Shopping
Like most large towns in Nigeria, there are plenty of options when shopping in Abuja. The best places to find souvenirs are certainly the local markets, of which the Wuse Market is the most established and the most tourist-friendly.
Everything you can think of is available at the Wuse Market, and it is a wonderful place to buy Nigerian souvenirs such as adire (patterned, dyed cloth), batiks and pottery from the southwest, leatherwork and kaduna cotton from the north, and carvings from the east.
Traditional beadwork, basketry, and ceremonial masks are also popular choices. Shoppers are expected to bargain at the Wuse Market. Initially it's best for shoppers to offer a third of what the vendor quoted, but they should be prepared to part with at least half of the original asking price.
For those not keen on braving a local market, Abuja abounds with ritzy shopping plazas, largely designed for wealthy Nigerians and for foreigners doing business in Nigeria. The best of these include the Ceddi Plaza, Dunes Center, Banex Plaza, and Maclewis Plaza. There is a wonderful fresh fruit market in Maitama, one of the wealthiest areas of Abuja. Again, the majority of this market's clientele are foreign businessmen working in Abuja.
Nightlife
Abuja's nightlife scene lags far behind that of Lagos, yet still features a few decent bars where tourists can unwind after a hard day's sightseeing. Unfortunately, most of Abuja's nightlife remains rather segregated between bars frequented by expats and 'local bars', which aren't considered completely safe for visitors to Abuja. A good bet is the Elephant Bar (attached to the Sheraton Hotel), where the drinks may be overpriced, but at least there is always some great live music to enjoy.