The 10 Biggest Mosques in Nigeria [2024]

Nigeria as a country is largely religious. Nigeria as a country is one of the most religious places in the world. Even before Western conquerors landed in Nigeria, Islam swept over the Northern kingdoms of Nigeria like the Fulani kingdom, Edo kingdom, etc.

However, in present-day Nigeria, the major religions prevail in Nigeria that is Islam and Christianity. Some of the biggest mosques in terms of influence are the Catholics, Anglicans, Pentecostals, etc.

The biggest mosques in Nigeria have been built with great architectural designs and can hold a multitude of persons for prayers. These biggest mosques have become holy sites many rural Muslims long to visit.

In this article, we are going to dive into the top ten (10) biggest mosques in Nigeria.

Top 10 Biggest Mosques in Nigeria

The top ten (10) biggest mosques in Nigeria are the biggest prayer halls belonging to Muslims in Nigeria. These mosques hold the largest number of people compared to any other mosques in Nigeria and have cost millions of naira in construction.

Most of these mosques that have the biggest mosques are located mainly in Nigeria’s largest northern cities due to the large population of mainly Muslim residents that need a large space to worship communally.

Yobe Central Mosque

Yobe central mosque is the biggest mosque in Nigeria. The mosque is located in the capital of Yobe state, Damaturu. The mosque was constructed in 2007 and has been in use since then.

This mosque has earned the title of the biggest mosque in Nigeria due to its large seating capacity that surpasses all other mosques in Nigeria. Apart from being the biggest mosque in Nigeria, Yobe central mosque is also one of the most beautiful mosques in the country.

Abuja National Mosque

Abuja national mosque is the 2nd biggest mosque in Nigeria. The mosque is located in the capital of Nigeria, Abuja, and is regarded as the Nigerian National Mosque. The mosque was constructed in 1984 and is one of the oldest mosques in Nigeria.

The 2nd biggest mosque in Nigeria also serves as a visitor’s attraction outside of prayer times for Muslims and non-Muslims. This mosque also houses a school, library, and conference hall.

Shitta Bey Mosque

Shitta Bey Mosque is the 3rd biggest mosque in Nigeria. The mosque is located on Lagos Island, Lagos state. Constructed in 1892, the 3rd biggest mosque is a historical location for Nigerians and Muslims.

The mosque is named after Mohammed Shitta Bey who contributed immensely to the building of the mosque. The 3rd biggest mosque is also the oldest mosque in Nigeria.

Ilorin Central Mosque

Ilorin Central Mosque is the 4th biggest mosque in Nigeria. The mosque is located in Oja Oba market, Ilorin, Kwara state.

The 4th biggest mosque in Nigeria has a seating capacity of 20,000 people and is a source of pride to the residents of Ilorin. It was constructed in 1977 to accommodate the large Muslim population of Ilorin which is a Muslim state in Nigeria. The mosque has recently been renovated and is a beautiful sight.

Lagos Central Mosque

Lagos Central Mosque is the 5th biggest mosque in Nigeria. The mosque is located in Lagos state and was once the national mosque of Nigeria.

Constructed in 1913, the mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the country and has a long-standing history. The 5th biggest mosque is also the residence of the chief Imam of Lagos. The mosque is an attraction to Muslims from Lagos state and beyond.

Syrian Mosque

Syrian Mosque is the 6th biggest mosque in Nigeria. The mosque is located in Ikoyi, Lagos state is one of the most luxurious mosques in Lagos state.

The 6th biggest mosque has urban facilities and offers many services outside of being a praying center. The Syrian mosque has excellent indoor and outdoor ventilation, an eat-in area, a playground for children, and many other facilities.

Maiduguri Central Mosque

Maiduguri Central Mosque is the 7th biggest mosque in Nigeria. The mosque is located in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state. The 7th biggest mosque was constructed in 2011 to serve as a resource center for the Muslim population.

The mosques have classrooms, libraries, a media center, and other facilities for their worshippers. The mosque has a great architectural design behind it and is a tourist attraction for Muslims all over the country.

Lekki Central Mosque

Lekki Central Mosque is the 8th biggest mosque in Nigeria. The mosque is located in Lekki, Lagos, and is the biggest mosque in the area. The mosque is a popular one in Lagos as is the first multipurpose mosque in Lagos state.

The 8th biggest mosque in Nigeria houses an Islam school amongst other sports and recreation facilities. The mosque is also an attraction to visitors and tourists all year round.

Great Mosque of Kano

The great Mosque of Kano is the 9th biggest mosque in Nigeria. The mosque is located in Kano state and was intended to accommodate the Muslim population of Kano which is the majority.

Constructed in the 15th century before present-day Nigeria, the 9th biggest mosque in Nigeria is the oldest mosque on this list. The history of the mosque attracts tourists and Muslims yearly.

Bashir Uthman Tofa Mosque

Bashir Uthman Tofa Mosque is the 10th biggest mosque in Nigeria. The mosque is located in Kano state and was constructed to be a work of art.

The mosque is among the most beautiful mosques in Nigeria and is named after a politician, Alhaji Bashir Uthman Tofa who has contributed greatly to the people of Kano. The mosque has state-of-the-art facilities and excellent design which has made it one of the tourist attractions in Kano.

Conclusion

The top ten (10) biggest mosques in Nigeria are the biggest Islam prayer and meeting places in Nigeria for Muslims. The mosques are all owned by Muslims and are located in major northern cities.

These mosques are some of the most beautiful in the country and in Africa and probably cost millions of Naira in construction fees.

Read Also: The 10 Largest Mosques in the World

Going for prayer in one of the biggest mosques in Nigeria will be an experience for any Muslim faithful. Non-Muslims can also go to visit some of the mosques that allow visitors like the Abuja national mosque.