Abuja is the capital of Nigeria with its location at the centre of the country. It is often referred to as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and wasn’t built until the 1980s. On December 12 1991, it replaced Lagos as the capital of the country. In accordance to the 2006 census, the Abuja’s population was over 770,000 which made it one of the top ten most populous cities in Nigeria. It was behind Lagos, in 2016, as the most populous metro area in Nigeria.
Abuja is Nigeria’s administrative and political seat. Some of the popular areas in the city of Abuja include Wuse, Maitama, Garki, Gwarimpa, Jabi, Utako among others. One thing that is vivid is that Abuja is a purpose-built city, one of the wealthiest and fastest growing cities in Africa and the world.
Jabi Abuja as mentioned earlier is one of the popular areas in the country’s capital. Also known as Jabi Districts, it is part of the phase 2 development plan of the city. This part of Abuja is mainly residential and is popular because of the presence of the Jabi Lake. Like most areas in the FCT, it has a good road network and an array of good real estate properties.
The Jabi District is adjacent to Utako District, and about 13 minutes drive from the Central business district. The major roads that lead to Jabi include the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, Obafemi Awolowo Way and Alex Ekwueme Street. This part of the city is fast becoming a tourist attraction for locals and foreigners alike.
Consider this article a guide or reminder of things you might have forgotten about Jabi. This is because it is not uncommon for people to ask questions like “where is Jabi located?” So, in order not to be in this category, here are some of the things you should know about a Jabi.
1 BEDROOM FLAT FOR RENT IN ABUJA
Contents
What is it like to live in Jabi
Jabi is considered one of the quiet place to live in Abuja. For those who enjoy quiet times and water views, this is definitely the place. Like most areas in Abuja, it also can boast of good road networks. The roads are paved by trees which beautify the area. Jabi is in close proximity with the Utako market. The market is where most people in the area do their shopping, especially for foodstuffs and other household things.
The presence of the Jabi Gardens; the goto place for events, occasions etc., the Jabi Motor Park; the is the major park in the area, where you can get buses to any part of the country, and the Jabi Lake; one of Abuja and Nigeria’s finest tourist attraction. All these side attractions are what makes Jabi a relatively expensive neighbourhood.
Jabi also has its own fair share of beautiful and expensive real estate properties in Abuja. It is one of those places in Abuja that people want to live in, and it keeps developing as there a quite a number of lands and houses for sale in Jabi. Also, there are a good number of reputable schools for children too; from primary, junior high and senior high school. You can’t run out of places to shop or go to when it comes to necessary social facilities as there are lots of shopping plazas, restaurants, hotels relaxation hub, banks, hospitals among others.
That said, the nightlife here is another great deal to experience. You will always find a place – bar or restaurant to eat out for the night. In some of these bars, if you are lucky enough, you will be treated to local music from live band. This might not be Lagos or Port Harcourt but the people here sure know how to party too.
It is also at nights like this that you get to experience the entrepreneurial spirit of the Jabi inhabitants with small shops set up to sell suya, fruits, local foods, provisions and others things. Some part of Jabi at night is also considered the nest of nightcrawlers. All in all, Jabi is a calm and quiet environment with a peaceful lifestyle. It is one place you definitely should consider living, though it all comes with a cost and it is definitely not cheap.
Real Estate Properties In Jabi Abuja
Considering the status of Abuja as the capital of Nigeria, it is not unusual to see this reflected in every sector and especially in the real estate industry. Abuja is arguably home to some of Nigeria’s most luxurious real estate properties. In fact, it is one of the top expensive places to live in the country. This is why accommodation is considered on the high side in this part of the country.
It is, however, expected as it is the seat of power and home to some of the country’s high earners. This does not mean there are no places for the middle-class earners to stay. There are definitely parts of the capital that low-income earners can live as well, most of which are suburbs from the capital districts.
Houses in Jabi, like most places in Abuja, are built to standards that compete with the best of their kinds anywhere in the country. No wonder it is one of the top places to live in Abuja with a good number of houses for sale or rent as well as lands for sale in Jabi. What this means is, it is a very good place for real estate businesses and investments.
For example, having a real estate property in this part of Abuja will definitely have a good value considering the number of tourist attractions in the area. It is also a good place for a long term and short term rentals. Short term rentals are another good idea for real estate investor considering the number of visitors who come to this part of Abuja for tourist purposes as it is home to the Jabi Lake, Jabi Park and Jabi Lake Mall.
