The Nigerian Mosque: Lagos Central Mosque

The history of the Lagos Central Mosque, which is dated as far back as 1775 when the crescent of Islam was raised as a result of the undaunted effort by Oba Adele 1 amidst opposition from the traditional worshippers who then formed the majority of the population of Lagos and whose hands laid the government of the City.

Lagos Central Mosque current site on the Nnamdi Azikiwe Street (formerly Victoria Street) has witnessed multiple rebuilding and expansion since it was acquired in 1864. Its first structure built in the same year was constructed with mud and bamboo – common building materials of the time. The Mosque was rebuilt a decade after and displayed a significant advancement in its building materials of burnt brick and corrugated iron sheets for roofing.

Due to the increasing population of Lagos Metropolis, in 1983 the old Mosque, which was opened in 1913 was demolished to give way to the newly conceived Ultra-Modern Mosque and finally on the 3rd of March, 1985, new foundation stones were laid by the former Military Head of State, Major General Muhammed Buhari, the former Governor of Lagos State, Group Captain Gbolahan Mudashiru, Alhaji Liadi Ibrahim, OBE, then Chief Imam of Lagos and Alhaji W.I. Folawiyo, OFR, the Baba Adinni of Nigeria and Chairman of the Executive Council of Lagos Central Mosque. While the construction lasted for about fifteen years.

The new Ultra-Modern edifice of the Lagos Central Mosque was commissioned and opened for use by General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, the then President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Saturday, May 28, 1988. The event was attended by Islamic dignitaries, clerics, officials and representatives of the diplomatic corps from all over the world particularly the Muslim community.

The Mosque encompasses an area of about 1 acre. The new building’s entrance leads to a riwaq with ornate columns, and the courtyard or Sahn is just beyond it. A 750-square-meter prayer hall with a 15-meter-diameter metal central dome that is visible from the outside due to its gold-plated aluminium cladding serves the prayer purpose.

Its exterior features include four ottoman style minarets arranged symmetrically- two above the entrance area and two recessed to the east and west sides of the building. The new Ultra-Modern monument consists of the main Mosque, Islamic Centre & Library, Assembly Hall with open space, Chief Imam’s Lodge, Administrative Block, Vault of Chief Imams & prominent members and Drive-in Garage.

Full Name:

• Lagos Central mosque

Founder:

Year of Opening:

• 1864 (first build), 1913 (second build), 1988 (third and present build)

Operation:

Best Features:

• The four ottoman style minarets.

Visitors:

• Islamic faithfuls, Scholars, Artists, Architects

Security/Safety:

• Very Safe

Location:

• 46A, Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria

Contact:

• +234 808 922 3172
• mails@lagoscentralmosque.org