The Iconic leader and one-time President of South Africa the late Nelson Rohlilhahla Mandela once said “Why bother to visit Europe, you’ll find it all here.” This statement was in reference to Abuja the now famous federal capital territory of the most populous black nation in the world. The centrally located Nigeria city with a population of 979,876 was created in 1980. It replaced Lagos as capital on 12 December 1991. Abuja is now the 10th most expensive city in Africa and the planned city has become a real estate hotspot. There are several places in this city that appeals to the senses. However not all fingers are equal; there are some that stands unrivalled. Here is a compilation of the 5 hottest zones in Abuja in terms of real estate worth or living costs including rent and basic consumables and of course prestige:

5. GWARINPA

Gwarinpa is believed to be the largest housing Estate in West Africa. This probably is the only area on our list that can accommodate the average civil servant. It is home to many upper middle class folks who want a decent alternative to Maitama or Wuse 2. Regardless, houses here are still quite expensive just as social hang-outs will quickly leave a huge hole in your pocket if you decide to socialize and entertain family and friends.

Gwarinpa District is in phase 3 development plan of Abuja. It became popular when Gwarinpa Housing Estate in the district was built.

There is also another residential area called Life-Camp in the Gwarinpa district. Most Construction companies in Abuja have staff quarters in Life-Camp.

Gwarinpa is about 15 minutes drive to the Central business district and about 20Km from the Abuja Airport. Gwarinpa is mainly a residential area though some businesses especially service oriented businesses like banks and eateries are springing up very rapidly. Most of these businesses are located on the three major roads in Gwarinpa. The roads are 1st avenue, 2nd avenue and 3rd Avenue. Within Gwarinpa Estate there are also some small estates. These include Federal ministry of works and housing Estate, War College Estate, FHA Estate, Citec villas, Abuja Model City etc.

There are Real Estate opportunities in Gwarinpa. Some areas in the district are still developing; there are still some undeveloped plots in the area. Also within the Gwarinpa estate, some of the original beneficiaries of the houses built by government occasionally offer their houses for sale. So it would have been cruel not to have Gwarinpa on our list, at least in the 5th spot

 

4. GARKI DISTRICT

Garki District takes the 4th spot on our list because it doesn’t really fall into the league of top places like WUSE 2 or Maitama in terms of high cost of living. However it still is quite an expensive area when not compared with the big guns. For instance Garki 2 has some of the most expensive supermarkets and shopping malls in Abuja, just in case you’re dreaming of purchasing regular consumables. Rent in this part of the city is also quite high and a 2 bedroom flat could go for between N1.5 million to N2.5 million per year depending on which part you find yourself in.

The Garki District is the area in the southwest corner of the city, having the Central District to the north and the Asokoro District to the east. The District is subdivided into units called “Areas”. Garki uses a distinctive naming convention of “Area” to refer to parts of Garki. These are designated as Areas 1 to 11. Garki II is used to differentiate the area from Garki Area 2.

Garki is presently the principal business district of Abuja. Numerous buildings of interest are located in this area. Some of them include the General Post Office, Abuja International Conference Centre located on Herbert Macaulay Way, Nicon Luxury Hotel. A zoological garden as well as the Garki Shopping Centre are located in Area 2.

The Army Headquarters, Air force Headquarters and Navy Headquarters are all located in the Garki District. The tallest building in this district is the Radio House. This houses the Federal Ministry of Information and Communications, and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Stations and Corporate Headquarters are also based in Garki. The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) which oversees and runs the Administration of the Federal Capital Territory is located in Garki. The Office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is located in Area 10.

Other places of note include the Central Bank of Nigeria, Arts and Culture Centre and The Nigerian Police Mobile Force Headquarters in Area 10. The Abuja Municipal Area Council, which is the local Government administration, has its headquarters in Area 10. The new United States Embassy is also located in the Garki district. Garki is definitely a place in Abuja you can’t miss. It attracts all and sundry to its domain

3. WUSE
Wuse – a district that falls in the phase 1 development plan of the federal capital territory is divided into zones (Zones 1 – 7). There is also Wuse II which is different from Wuse Zone 2 which makes it an expansive area.

Notable places in Wuse include Wuse Market, AP Plaza, Banex plazas, Emab Plaza, General Post office, FRSC, NAFDAC, FERMA, Sheraton Hotel, Rockview Hotel, SilverBird Cinema, EFCC and AGIS. Wuse II is very close to Maitama and also shares its exclusivity.