Jabi Lake
The Jabi Lake is arguably the most notable feature of Jabi in Abuja. This part of the area is surrounded by water and beautiful scenery which gives a beach like experience within the capital. It is because of this reason that Jabi Lake is considered a major tourist attraction for the locals- inhabitants of Abuja and its environs – Minna, Kaduna etc.
The Lake, today, is the go-to destination for family fun times, picnics, hang out with lovers or friends, enjoy a quiet personal time among others. There are quite a number of things you can engage yourself in if/when you find yourself at the Lake in order to get the best of experience.
Go Window Shopping
The truth is, nothing actually beats the experience you will get in Jabi Lake. That said, one of the fun things to do at the Jabi Lake if you have run out of ideas on your list is to go window shopping at the Jabi Lake Mall. The Jabi Lake is another tourist attraction of the Jabi area in Abuja. It is built on 5 hectares of land on the eastern shore of the lake.
The Jabi Lake mall is flanked by the Shehu Yar’Adua expressway and the Jabi and Utako Districts. It also attracts a large number of people per day from all over the capital. The capital is host to some of the top brands in the country. So, while you visit the Jabi Lake, you can stroll into the mall and feed your eyes with the collection of products available. There are a number of fashion stores within the mall with new trends to pick from. If you have some cash to spare, you can always make a purchase or two.
Dance Competition
Jabi Lake is definitely one of the top places for a quality family time. So it is not uncommon to see the dance competitions at the Lake. It is one of the best ways for your kids to have fun and interact with other kids as well as express themselves. To participate in the dances, you have to be registered.
But then if you couldn’t register as you can always dance on your own or dance-crash a competition, who knows you might be lucky to win the prize. While you are dancing and exercising the body, you might also discover you have a talent you never knew you had within.
Take a boat ride
What is a waterside experience without a boat ride? Another way in which you can have fun and the best experience of the Jabi Lake is to experience the waters. The Lake provides its visitors variety of options to experience the waters like speedboat rides, canoe rides and other forms of water sports. If you are not afraid of the waters, you definitely should go on a boat ride with friends or loved ones.
It is also the perfect time to get rid of your phobia for water too. Normally, there are experts who charge a token to take you on these rides but you can decide to drive the boats yourself if you are skilled. However, the canoe rides are slower when compared to the speedboats but provide a considerable amount of fun as well.
Picnic Perfect
Beside the Jabi Lake is also the Jabi Park Abuja, which has a cool garden that is picnic perfect. This is the perfect place for that picnic or reunion with friends, enjoy the best of foods or goodies you take along to the venue, all of which is accompanied by the best environment. If you are also considering cooking and packing the foods and other things you might need as stress, you need not worry as there are a lot of stores and restaurants you can walk into and fill your basket.
The best part is that you can always decide to take a stroll and experience the best of nature. The Jabi park is also one of many places you can take great pictures (especially those cool Instagram pictures).
Ride a horse
Riding a horse is another fun way to experience the Jabi Lake. Though most people tend to run away from it because they feel it is too dangerous. It is, however, safe and healthy as there trainers who accompany the horses in search of patronizers. Horse rides are definitely one of the major ways to have fun, especially around the area of Jabi Lake and the park. Taking pictures of your ride is one of the best ways to preserve the fun memories.
Jabi Lake Mall
Jabi Lake Mall is another feature of Jabi District that has brought it to the limelight. The Jabi Lake Mall is located on the eastern shore of the Jabi Lake which is, as earlier mentioned, one of Abuja’s tourist attractions. The mall is 10 minutes, 8-kilometre drive from Abuja’s business centre.
It was opened in 2015 and is the first of its kind in the country’s capital with a 25,000 square metres grade-A shopping space, coupled with the unique view of Jabi Lake. The Lake is host to several restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets etc. There is also the presence of the Jabi Lake Mall Cinema within the premises. The outdoors of the mall affords visitors a lakeside walk and entertainment
The variety of businesses within the mall make it the go-to place for those who can spend big. Some of the businesses in the Jabi Lake Mall include Argungu, Cascades Luxury, Diva House, Clinique, CCX Lounge, Casabella, BoConcept, Grab & Go, Health Plus, Gene Bendi, game, Fresh Dew, Grey Velvet, House of TARA, Novesa, Mango, Maybrand, Nett Pharmacy, LuLu, Maxtivity, Skechers footwear, Shoprite, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Samsung, Timekeepers, T.M Lewin among others.
Depending on where you decide to follow through, the mall is accessible through different routes via the local freeways and ring road system. There are different ways you can locate the mall; from the west, you will find an exit from the Shehu Yar’Adua Way and from the east, is the Solomon Lar Way that connects the mall.
