Looking for the biggest mosques in Nigeria? Well, you are in the right place. With over 48.9 percent of Nigerians being Muslim according to a December 2012 report, the need for large mosques to accommodate the ever growing number of Muslims has never been more important.
With a capacity of 4,000,000 worshippers, the Al-Haram Mosque in Saudi Arabia is the largest mosque and religious gathering center in the world. The mosque which is located specifically in Mecca is known to be the
birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and regarded as the holiest city in the Islamic
religion. It is also known to be the pilgrimage destination for all able Muslims. The pilgrimage known as the Hajj is held in the twelfth Muslim lunar month of Duhul-Hijjah.
birthplace of Prophet Muhammad and regarded as the holiest city in the Islamic
religion. It is also known to be the pilgrimage destination for all able Muslims. The pilgrimage known as the Hajj is held in the twelfth Muslim lunar month of Duhul-Hijjah.
In this list, we are going to talk about the 10 biggest mosques in Nigeria including their locations.
1. Yobe Central Mosque
Yobe Central Mosque, the largest mosque in Nigeria (Daily Trust, May 5th, 2007) and one of the largest in Africa. It is located in
Damaturu, the capital city of Yobe state and situated along Maiduguri-Potiskum
road. It was completed in 2007 and launched on 11th May, 2007. The central mosque
and Islamic centre in the northeastern state stands to be one of the most
beautiful and iconic attractive places in Nigeria because of it’s spectacular
beauty and architecture.
Damaturu, the capital city of Yobe state and situated along Maiduguri-Potiskum
road. It was completed in 2007 and launched on 11th May, 2007. The central mosque
and Islamic centre in the northeastern state stands to be one of the most
beautiful and iconic attractive places in Nigeria because of it’s spectacular
beauty and architecture.
During the construction of the mosque edifice,
contributions were being made by Muslim civil servants and thousands of
Christian workers in the state who were not even consulted on the
contributions, opted to take part in a solidarity with their colleagues who are
Muslims, maintaining such gesture was a clear demonstration of religious
tolerance, unity and coexistence in the state. Thus, the mosque is always
remembered with that historic motive made by the Christian faithfuls.
contributions were being made by Muslim civil servants and thousands of
Christian workers in the state who were not even consulted on the
contributions, opted to take part in a solidarity with their colleagues who are
Muslims, maintaining such gesture was a clear demonstration of religious
tolerance, unity and coexistence in the state. Thus, the mosque is always
remembered with that historic motive made by the Christian faithfuls.
2. Abuja National Mosque
Taking the first place on our list is one of the oldest
mosques in Nigeria. The Abuja National Mosque was built in 1984 and is located
on Independence Avenue, you can get to this destination from anywhere from Zone
10 to Wuse Zone 3.
mosques in Nigeria. The Abuja National Mosque was built in 1984 and is located
on Independence Avenue, you can get to this destination from anywhere from Zone
10 to Wuse Zone 3.
The mosque is known to be one of the most beautiful and
well-constructed mosque in Nigeria and it gets this commendation for a reason. Its
golden dome glitters in the sun showcasing its beauty and architectural marvel.
The mosque also features four minarets and amazing interior décor.
well-constructed mosque in Nigeria and it gets this commendation for a reason. Its
golden dome glitters in the sun showcasing its beauty and architectural marvel.
The mosque also features four minarets and amazing interior décor.
The mosque doesn’t just serve as a center for prayers; it
also has a library, a conference hall, and a religious school.
also has a library, a conference hall, and a religious school.
Unlike Christian praying centers, the Abuja National
Mosque is open to the non-Muslim public for exploration, although you would
have to step out during congregational prayers as remaining there goes against
the rules.
Mosque is open to the non-Muslim public for exploration, although you would
have to step out during congregational prayers as remaining there goes against
the rules.
You can check out photos of the exterior and the
interior of the mosque below
interior of the mosque below
3. Shitta Bey Mosque
Located in Ereko Street, Lagos Island, Lagos, the Shitta
Bey mosque is known as one of the oldest mosques in Nigeria. The Shitta Bey
Mosque was built in 1892 by Joao Baptisa da Costa and took a year to complete
Bey mosque is known as one of the oldest mosques in Nigeria. The Shitta Bey
Mosque was built in 1892 by Joao Baptisa da Costa and took a year to complete
The mosque was named after its founder Sierra
Leonean-born Nigerian Mohammed Shitta Bey who contributed to the construction
and completion of the edifice. It is one of the finest constructs of
ecclesiastical architecture in Nigeria, it is also considered to be one of the
important historical legacies of Nigeria because it signifies the propagation
of Islam in Lagos and the acceptance of Western education by the Muslim community
in Lagos.
Leonean-born Nigerian Mohammed Shitta Bey who contributed to the construction
and completion of the edifice. It is one of the finest constructs of
ecclesiastical architecture in Nigeria, it is also considered to be one of the
important historical legacies of Nigeria because it signifies the propagation
of Islam in Lagos and the acceptance of Western education by the Muslim community
in Lagos.
