Nigeria has many landmarks and monuments. Most of the landmarks in Nigeria are man-made. They include statues and city squares that are formal. However, there are also Natural Landmarks that are absolutely beautiful in Nigeria. Some examples of the rarest landmarks in Nigeria are the Zuma rock, Gurara Falls, and the stunning Owu Falls. Lagos Island is believed to be the home of most of the noteworthy landmarks in the Nigerian Map.
The 10 Most Important Landmarks On The Map Of Nigeria:
1. Taiwo Olowo’s Monument
- Location: Isheri, Lagos
- State: Lagos State
- Coordinates: 6°27’16.448″N, 3°23’14.921″E
- Key Facts: Its plaques were forged from the melting of thousands of copper pennies.
This monument is located on Lagos Island on Broad Street. It is believed that this monument was made by melting thousands of pennies. It is home to the tomb of late Chief Daniel Conrad Taiwo. It is said that he arrived in Lagos in the year 1848; he began as an apprentice and slowly rose to be a political figure in Nigeria. There is no admission fee to view this monument and it is open every single day.
2. Tafawa Balewa Square
- Location: Lagos Island, Lagos
- State: Lagos State
- Coordinates: N 6° 26′ 46.554″, E 3° 24′ 0.2556″
- Key Facts: It was where Nigeria celebrated its first independence on October 1st, 1960.
This is a central square that is found in Lagos Island near the National Museum of Lagos. It is used for many public celebrations and on it are very prominent statues that make it even more noteworthy as a landmark. This square was named after the first Prime Minister in Nigeria. It is open daily and there is no admission fee required.
3. Aso Rock and Caves
- Location: Asokoro, Abuja,
- State: Abuja (FCT)
- Coordinates: 9.0833° N, 7.5361° E
- Key Facts: It is a large outcrop of granitic rock with a peak height of 936-metre (3,071 ft) above sea level
The Aso rock is found in Abuja’s outskirts. It rises about 936 meters above sea level. It is the largest rock in Abuja and is said to have caves within it which provide a means of accessibility to the public. There are very important buildings that are located near this rock – the National Assembly, the Presidential Complex and the Supreme Court. No fee is charged to visit these caves but everyone is required to seek permission beforehand.
4. Gurara Falls
- Location: Gawu-Kafin-Adunu-Beni Rd
- State: Niger State
- Coordinates: 9.31535° north; 7.02124°” east
- Key Facts: Gurara falls, was discovered in 1745 and named after 2 gods Gura and rara.
During the rainy season, which is between July – September in Nigeria, these falls are at their most dramatic. They are estimated to be at least 30 meters wide during these periods. In December and March which is considered the dry season, it is also quite a scenery – most of the flora are exposed and the water is not as rough, it is possible to take a swim. The site whose visitation is also free of charges is located in Niger State.
5. Benin Moat
- Location: Benin City
- State: Edo State
- Coordinates: 6.3471° N, 5.6270° E
- Key Facts: The moat was dug before Benin became a city
This is the largest earthwork in the entire world. It is considered one of the greatest achievements by a man in the 13th century mostly because there was no labour-saving equipment when it was constructed. The Benin Moat is 32,000 km in length. It is open daily and there are no admission fees charged.
6. Owu Falls
- Location: Owa Kajola, Ifelodun LGA
- State: Kwara State
- Coordinates: 8°20’24.670″N, 5°8’32.989″E
- Key Facts: Owu Fall is the highest waterfall in West Africa measuring 120m above the water level
These falls are known to be the steepest in the West Africa region. It is situated in Kwara state and is very popular among tourists since it offers great opportunities to take pictures. The best time of year to visit the falls is in the rainy season when the water is most dramatic. Entrance is free and its open daily.
7. Zuma Rock
- Location: Madalla, Niger State
- State: Niger State
- Coordinates: 9.1256° N, 7.2289° E
- Key Facts: It is a hideout against external forces in the olden days
The Zuma rock is very much similar to Abuja’s’ Aso rock, and could even be mistaken for one another. The 2,379 ft tall rock is sited in Niger state, along the express road linking Kaduna and Abuja. Back in the days during inter-tribal wars, the people of Gbagyi used the rock as a means of defence against their enemies.
8. The National Arts Theatre
- Location: Iganmu, Surulere, Lagos
- State: Lagos State
- Coordinates: 6° 28′ 24.024″ N and 3° 21′ 1.224″ E
- Key Facts: It is the primary centre for the performing arts in Nigeria.
It is located in Iganmu in Lagos. It is a venue for most festivals of arts and culture. It was designed to resemble a military hat and is therefore round shaped. The theatre has three galleries and two cinema rooms. The gallery is mainly composed of Nigerian arts and craft.
9. Sungbo’s Eredo
- Location: Idowa
- State: Ogun State
- Coordinates: 6.7710° N, 3.8579° E
- Key Facts: It served a defensive purpose in 800–1000 AD
It is a fortification that is made up of ramparts and ditches hence the name Eredo. Its diameter ranges between 20 to 25 miles. It is found in Ogun States’ Ijebu-Ode.
10. Olumo Rock
- Location: Abeokuta
- State: Ogun State
- Coordinates: 7.1663° N, 3.3416° E
- Key Facts: It Served as a natural fortress during inter-tribal warfare in the 19th century
Located in Abeokuta, Olumo rock is where most people found refuge during the tribal wars in the 19th century. The rock was modified in 2006 to include restaurants, museum and an elevator to the top of the rock. The rock is of historical significance and serves as a tourist attraction site.
These landmarks will completely awe you when you behold them for yourself.
FAQs
What are the Three Major Landmarks in Nigeria?
The top 3 major landmarks in Nigeria are:
- Zuma Rock in Abuja.
- Olumo Rock in Abeokuta.
- The National Arts Theatre in Lagos.
What is the Most Important Landmark in Nigeria?
The most important landmark in Nigeria is the Aso Rock which is also associated with the residence and office of the President of Nigeria.