Nigeria’s Skyscrapers

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.

Independence House – Nigeria’s first Skyscraper

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 – credit Pulse.ng

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

Nigeria’s tallest skyscraper – Necom House

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).

World Trade Center Abuja

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 Gorgeous Eko Tower 2

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.

BuildingHeightFloorsCompletedCity
Necom House[1]160 m (520 ft)321979Lagos
Union Bank Building[2]124 m (407 ft)281991Lagos
WTC Tower 2[3]120 m (390 ft)252016Abuja
Eko Tower II[4]118 m (387 ft)272016Lagos
WTC Tower 1[5]110 m (360 ft)242016Abuja
Ministry of Communication Building[6]109 m (358 ft)30N/ALagos
Cocoa House[7]105 m (344 ft)261965Ibadan
InterContinental Lagos[8]105 m (344 ft)222013Lagos
Independence House
[9]
103 m (338 ft)231960Lagos
CBN Lagos[10][11]100 m (330 ft)192013Lagos
Great Nigeria House
[12]
95 m (312 ft)22??Lagos
CBN Headquarters94 m (308 ft)112002Abuja
Civic Centre Towers[13]90 m (300 ft)132015Lagos
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)231984Lagos
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)201985Lagos
NNPC Building 1
[21]
75 m (246 ft)151996Abuja
NNPC Building 2
[22]
75 m (246 ft)151996Abuja
NNPC Building 3
[23]
75 m (246 ft)151996Abuja
NNPC Building 4
[24]
75 m (246 ft)151996Abuja
Nestoil Towers[25]75 m (246 ft)162015Lagos
Afribank Plaza
[26]
73 m (240 ft)191998Lagos
Zenith Heights[27]73 m (240 ft)172006Lagos
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)181986Lagos
Financial Trust House[34]65 m (213 ft)18??Lagos
Kanti Tower[35]63 m (207 ft)172014Lagos
Credit Wikipedia
Roman Kingsley

Journalist based in the United States and Nigeria, focusing on Real Estate Development and the stories emerging in and around the built environment.

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