 

Wuse has most of Abuja’s upscale restaurants and hospitality centers. It’s where you’ll find the Exclusive stores, Juice Place 2, Quarter Café, Woks and Koi, The Nail Bar or Bloomsbury Plaza among other high flying places where the big spenders in town love to frequent. This district competes with Maitama for living costs but is more of a commercial district. The few residents in this area make you understand with their lifestyles the difference between high class living and well …. you know the rest. So now you know why it just had to make this list.

2. MAITAMA
Maitama is one of the major districts of Abuja, it is in the phase 1 development plan of the federal capital territory. Maitama is one of the prestigious areas in Abuja. The area is home to most embassies and high commissions. It is an exclusive and expensive area where Nigeria’s big-shots reside.

Most people who live in Maitama are diplomats, ministers, government functionaries, former or serving governors and their families, senators or big time contractors but not regular civil servants or ordinary Nigerians like you and I. If you can cough out N2.5 million for a 2 bedroom flat for 12 months or spend close to N100,000 for regular groceries for a family of 4 at any of the expensive supermarkets (212 or Classic) then you should live in  Maitama. The Dome, Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigerian Communications Commission, British Council, Transcorp Hilton and Ministers hill are some of the distinguishing places in Maitama. Maitama District is to the north of the city, with the Wuse and Central Districts lying to its southwest and southeast. This area is the high end section of society and business, and has the reputation of being very exclusive and very expensive. You may want to liken Maitama to Victoria Island in Lagos. Maitama is touted to house the most expensive building in the capital.

1.ASOKORO
This haven for serving ministers and top government officials is recognized as Abuja’s most exclusive district. A high class and secured area, Asokoro is one of the major districts in Abuja.

One of the stand points of this area which easily makes it our hottest zone is its strategic location. Asokoro is ultimately close to the seat of power not only in Nigeria but the entire West African region. It houses Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) secretariat, National Intelligence Agency, World Health Organization (WHO) Office e.t.c. Also, Aso rock a prominent landmark in Abuja is situated in Asokoro. Asokoro is not just for anybody even if you think you are rich you may still need to cut that rich coat according to your size due to the cost of living in Asokoro. Many comfortable Nigerians can’t even rent an apartment in Asokoro not to talk of owning a land. Rents start from N4 million for 2 bedroom flats and that’s not also talking about the few expensive shops around where you may spend some people’s annual salaries on a single spree. In fact you have to be insanely wealthy to stand your ground in Asokoro.

Asokoro is indeed the pearl of Abuja and an Abuja without an Asokoro will be lack luster. Now you see why it’s indisputably our number one.

As tiny as Lagos appears in terms of landmass, it has remained the most promising habitation and business hub for many Nigerians of diverse tongues. If owning a house or a land in Lagos does not form the core of the dreams of the average man who resides in Lagos then probably that person is no Lagosian to begin with. However not any place or location should be longed for. Though some would say that they won’t mind owning a house in any location asides the choice locations as long as its in Lagos because the more choosy you get translates to more expenses.

Nonetheless, dreamers can decide on what they want to dream about; it’s all in the mind. Once you have full control over your mind, you can aim for the moon; be sure to land somewhere among the stars even if you miss.

There are parts of Lagos one would naturally want to acquire landed properties even if it’s just in your imagination. Places that will improve your lifestyle and speak volumes about your status in the society.

Below is a compilation of places to live in a tiny city with huge investments and opportunities; call it, 10 HOTTEST LOCATIONS IN LAGOS:

10. Yaba/Akoka and environs:  Akoka, jewel of Yaba has been home to one of naija’s foremost Universities, University of Lagos (UNILAG), an institution once rumoured to be renamed after the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election annulled by the then Military Government of Nigeria. Moshood Abiola University, Lagos (MAULAG), (the controversial name Ex-President Jonathan was going to rename UNILAG before he rescinded his decision after facing widespread criticism) and Yaba College of Technology are two institutions that has made Yaba/Akoka the synosure of all youthful eyes in Lasgidi. The area offers a fine blend of commercial and residential properties and is quite accessible from most part of Lagos state. There are also a number of exciting spots in this location which includes; An E-centre and the popular Ozone cinemas in commercial avenue, Yaba.

9. Surulere and Environs: “Awon temi ni Surulere”…Yes boss!

I duff my hat for this evergreen area of Lagos. Surulere is the official headquarters of the Nigerian Film Industry popularly called Nollywood. Surulere may be thriving on lost glory albeit it still remains the people’s delight. If for nothing at all, the numerous malls along Adeniran Ogunsanya road brings Surulere to reckoning as far as Lasgidi is concerned. Shoprite and Leisure mall home to “The Genesis Deluxe cinemas” are some of the fun spots you can’t miss in Surulere. Not forgetting the famous National stadium and Teslim Balogun stadium. Infact Surulere is the sports centre of the city.

