Bwari is one of the six local government area councils that make up the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Coined from Bwaya, the local government area was created in 1991 and is the predominant ancestral home of the Gbagyi ethnic group of Nigeria.
Bwari houses several key government and private institutions such as the Nigerian Law School, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) HQ, Usuma Dam, and Veritas University.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the area council and see what exactly it’s all about.
Location
Bwari is located in the North of Abuja, FCT. It is about 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the capital city centre.
Towns and suburbs close to Bwari include Gwarinpa, Dutse, Sabon Wuse, and Suleja.
The geographical coordinates of Bwari are:
- Latitude: 9°16′47″N
- Longitude: 7°22′49″E
Administration
The overall executive head of the Federal Capital Territory, is the Honorable Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike (CON).
The current Executive Chairman of the Bwari Area Council is Hon Dr. John Gabaya. You can reach out to the area council by sending an email to [email protected].
For each of the wards in the area council, there are ten elected councilors to represent and oversee activities in the respective wards: Bwari Central, Byazhin, Dutse Alhaji, Igu, Kawu, Kubwa, Kuduru, Shere, Ushafa, and Usuma.
Bwari has a paramount traditional ruler referred to as the Esu (or known as Sabwaya) of Bwari. The current Esu of Bwari is HRH (Dr.) Ibrahim Yaro and he is the 17th ruler to ascend the respected throne. He has a pivotal role in preserving the traditions and cultural beliefs of the Gbagyi natives residing in the area.
There’s another traditional ruler in the area council known as the Sarkin Bwari. Alhaji Awwal Ijakoro II is the current Sarkin Bwari, a second-class traditional ruler who took over from his father and ascended the throne in October 2017.
Population
According to the 2006 Nigerian Census, Bwari has an estimated population of about 176,514 inhabitants.
Based on the same census, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has a total population of 1,406,239. Therefore, it can be said that Bwari houses 12.55% of the total inhabitants in the Federal Capital Territory.
Weather & Climate
The temperature in Bwari ranges from 59°F to 93°F. It rarely falls below or above 100°F.
There are hot and cold seasons that alternate over the years. The hot season lasts for about 2.5 months, from January 30 to April 13. This period has an average daily high temperature above 90°F and the council is usually at its hottest in March.
The cold season starts from June 22 to October 5 and lasts for 3.5 months with an average daily high temperature below 82°F. The area council is usually at its coldest in December, with an average low of 60°F and a high of 87°F.
Postal Code
According to the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), the postal or zip code of Bwari Area Council is 901101.
This postal code is a six-digit code issued by the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) for sorting packages and delivery. All the towns, locations, and streets in Bwari also make use of the same postal or zip code.
Towns & Villages In Bwari
Bwari is made up of several towns and villages where you’ll find tribal inhabitants residing there.
Here’s a list of towns and villages you’ll find in the area council:
Apugye, Barago, Baran Rafi, Barangoni, Barapa, Bazango Bwari, Bunko, Byazhi, Chikale, Dankoru, Dauda, Donabayi, Duba, Dutse Alhaji, Gaba, Galuwyi, Gidan Babachi, Gidan Baushe, Gidan Pawa, Gudupe, Gutpo, Igu, Jigo, Kaima, Karaku, Karawa, Kasaru, Katampe, Kawadashi, Kawu, Kikumi, Kimtaru, Kogo, Kubwa, Kuchibuyi, Kuduru, Kurumin Daudu, Kute, Kwabwure, Panda, Panunuki, Paspa, Payi, Piko, Rugan S/Fulani, Ruriji, Sabon Gari, Sagwari, Shere, Simape, Sumpe, T/Danzaria, T/Manu, Tokulo, Tudun Wada, Tunga Bijimi, Tunga-Adoka, Tungan Sarkin, Ushafa, Yaba, Yajida, Yaupe, Yayidna, Zango, and Zuma.
Landmarks
Bwari is home to some notable government institutions and public establishments.
Some of these institutions include:
- Nigerian Law School
- Joint Admission & Matriculation Board (JAMB) Headquarters
- Bwari General Hospital
- JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) CBT Centre
- Dorben Polytechnic
- Bwari Area Council Secretariat
- Veritas University
- National Institute for Security Studies
- Usuma Dam
- Federal Government Girls College, Bwari
- Nigerian Army Camp
Eat & Drink
If you’re in Bwari Area Council and want to indulge in the local delicacies or grab drinks with friends, there are various places you can explore to satisfy your craving.
Here’s a list of popular restaurants, lounges, and bars you can find around.
- Bwari Kitchen
- Edo-Delta Restaurant
- Mechanic Villa
- Ibom-Favorite Restaurant and Bar
- Bells Place
- Chef’s Palace Eatery
- Doosh Restaurant and Bar
- De Prince Restaurant
- MV pub restaurant and lounge
- Cafy Light Bar, Shagari Road
- Emperor Garden & Lounge
- Nwanyi Owerri
- Doosh Restaurant & Bar
- Aunty Kate’s Restaurant and Bar
- Lucky’s Restaurant and Bar
Stay
If you’re visiting Bwari and need a place to stay, here are some hotel and apartment options available in the area council:
- Liberty Unique Class Hotel & Suites Ltd
- H9 Suites
- Satellite Hotel
- MS-Marriott Apartments
- Ivy Constellation Hotel
- Roop Hotel
- Cupid Suites Restaurant & Bar
- Mo-House Hotel
- Bchezz Hotel
- Goodview Suites & Apartments
- Nina Hotels
- Mace Hotel & Apartment
Things To Do
Here are a few things to do and places to explore while in Bwari.
Visit Usuma Dam
Usuma Dam (also called Usman Dam) is a man-made dam located in the Ushafa town of Bwari in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It is the main source of potable water used by residents in the capital city of Abuja and its environs.
The dam is divided into two parts: the higher dam and the lower (or shadow) dam. At the Lower Usuma Dam, you’ll find fishermen in canoes using traps to catch fish for sale or consumption. You can pay for a canoe ride around the shallow part of the water and have a wholesome experience.
Usuma Dam’s natural scenery is calming and therapeutic. It’s a refreshing place to explore if you’re around Bwari.
Final Words
If you want to experience the rich tradition and culture of the Gbagyi natives of Nigeria, Bwari is where you should be.
The area council is one of the six local government areas in FCT and houses some of Nigeria’s important government institutions.
To have fun and relax, you can have a boat ride while enjoying the natural scenery of Usuma Dam, go mountain hiking around Katampe Hills, or explore Zuma Rock in Suleja.
Do you have questions about Bwari?
Drop a comment below.