The parking space of the Jabi Lake Mall has a capacity of 733 cars. It also has a bus stop, drop off area and pedestrian footpaths that connects the mall to the main road. All these make the Jabi Lake Mall the goto place because it is accessible.
Hotels In Jabi Abuja
Abuja is no doubt famous for its collection of exotic Hotels. In fact, it is home to some of Nigeria’s top hotel brands as there are quite a large number of hotels in Abuja. Due to its status as the country’s capital, it is expectant that it has accommodation for its visitor from within and around the globe.
Besides being the seat of power of Nigeria, Abuja also has some amazing sites that are considered top tourist attractions. What this means is, there will be demand for accommodation especially for those looking to spend limited time in this part of the country. No matter what the purpose is, either for leisure or business (or whatever it may be), you are definitely going to need an accommodation.
Which is often times in one of the hotels in Abuja or guests house in Abuja. This does not in any way imply that there are no cheap hotels in Abuja. As there are quite a number of real estate properties spread across the internet. That said, Jabi as an area also has its fair share of hotels in Abuja. There is a relatively high number of hotels in Jabi Abuja as the place itself is a well-known tourist attraction.
Though Abuja is distinguished to be the region with some of the wealthiest and most influential people in the country. Abuja, because of its status as the country’s capital, is often considered one of the most expensive places to live in. Although the city is actually for the deep-pocketed – upper-class citizens, there are quite a good number of middle-class earners here.
This is why you will find a considerable number of cheap hotels in Jabi and around Abuja. So you can actually tone down your fear of having to spend all your savings on a trip as you can get good hotels in this part of Abuja at pocket-friendly prices. It is safe to say Jabi is host to both the luxurious and cheap hotels in Abuja. Some of the hotels include Madugu Hotel, The Nordic Hospitality Suite, SV Chrome, Laps New World Hotel, 3J’s Hotels, Dilida Guest Suites, Sheer Luxury,Western Dreams Hotel, The Nordic Villa, Lake Crescent Hotel, Nera Hotel, Dreamland Suites, Sandralia Hotel, Grand Cubana Hotels, Alexis Hotel & Conference Centre among others. The list above comprises of quite a number of cheap hotels in Abuja that you can consider if you are running on a low budget.
Where To Shop In Jabi
Another thing that you probably want to know about Jabi is where to shop. You definitely should consider this in order to weigh your options when shopping. As mentioned earlier in the article, the Jabi Lake mall is one of the places most people in the area go when they want to shop. It is, however, not the only place in which they can go shopping at the Utako Market is also available.
It is where to go in order to best experience shopping at an open market. Also, because shopping at the Jabi Lake mall can be quite expensive, the Utako market is considered the perfect alternative. Hence, the market is often lively and crowded as it is the goto place for most low-income earners. The market is also dubbed as the farmers market because of the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables. Commodities bought here are considerably cheap.
Aside from being the best option for foodstuffs, you can get almost anything in the market; ranging from books to electronics to building materials and every other thing you can think of.
Where To Eat In Jabi
Whether you live in this part of the country or you are just visiting for the first time, the chances that you have asked yourself “where can I eat?” or “What food can I eat?” are very high. It is normal to think of these things as everyone depends on food to get them going. It is not just enough to visit Jabi Abuja, especially for a first timer, without knowing where to eat.
Inasmuch as you will be getting to experience new cultures, you should also prepare to eat something different too, especially if you are from the West, South or East of the country. This is because of the difference is culture and food. This does not mean you cannot get foods that you are familiar with though but they definitely come at a price.
In fact, Abuja as the capital is home to all the kinds of Nigerian dishes you can think of. That is, you can never miss the taste of home away from home. When deciding when to eat, it all boils down to your budget most times and what you want to. There are quite a number of local and international restaurants or eateries that provide a variety of dishes to their customers.
However, if you are looking to go ‘local’ and really experience what it is like to eat like the locals or natives, you should get out on the streets of Jabi. One thing you must not miss is the Suya; Abuja is actually considered the city with the best suya in the country. The suya comes in different forms – chicken, ram, goat, turkey and this part of the country is famous for its brand of suya – kilishi. As part of the local foods to taste and experience is the masa, wara (milk curd), akara among others.
If you are looking to explore Jabi for the first time, from the article, you should by now have an idea of what to expect in the area. Also, if you have visited this part of the country or live here, kindly share your experience(s) with fellow PropertyPro.ng readers.
