Lagos Central Mosque Archives of African Architectures Project

Amidst a busy and chaotic urbanscape lies a most unlikely building typology that stands out and blends simultaneously with its environment. In the middle of one of the most visited commercial centres in West Africa is the site of one the iconic mosques on Lagos Island. In a city such as Lagos with a vast collection of religious buildings- churches and mosques alike, this one stands out in its sheer grandiosity and overall symbolism. The view of its minarets and golden plated dome rising up to the sky can be seen as far away as the Third Mainland Bridge, one of the major accesses to the island. It has become a landmark of this commercial centre.The present day Lagos Central Mosque holds an interesting architectural history. Its current site on the former Victoria Street (now Nnamdi Azikiwe Street) has witnessed multiple rebuilding and expansion since it was acquired in 1864.