The movement however came with some unintended consequences such as population burst which has caused strains on existing infrastructures. This has also resulted to the emergence of slums within the city.
The high cost of house rent in the city centre has also contributed to this trend leaving most residents with no other choice but to relocate to satellite towns.
Here are the list of five most populated places in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
1. Nyanya: This the border town between Abuja and Nasarawa state. Its proximity to the city centre could be responsible for the increasing population within the area. The area is also characterised by heavy vehicular traffic especially during rush hours.
2. Kubwa: Kubwa has become the fastest growing satellite town in Abuja. The relatively low cost of rents, good roads, security may have been responsible for this.
3: Lugbe: Located along the airport road, the population of people in Lugbe have continued to increase with each passing day. The location of an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp around the area has also contributed to the growth in popularion.
4. Dutse: With lots of northerners living in the area, Dutse's population has grown to a level where residents build houses on hills. Indiscriminate disposal of waste and open dedication are common sights in Dutse.
5. Mpape: Call it rough, rocky and rugged and you won't be wrong. Mpape is home to most resident whose houses were demolished during the Nasir el-Rufai administration.
6: Gwagwalada: Popularly called Gwags, the area is home to the University of Abuja. The presence of students, lecturers, non-teaching staff etc is largely responsible for the increased population in this area.
7. Utako: Kpana village, situated in Utako is one of the closest slums to the city centre. The little but populous village is surrounded by three hotels; Sandralia, 3J's and Chida hotel.
A room in any of these hotel can cost up to N50,000 or more per night. This amount can actually feed and maintain five families for about a month in this village. Statistic show more than 60% of Nigerians in this village live under $2 per day.
Kpan village has an estimated population about 1500 inhabitants.