Again, awon temi ni Surulere”….Yes boss!

8. Apapa GRA and environs: OMG! I can’t believe Apapa actually made this list. Due to the fact that there is a sea port in this area there has been a terrible trend of gridlock and traffic congestion that has become a nightmare for motorist and Lagosians who have to ply that route daily. However Apapa still commands my respect due to the fact that it has one of the highest prices on properties, both commercial and residential. A lot of ‘old money’ dwells there, and they have their fair share of foreigners too. In fact in the past, Apapa was known for the influx of expatriates, surely it isn’t what it used to be but ‘Apapa still full ground remain’

7. Ajah/Lekki 2 and environs: Once relatively unknown, Ajah has really come of age in terms of development. More so, its proximity to the business flash-point of Victoria Island and Lagos Island has had a positive impact on its development. Also the addition of exquisite estates around the place is also a plus for Ajah however there are some evidence of shanties in the area. That noted, it doesn’t change the fact that Ajah is a sprawling area and an investors delight. Though the Traffic in this area can be depressing and may want to make you regret your decision but trust me there are worst places in Lagos. The place seats around a goldmine but you would only want an Ajah when you can’t afford a Lekki…Gbam!

6. Oniru Estate/ Lekki 1: Very few places in the continent of Africa have attracted as much real estate development as this axis of opulence. But a major downside is that this place like many nice places in Lagos is overpriced, the prices of properties are artificial. However I will be bias not to put it on this list.

5. Victoria island: Victoria Island has become the preferred location for big businesses to site their corporate headquarters displacing Lagos Island from this position. Everyone seems to want to have an office here. Landlords are usually at cloud nine while they lease out their properties to companies. You can be living in V.I and your next door neighbour is a Bank. This phenomenon is a source of worry to many residents. That notwithstanding, V.I is still a real estate hot spot.

4.Magodo G.R.A./ Omole Estates: If you are looking for a queit place with less traffic except in extra-ordinary circumstances like when a neighbor is having a party; a place that is very much residential with less commercial activity, then ‘MAGODO G.R.A. PHASE 2 (SHANGISA)’ is your best bet. Located just on the other side of Alausa secretariat with the nearby Omole Estate 1& 2, MKO Abiola Gardens, these places have come to define a visitor’s first impression of Lagos as they enter through the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

3.Ikeja G.R.A. and Environs : Beautiful is the word that describes Ikeja G.R.A. It is by far the most popular G.R.A. in the city. Its location plus nearness to the Ikeja CBD and the presence of other exciting location like Maryland, Opebi, Allen, ilupeju and the busiest Airport in the country, Muritala Muhammed International Airport not forgetting the seat of power,Alausa. All of these put together makes Ikeja G.R.A a prime location to build that dream home.

                         “Ikeja! Your head dey there”

2. Ikoyi: From being the headquarters of our then colonial watch dogs to a magnificent enclave for the high and mighty in the society, that you are wealthy doesn’t guaranty that you will own a property in Ikoyi. After so many of its original swampy lands have been sand-filled and developed into prime lands more than doubling its size, ikoyi continues to attract the elites that want to be distinct. There should be question marks to the source of your wealth to own a worthy property in Ikoyi. Ikoyi has some of the most opulent residential facilities in Nigeria, and is thought to have the most expensive real estate on the entire African continent, with the average new apartment selling for N230 million (around US$1 million). However, due to the limited available land, many of these are vertical apartment buildings.

 

Ikoyi includes the newer suburbs of Banana Island, Parkview Estate, Dolphin Estate and other luxurious blocks of flats that are springing up.

1. Banana Island: I couldn’t help but to put this Island on my list even if it is a part of Ikoyi. Your jaws will drop when you visit this place for the first time and it may take you hours to recover. A man once missed out on owning an apartment in Banana Island and all he could say to console himself was; Vanity upon vanity all is vanity. Of course what else would he have said? If he had gotten the house would he have remembered that such a phrase existed. Banana Island is an exclusive playground of Nigeria’s obscenely wealthy. It is reported to be arguably Nigeria’s most expensive neighborhood – at par with the Seventh Arrondissement in Paris, La Jolla in San Diego, California and Tokyo’s Shibuya or Roppongi neighbourhoods.

                          “Aiye pari si Banana Island”

I could swear Banana Island is the end of the world or why else are buildings there the most expensive piece of real estate in Nigeria? After taking a trip to Banana Island…anytime you hear anyone say; money is not everything, you may be forced to hand the person a massive slap across his face to the extent that he will be seeing stars afterwards.

Looking for a place to enjoy your retirement? Banana Island is that place. The best Island to say your last prayers and spend your last days, little wonder it is undeniably the number 1 on our list.