The mosque which has only 1 Minaret was constructed with
only concrete, granite, and marble, it was designed in Afro-Brazilian
architecture by renowned Brazilian architect Joao Baptista da Costa.
only concrete, granite, and marble, it was designed in Afro-Brazilian
architecture by renowned Brazilian architect Joao Baptista da Costa.
Although completed in 1892, the mosque was formally
opened in 1894 with several dignitaries such as the then Governor of Lagos and
the first Oba of Lagos present at the opening ceremony.
opened in 1894 with several dignitaries such as the then Governor of Lagos and
the first Oba of Lagos present at the opening ceremony.
The mosque reportedly cost about 3000 euro to erect
which could be a bigger sum if you calculate it with the value of today’s
money. Today it is considered an architectural marvel with a great interior and
exterior design.
which could be a bigger sum if you calculate it with the value of today’s
money. Today it is considered an architectural marvel with a great interior and
exterior design.
4. Ilorin Central Mosque
Considered to be the pride of Ilorin, the Central Mosque
is not known only as a center for religious prayers but also as a tourist
center which attracts many tourists from every part of Nigeria and Africa due
to its beauty and architectural design.
is not known only as a center for religious prayers but also as a tourist
center which attracts many tourists from every part of Nigeria and Africa due
to its beauty and architectural design.
Before the construction of the present Central Mosque in
Ilorin, there was another in the same area, which was established in 1820. The
mosque was, however, unable to accommodate the growing Muslim population and
the need for a new central mosque could no longer be overlooked.
Ilorin, there was another in the same area, which was established in 1820. The
mosque was, however, unable to accommodate the growing Muslim population and
the need for a new central mosque could no longer be overlooked.
In 1977, the construction of a new mosque began under
the directive of the 9th Emir Alhaji Zulkarnaini Gambari, it was
planned to reflect the status of Ilorin as a city of Islam and also accommodate
the growing Muslim population thereby making it one of the biggest mosques in
Nigeria.
the directive of the 9th Emir Alhaji Zulkarnaini Gambari, it was
planned to reflect the status of Ilorin as a city of Islam and also accommodate
the growing Muslim population thereby making it one of the biggest mosques in
Nigeria.
Renovation began in 2007, in an attempt to bring beauty
back to the mosque as it had been in a bad condition over years, with cracks on
the walls and floors.
back to the mosque as it had been in a bad condition over years, with cracks on
the walls and floors.
The renovation not only made the mosque as beautiful as
it once was but also added more features such as a car park, an Islamic library,
and a well-equipped hall, matching it with the world-class design of the Abuja
National Mosque.
it once was but also added more features such as a car park, an Islamic library,
and a well-equipped hall, matching it with the world-class design of the Abuja
National Mosque.
5. Lagos Central Mosque
Once known to be the national mosque of Nigeria, the
Lagos Central Mosque is a sight to behold. The large mosque which features a
fantastic architectural design was built between 1908 and 1913, although the
mosque has undergone several renovations and the current mosque was opened for
use in 1988.
Lagos Central Mosque is a sight to behold. The large mosque which features a
fantastic architectural design was built between 1908 and 1913, although the
mosque has undergone several renovations and the current mosque was opened for
use in 1988.
The old mosque which was developed by the Jamat Muslim
Council of Lagos was demolished in 1983 to give space for the new mosque.
Funding was raised by members of the mosque who saw the need to enlarge the
mosque and add several utilities to its structure.
Council of Lagos was demolished in 1983 to give space for the new mosque.
Funding was raised by members of the mosque who saw the need to enlarge the
mosque and add several utilities to its structure.
The new mosque which takes a land space of about one
acre is located around the Nnamdi Azikiwe Street in the city of Lagos. The
mosque consists of four minarets, two tall ones, and two small ones
acre is located around the Nnamdi Azikiwe Street in the city of Lagos. The
mosque consists of four minarets, two tall ones, and two small ones
During the renovation of the mosque, several new
features like a parking garage for members, an office block, a reference
library, Islamic center and a flat for the Chief Imam were added.
features like a parking garage for members, an office block, a reference
library, Islamic center and a flat for the Chief Imam were added.
The large mosque also serves as a tourist center
attracting mostly Muslim tourists in the city of Lagos.
attracting mostly Muslim tourists in the city of Lagos.
6. Syrian Mosque
Located in Ikoyi, Lagos, the Syrian mosque is one of the
biggest mosques in Nigeria. It has world class facilities including a sports
area, restaurant and a garage for members.
biggest mosques in Nigeria. It has world class facilities including a sports
area, restaurant and a garage for members.
The mosque is very spacious with the ability to
accommodate hundreds of worshippers. The mosque also serves as a tourist
attraction and is opened 24/7 to worshippers and the non-Muslim public.
accommodate hundreds of worshippers. The mosque also serves as a tourist
attraction and is opened 24/7 to worshippers and the non-Muslim public.
