The capital of Nigeria was moved from Lagos to Abuja in 1976 and officially became the capital in 1991. Lagos was experiencing overpopulation issues as the population density map showed it was very highly populated. Abuja was chosen as the new capital as it was located more centrally in the country, which the political boundaries map highlighted, and had a lower population density according to its map. This helped address ethnic tensions and make government representation more balanced.
1. GIP: Nigeria
Why move the capital from Lagos to Abuja?
• In 1976, the plans
to move the capital
from Lagos to
Abuja was
approved.
• Abuja officially
became the capital
in 1991.
2. Ask: Why Move the Capital?
Start with what you know…
Reasons why people move
Nigeria’s history
Turn what you know into questions
Ex: People move because there are better
opportunities available… What opportunities did
Abuja have that Lagos did not?
3. Acquire: Where Can I Find
the Information?
Look at your list of questions…
Identify specifically where you can find those
information
Identify the types of maps/charts that would reveal
the information you need
What does the Primary Concentration of Nigeria’s
Ethnic Groups map tell you about why they would
move the capital?
What does the Political Boundaries map tell you about
why they would move the capital?
What does the Population Density map tell you about
why they would move the capital?
4. Organize Your Information
Ethnic Groups Political Population
Boundaries Density
Lagos’ location
Abuja’s location
5. Analyze: What Does My
Information Tell Me?
Does my information show patterns and
connections?