This guide ranked the top five biggest mosques in Nigeria based on their capacity.
No | Name | Capacity | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Abuja National Mosque | 25, 000 | Abuja |
2 | Yobe Central Mosque | 20, 000 | Damaturu, Yobe |
3 | Ilorin Central Mosque | 20, 000 | Ilorin, Kwara |
4 | Maiduguri Central Mosque | 15, 000 | Maiduguri, Borno |
5 | Lagos Central Mosque | 10, 000 | Lagos |
6 | Great Mosque of Kano | 10, 000 | Kano |
1. Abuja National Mosque – 25,000
The Abuja National Mosque, also called the Nigerian National Mosque, is the largest mosque in Nigeria. It is located in the capital city of Abuja, on Independence Avenue, opposite the National Christian Centre.
The mosque was built in 1984 and opened in 1985. It can hold 25,000 worshippers and is open to non-Muslims except during congregational prayers.
The mosque is more than a place of worship. It also has a library, a conference center for 600 people, and offices for the Islamic Centre.
There are also residential areas for the imams and the muazzins. The construction project was handled by Aims Construction Limited, while design consultancy came from AIM Consultants Ltd.
In 2017, major changes were made to the mosque’s management. The position of Chief Imam, which was vacant since 2015, was replaced by a Sole Administrator called the Murshid.
Professor Shehu Ahmad Said Galadanci became the Murshid, combining the roles of Chief Imam and Administrative Head.
Three coequal Imams: Prof. Ibrahim Ahmad Maqari, Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura, and Dr. Muhammad Kabir Adam assist him.
On December 2, 2024, Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Jummu’ah Solagberu was appointed Chief Imam of the mosque, with approval from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
READ ALSO: Complete List Of Obi Of Onitsha From Mid-16th Century Till Date
2. Yobe Central Mosque – 20,000
The Yobe Central Mosque is the second largest mosque in Nigeria, located in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State. It can hold over 20,000 worshippers, making it not just the biggest mosque in Nigeria but also one of the largest in Africa.
This impressive structure was completed in May 2007, after facing delays due to political changes and a military coup.
Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim first started the project, which cost over one billion naira. The mosque combines traditional Islamic designs with modern architecture.
Its tall minarets and large prayer halls are perfect for big gatherings, especially during special occasions like Eid. The outside features beautiful carvings and calligraphy, while the inside has spacious areas for prayers and other needs.
Yobe Central Mosque also supports the community with educational programs and promotes unity and peace among Muslims.
3. Ilorin Central Mosque – 20,000
The Ilorin Central Mosque, located in Ilorin, Kwara State, is the most beautiful in Nigeria. With the capacity to hold 20,000 worshippers, it is the second-largest mosque in Nigeria after the Abuja National Mosque.
The mosque’s history dates back to 1820 when the first mosque was built in the Agbarere area under Sheik Imam Muhammad Munab’bau.
As the Muslim population grew, the early mosques became too small. In 1974, the ninth Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Zulkarnaini Gambari, initiated the construction of the current mosque.
It was completed in 1981 and later renovated in 2012 to improve its beauty and capacity. The mosque’s design is inspired by North African architecture.
It has a pyramid-shaped structure, a large golden dome, and 99 smaller domes. Four tall minarets, each 150 feet high.
Inside, there are beautiful Islamic calligraphy and marble finishes. The mosque also plays a part in the community by hosting educational programs, promoting Islamic studies, and offering social support.
READ ALSO: List Of Oba Of Benin From 1200 AD Till Date
4. Maiduguri Central Mosque – 15,000
The Maiduguri Central Mosque, located in Borno State, Nigeria, is one of the largest mosques in the country, with a seating capacity of 15,000 people. The mosque, originally built in 1918 was renovated and expanded.
In 1986, it was demolished to allow for major upgrades, but construction faced many delays and challenges, lasting 33 years.
Some believed the project was jinxed. However, former Governor Kashim Shettima revived the project, and the mosque was completed in 2019.
It was officially opened on February 8, 2019, by the Sultan of Sokoto. The mosque is known for its beautiful Islamic architecture, including tall minarets and large domes.
It has modern facilities like classrooms, libraries, a media center, and ablution points. Also, It has water reservoirs, restroom facilities, and backup power systems, making it very functional.
5. Lagos Central Mosque – 10,000
The Lagos Central Mosque is one of Nigeria’s largest and oldest mosques. It is located at 46A Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Lagos Island, and can hold about 10,000 worshippers.
This mosque was officially opened on May 28, 1988, but its roots go back to the 18th century. Islam began growing in Lagos around 1775, due to the efforts of Oba Adele I.
The first mosque at the site was built in 1864 with mud and bamboo. In 1874, it was replaced by a stronger building made of bricks and iron sheets.
Then a larger mosque was built in 1913 as the Muslim population grew. However, by 1963, the old mosque could no longer accommodate everyone, so plans for a modern structure were made.
The current mosque replaced the old one in 1988, featuring four tall Ottoman-style minarets and a large prayer hall with a gold-plated dome. It also has facilities like a library, an Islamic center, and an assembly hall.
READ ALSO: List Of Emirs Of Kano From 1807 Till Date
6. Great Mosque Of Kano – 10,000
The Great Mosque of Kano, also known as the Kano Central Mosque, is one of Nigeria’s largest and oldest mosques. It is located in Kano, the capital of Kano State, which is also the second most populous city in Nigeria.
The mosque is in the Mandawari area. Built in the 15th century for Muhammad Rumfa, the mosque was originally made of mud and had a tower design.
Before Rumfa’s reign and conversion to Islam, the central mosque was in other locations, possibly Sharifai or Yan Doya.
The mosque was moved to its current site in 1582 by Muhammad Zaki and later rebuilt in the 19th century by Abdullahi Dan Dabo.
In the 1950s, the mosque was destroyed and rebuilt with support from the British. It has witnessed notable events, like the 1980 Kano riots, where thousands died in a conflict led by a group called Maitatsine.