7. Maiduguri Central Mosque
Completed under the directive of the Shehu of Borno,
Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai el-Kanemi, the Maiduguri Central Mosque is an
architectural edifice which took over 60 weeks to complete.
Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai el-Kanemi, the Maiduguri Central Mosque is an
architectural edifice which took over 60 weeks to complete.
The mosque which is now the pride of Borno state has
once been ugly, old and unfitting for worship due to a superstition which
halted building plans. It was once believed that prominent individuals whose
lineage is traced to the old Kanem Borno Empire will die if any attempt was
made to modernize, expand or reconstruct its original architectural look.
once been ugly, old and unfitting for worship due to a superstition which
halted building plans. It was once believed that prominent individuals whose
lineage is traced to the old Kanem Borno Empire will die if any attempt was
made to modernize, expand or reconstruct its original architectural look.
However, the new Shehu of Borno saw the need for a new
mosque worthy of Borno and he kept contacting the then Governor of Borno state,
Ali Modu Sheriff who eventually signed the contract for the completion of the
mosque in 2011.
mosque worthy of Borno and he kept contacting the then Governor of Borno state,
Ali Modu Sheriff who eventually signed the contract for the completion of the
mosque in 2011.
The construction of mosque which once halted for 23
years was completed in 14 months and cost about N876 million.
years was completed in 14 months and cost about N876 million.
The mosque is today an architectural marvel attracting
prominent Muslims worshippers and tourists to its multi-purpose hall.
prominent Muslims worshippers and tourists to its multi-purpose hall.
8. Lekki Central Mosque
Located in the bustling neighbourhood of Lekki, Lagos,
the Lekki central mosque is known to be the biggest in Lekki. It is also one of
the biggest in Nigeria and normally packed full with Muslim worshippers during
the month of Ramadan.
the Lekki central mosque is known to be the biggest in Lekki. It is also one of
the biggest in Nigeria and normally packed full with Muslim worshippers during
the month of Ramadan.
The mosque offers a praying center for Muslim
worshippers who visit the mosque to say their jummah prayers, salah and also
take weekly lectures.
worshippers who visit the mosque to say their jummah prayers, salah and also
take weekly lectures.
The mosque is also a go-to destination for tourists due
to its one of a kind architectural design and beauty.
to its one of a kind architectural design and beauty.
9. Great Mosque of Kano
Located in the second most populous city in Nigeria, the
Great Mosque of Kano is an architectural edifice that attracts thousands of
tourists to its marvelous halls. The mosque which is the largest in the city is
also one of the major tourist attractions in the city.
Great Mosque of Kano is an architectural edifice that attracts thousands of
tourists to its marvelous halls. The mosque which is the largest in the city is
also one of the major tourist attractions in the city.
The mosque was specifically built to accommodate a large
number of Muslims as most of Kano’s population is made up of Muslims.
number of Muslims as most of Kano’s population is made up of Muslims.
The great mosque was not as amazing as it was today as
it was once built with mud in the 15th century for Muhammad Rumfa.
The final mosque was built with British Sponsorship and includes state of the
art facilities to enable Muslim worshippers to carry on their religious duties
in a comfortable environment.
it was once built with mud in the 15th century for Muhammad Rumfa.
The final mosque was built with British Sponsorship and includes state of the
art facilities to enable Muslim worshippers to carry on their religious duties
in a comfortable environment.
10. Bashir Uthman Tofa Mosque
Concluding our list is the Bashir Uthman Tofa Mosque
which is named after Alhaji Bashir Uthman Tofa. Alhaji Bashir is a politician who contested in the
June 12, 1993, presidential elections He is also known as a businessman, an oil
trader and an industrialist. He owned several prominent companies and made a
large impact in the city of Kano and therefore the mosque was named after him.
which is named after Alhaji Bashir Uthman Tofa. Alhaji Bashir is a politician who contested in the
June 12, 1993, presidential elections He is also known as a businessman, an oil
trader and an industrialist. He owned several prominent companies and made a
large impact in the city of Kano and therefore the mosque was named after him.
The mosque which is located in Gandun Albasa, Kano is
known as the second largest mosque in Kano and one of the largest mosques in
Nigeria. The mosque boasts of a marvelous architectural design with state of
the art facilities.
known as the second largest mosque in Kano and one of the largest mosques in
Nigeria. The mosque boasts of a marvelous architectural design with state of
the art facilities.
The mosque is also a tourist attraction in the city of
Kano, attracting both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors.
Kano, attracting both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors.
That’s it on our list of Top 10 biggest mosques in Nigeria. If you did notice, most of these mosques are located in the South-West
and the Northern part of Nigeria which is no surprise as these regions have the largest concentration of Muslims.
and the Northern part of Nigeria which is no surprise as these regions have the largest concentration of Muslims.