Erect, rigid, and tall, swaying slightly, high above the earth – masses of brick and steel sheathed in granite, glass and stone, peering over the landscape, towering atop the city.
Skyscrapers are man-made real estate marvels that continually amaze and impress even the biggest cynics.
The engineering, architectural talent, time, labour and money it takes to construct these massive edifices, is honestly extraordinary and almost incomprehensible.
Skyscrapers – American by origin – the first one (Home Insurance Building) having been built in Chicago in 1884-5, have come a long way since that mere 10 storey building was erected. At that time, it was a gargantuan structure that dwarfed all buildings around it.
Today skyscrapers dominate city skylines, house multinational corporations, residents and are attractions for tourists across the globe.
Nigeria’s Early Structures
We are highlighting Nigeria’s skyscrapers and the progress and outlook of future development across the country. Africa in general seems to be in a race to modernize and develop its cities at a quick clip, and the juxtaposition of old Africa and new Africa – is striking.
The first skyscraper in Nigeria was technically Independence House – commissioned by the British in 1960 as a gesture of goodwill and support of Nigeria’s independence. This structure stands 103 meters (338ft) and holds 23 storeys. While this property has seen better days, it is still a representation of Nigeria’s vertical rise in real estate.
Cocoa House, which was built in 1965 in Ibadan also holds a special place in Nigerian history. Built from the proceeds from cocoa, rubber and timber – this was once the tallest structure in tropical Africa. Standing 105 meters (344 ft) with 26 floors. It is sad to say that the latest reports from here are that the building is in bad repair and all but one elevators are not functioning and water does not flow regularly.
Nigeria’s Tallest
Since the 1960’s, Nigeria has seen more construction of high rise buildings. Currently, Necom House which was built in 1979 is the tallest structure in the country. It has 32 floors and rises 160 m (520 ft). It is home to NITEL, and the communication spire that protrudes from the roof, serves as a light house beacon for the Lagos harbor.
Modern Developments
Abuja is seeing a spike in development all around and there are several projects currently underway. WTC (World Trade Centre) is a massive undertaking in the FTC that will comprise of 8 buildings – 7 of which will be skyscrapers. Two properties have already been finished and one of them (WTC2) is currently the 3rd tallest building in Nigeria at 25 floors and 120 m (390 Ft).
This ambitious project, when complete, will be a spectacular and grand addition to Abuja’s burgeoning metropolis and will rival many international city’s developments.
Eko Tower 2 is a modern mixed use project in Lagos. It was built in 2016 and spans 118 m (387 ft) and 27 floors. It is a beautiful piece of architecture and sets the tone for Victoria Island.
The Future
Nigeria has a healthy appetite for tall buildings and real estate development. There are many projects underway – and we didn’t even touch on the Eko Atlantic behemoth.
As long as the economy is stable and grows a level rate, and investors commit, fund and see projects through to their completion, the Nigerian real estate scene and landscape will continue to transform before our eyes.
Below is a complete list of the tallest buildings in Nigeria for reference.
| Building | Height | Floors | Completed | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Necom House[1] | 160 m (520 ft) | 32 | 1979 | Lagos |
| Union Bank Building[2] | 124 m (407 ft) | 28 | 1991 | Lagos |
| WTC Tower 2[3] | 120 m (390 ft) | 25 | 2016 | Abuja |
| Eko Tower II[4] | 118 m (387 ft) | 27 | 2016 | Lagos |
| WTC Tower 1[5] | 110 m (360 ft) | 24 | 2016 | Abuja |
| Ministry of Communication Building[6] | 109 m (358 ft) | 30 | N/A | Lagos |
| Cocoa House[7] | 105 m (344 ft) | 26 | 1965 | Ibadan |
| InterContinental Lagos[8] | 105 m (344 ft) | 22 | 2013 | Lagos |
| Independence House [9] | 103 m (338 ft) | 23 | 1960 | Lagos |
| CBN Lagos[10][11] | 100 m (330 ft) | 19 | 2013 | Lagos |
| Great Nigeria House [12] | 95 m (312 ft) | 22 | ?? | Lagos |
| CBN Headquarters | 94 m (308 ft) | 11 | 2002 | Abuja |
| Civic Centre Towers[13] | 90 m (300 ft) | 13 | 2015 | Lagos |
| Eko Court A[14] | 88 m (289 ft) | 24 | ?? | Lagos |
| Eko Court B[15] | 88 m (289 ft) | 24 | ?? | Lagos |
| Eko Court C[16] | 88 m (289 ft) | 24 | ?? | Lagos |
| National Oil Headquarters [17] | 83 m (272 ft) | 23 | 1984 | Lagos |
| Stock Exchange House [18] | 83 m (272 ft) | 22 | ?? | Lagos |
| UBA House [19] | 80 m (260 ft) | 20 | ?? | Lagos |
| Conoil House[20] | 80 m (260 ft) | 22 | ?? | Lagos |
| Eagle House [19] | 78 m (256 ft) | 20 | 1985 | Lagos |
| NNPC Building 1 [21] | 75 m (246 ft) | 15 | 1996 | Abuja |
| NNPC Building 2 [22] | 75 m (246 ft) | 15 | 1996 | Abuja |
| NNPC Building 3 [23] | 75 m (246 ft) | 15 | 1996 | Abuja |
| NNPC Building 4 [24] | 75 m (246 ft) | 15 | 1996 | Abuja |
| Nestoil Towers[25] | 75 m (246 ft) | 16 | 2015 | Lagos |
| Afribank Plaza [26] | 73 m (240 ft) | 19 | 1998 | Lagos |
| Zenith Heights[27] | 73 m (240 ft) | 17 | 2006 | Lagos |
| Wema Tower[28] | 73 m (240 ft) | 20 | ?? | Lagos |
| Freeman House [29] | 70 m (230 ft) | 18 | ?? | Lagos |
| Unity House[30] | 69 m (226 ft) | 19 | ?? | Lagos |
| Sterling Tower[31] | 66 m (217 ft) | 18 | ?? | Lagos |
| Eleganza House[32] | 65 m (213 ft) | 18 | ?? | Lagos |
| Nicon House[33] | 65 m (213 ft) | 18 | 1986 | Lagos |
| Financial Trust House[34] | 65 m (213 ft) | 18 | ?? | Lagos |
| Kanti Tower[35] | 63 m (207 ft) | 17 | 2014 | Lagos |
