stone walls and entrance gate, at the heart of this ancient city, encircled by a wall that extended 17.7km in circumference, with 16 different gates. Close by, the Gidan Makama Museum offers an excellent history of Kano and of the Hausa and Fulani peoples. Kano Central Mosque is one of the largest in Nigeria and, with permission, a visitor may be allowed to ascend one of its towering minarets to gain a spectacular view of the city below.

KADUNA was previously the colonial capital of northern Nigeria. Located on the Kaduna River, the city serves as an important junction, with roads extending in five different directions. Kaduna is a major communications center and industrial base but also a thriving metropolis from which tourists can explore the surrounding countryside. Within Kaduna there is a National Museum on Ali-Akilu Road that features wood carvings, masks, Nok terracotta figures and Benin bronzes. Plans are under way to have an annual Durbar festival in Kaduna like the 1977 Durbar, festival that drew all the northern Emirs to Kaduna.

KATSINA, the northernmost city in Nigeria, sits on the edge of Sahel and borders the neighboring country of Niger, which has traded with her for centuries. Katsina, one of the old walled Hausa cities, is the capital of Katsina State. The Goborau Minaret, a most picturesque tourist attraction, is the tallest mud-brick building in Nigeria and is 250 years old. A fine view of Katsina can be gained from the top, an area that hosts the best and most elaborate Durbar festivals

BIRNIN KEBBI, a centuries old Hausa-Fulani walled city is the capital of the newly-created Kebbi State. The area is famous for traditional arts and crafts, beads, swords and glassware, and is the site of the Argungu Fishing Festival, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nigeria. Held annually, it attracts competitors from neighboring Niger and Chad Republics, plus many visitors from all over the world. Apart from the traditional fishing competition, there are also boxing and wrestling contests.

SOKOTO, the center of Islamic activities in Nigeria, is the home of the Sultan of Sokoto, the spiritual leader of Muslims in the country. The city stretches with avenues of lush trees and wide roads, appearing like an oasis in a semi-desert area. Sokoto is another of the great trading cities of the North, with old trade routes across the Sahara to Morocco and Algeria. It is famed for its excellent leatherwork: handbags, wallets, fans and other items featuring exquiste crafting.

The Sultan's Palace is a delightful sight, with its lavish architechture and guards in their multicolored regalia. At 9:00 pm on Thursdays, visitors can watch the musicians play the Tambari for the Sultan. Usman dan Fodio, the founder of the present day Hausa-Fulani states, is buried in Sokoto. Though not a tourist site per se, it holds great historic importance.

ZARIA, one of the original seven Hausa cities founded in the 16th Century, is a vibrant, attractive city which has retained its ancient look by leaving most of the modern development and industry to nearby Kaduna. Once surrounded by some 19 km of walls, in some areas still well-preserved, Zaria has three important establishments: The Ahmadu Bello University at Samaru quarter, the first university in the north, Barewa College, the oldest high school in the north, where most of the Nigerian political and military leaders were educated, and finally the Nigeria School of Civil Aviation, the only one of its kind in West Africa.