It is almost nightfall, and the sound of laughter rises above the rustle of leaves at a cozy spot in Wuse II, in the heart of Abuja. Tables are spread out beneath a variety of trees, as fairy lights twinkle against a darkening sky, while an Afrobeats song pulses in the background. It is a familiar scene across Nigeria’s capital these days, one that signals the rise of what many now call Abuja’s “garden economy.”
Once a city known mainly for its sterile office buildings and roundabouts, Abuja is fast reinventing itself as the country’s green leisure capital. Across districts like Wuse, Maitama, Gwarinpa, and Garki, dozens of restaurants, bars, and cafés have sprung up in lush, open-air spaces, combining dining with nature in a distinctly Abuja way.
Over a decade ago, when gardens started catching on, people thought alfresco dining wouldn’t survive Abuja’s weather. But many business owners say the outdoor vibe is what everyone is pursuing.
From the sprawling Jardin D’or in Wuye, where poolside lights reflect off calm water, to Floris Garden in Wuse, known for its botanical decor and weekend jazz sessions, the garden economy has become a cultural movement, a lifestyle as much as a business model. For residents, these gardens offer something rare: calm.
The rise of the garden entrepreneurs
Abuja’s garden entrepreneurs have transformed vacant plots and green belts into destinations where people can unwind under trees, share a drink with friends, and listen to music in the open air. The effect is both aesthetic and psychological.
“It is therapy,” said Uche Kenechukwu, a tech professional who frequents outdoor lounges after work. “The moment you sit under those lights and hear the leaves rustle, you feel human again. Abuja can be stressful, and ‘gardens’ are where we breathe.”
The trend mirrors global shifts toward outdoor leisure and sustainable business models. With rising urban populations and a yearning for connection, cities everywhere are rediscovering the value of green social spaces. In Abuja, where manicured parks meet the savannah’s horizon, the garden economy feels like a natural extension of the landscape itself.
“Abuja’s climate is mild, and people crave open, safe, well-lit environments. Entrepreneurs have successfully monetised that, adding to the city’s already existing greenery,” said Jimi Bulus, a horticulturist who sells a variety of plants and flowers by a major road in highbrow Asokoro.
What started as a few outdoor beer ‘joints’ in the early 2000s has evolved into a full-fledged hospitality ecosystem. Many of the new spots are owned by young Nigerians, some returning from abroad with hospitality experience, others simply turning their passion into a business. The results are irresistible establishments where many young Abuja dwellers go to refuel and connect with others.
Many of them have even ventured into the ‘gentrification’ of local delicacies and staples, such as Akara, pap, fried yam, and fiery pepper sauce. Then there are the increasingly popular garden restaurants, where Amala and pounded yam are sold, as the popularity of both Nigerian staples continue to climb. Add to the list ever-popular suya, shawarma, and pizza, and there’s something for everyone.
Data from hospitality groups and business listings show a consistent rise in outdoor venues and green-themed restaurants over the past five years. Travel sites now list more than 50 garden-style venues across the FCT, with new ones appearing in suburban areas like Lokogoma, Jahi, and Katampe.
Some gardens are boutique-size, offering fine dining amid bamboo fences. Others sprawl over acres, doubling as event centres and concert grounds. Together, they employ thousands of people, including gardeners and chefs, event planners, security guards, and artisans.
Bulus, who said his customers are mainly garden establishment owners, said the joints employ maintenance staff, cleaners, decorators, and sound engineers.
“It’s a whole ecosystem,” Bulus said.
No substitute for nature
Running a garden business in Abuja comes with many challenges. Maintaining green spaces can be costly, and irrigation, pest control, and regular replanting can prove daunting. Erratic electricity means many venues rely on generators for lighting and music, driving up expenses. But for many, the rewards outweigh the costs.
“Yes, maintenance is expensive, but there is no substitute for nature,” said Ngozi Ibekwe, co-owner of Botanica Lounge, in Jahi.
The most persistent concern, however, remains uncertainty about land tenure and regulation. Some operators lease public green spaces from the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), while others operate on privately-owned plots. Ambiguous permits or city planning disputes occasionally threaten operations.
Ibekwe said if there are proper guidelines, they will be followed.
“Most garden owners pay taxes. We’re responsible, and we add greenery,” she said.
Despite policy hiccups, some gardens have turned into community landmarks. Some host poetry nights and art exhibitions, and others double as venues for charity fundraisers and wedding receptions. Areas like Gwarinpa host weekend farmers’ markets and yoga classes.
Urban planners see these developments as crucial to Abuja’s future liveability. With the city expanding rapidly, residents are demanding more inclusive recreational spaces. Gardens, many argue, fill that gap while keeping local ecosystems alive.
The garden economy has also produced notable success stories. One such case is Sodic Parks and Gardens in Life Camp, which began as a modest relaxation park and grew into a multi-use facility for concerts and outdoor dining. Even after pandemic-era shutdowns and occasional demolition scares, the gardens have not only survived – they’ve multiplied.
Experts believe the garden economy can be a model for sustainable urban entrepreneurship. By prioritising landscaping, water conservation, and eco-friendly designs, garden owners are helping offset the city’s carbon footprint. Some even offer solar-powered lighting and recycling initiatives.
Government officials have also taken note. According to an official at the FCT Department of Parks and Recreation, plans are underway to standardise permits and encourage partnerships with local entrepreneurs.
“We want to see more regulated, beautiful gardens,” the official said. “They make the city better, safer, and more enjoyable.”
For now, the city’s evenings belong to the wide, green parks. The garden economy, born of creativity and necessity, has become an emblem of Abuja’s evolving identity, one rooted in nature, community, and sometimes even luxury.
As night falls over one of the many joints at the Jabi Lake Park, global star Burna Boy’s newest hit single picks up a vibrant rhythm, reflecting the energy of the patrons enjoying food and drink under the whispering trees.