5 FAMOUS ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES IN ABUJA

Buildings often times reflect a society’s prestige, tradition and development. They show how civilized a society is and they normally come with unique and interesting features that stands them out. Abuja, Nigeria’s capital boasts of a number of these buildings which can be referred to as iconic. Here are five famous architectural structures in Abuja, that will help you see the city in a new dimension:
WORLD TRADE CENTER ABUJA
One building you can’t miss especially if you visit the ever busy Central Business District of Abuja is the World Trade Centre. It is a complex of eight buildings under construction in the Central Business District of Abuja, FCT in Nigeria. There are seven skyscrapers planned for the site, two of which have already been topped out, with the others either under construction or at various stages of development. At 110 m (361 ft), the 24-floor WTC Tower 1, which topped out in 2015 is the tallest residential building in Nigeria, while WTC Tower 2 is the tallest building in Abuja, standing at 120 m (394 ft).

The World Trade Centre Abuja is mainly for luxury and sophistication. The development of World Trade Centre Abuja started in 2010, on a land size of over 6,000 hectares in the Central Business District of Abuja. The complex is being funded by private financial institutions, as well as private investors, costing about ₦200 billion. It is being developed by First Intercontinental Properties Limited, a subsidiary of The churchgate Group, a Nigerian real estate company, and the project was designed by Woods Bagot, WSP Consulting is the structural consultant, whilst Abuja Investments Company is also a partner.

When it is eventually open for business, the World Trade Centre Abuja will join a network of 323 locations in 89 countries, which started in 1970 with the inauguration of the first World Trade Center in New York City.
SHIP HOUSE ABUJA
The building housing the Federal Ministry of Defence in Abuja is called ‘The Ship House’ because of its architectural nature shaped like a ship. The Ministry of Defence consists of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Navy and other associated defence agencies and departments. Though access to the Ship House is limited, it still remains one of the hottest tourist spots for sightseeing.

The Ship House provides a convenient accommodation for the Ministry to provide administrative and support services that will enable the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to train, equip and maintain a highly professional, versatile and combat ready military.

Considered one of the most iconic architectures in Abuja, the Ship House is a favourite for many residents.
ABUJA AIRPLANE HOUSE
Another iconic building in Abuja is the one built in the shape of a plane, located at Yakubu Gowon Crescent in Asokoro. It was built by a Lebanese couple, the Saids, in 2002. Jammal Said, the husband who spearheaded the project, in a bid to fulfil his wife’s love of travel, came up with the idea of building a plane house of about 100 ft (30.5 m) long.

According to Culture Trip, “The house itself has three floors and a basement. The wings and engines of the plane that extend over the sides of the hilltop villa each contain a bedroom and bathroom. The beautifully constructed cabin area is a living room and bar, the TV/computer game room is located in the plane’s cockpit, while the back of the plane is a kitchen. Along with the main building, the property also features a number of other aircraft-inspired structures, one resembling an aircraft control tower. Behind the main house is a smaller, plane-topped guest cottage and a two-storey security booth.”
NATIONAL MOSQUE
The history of the National Mosque began in 1980s, when the Federal Government of Nigeria during the regime of late Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari decided to move from Lagos to the new Federal Capital Teritory, Abuja.
In 1981, some prominent Muslims from all over the country suggested that the Muslim community should solicit for and collect contributions from both domestic and foreign sources to erect a mosque edifice as a place of worship which would be the national mosque that will serve as a national institution and a symbol of unity for the Nigerian Muslim Ummah. The idea was widely accepted and supported by the Nigerian Muslims.

The mosque was built in 1984 and is open to the non-Muslim public, except during congregational prayers. It includes a library and a conference room. The complex includes a conference centre capable of serving five hundred persons, the office for the Islamic Centre, and residential facilities for the imam and muezzin. It has a beautiful area of relaxation, meditation, interesting architecture, and a nice little market in the outer courtyard that visitors can take advantage of.

The architectural design of the Mosque Complex was done by AIM Consultants Limited. The Design was made in such a way that the mosque has an imposing view that can be seen from various parts of the City Center and environs. The Mosque is located on the north-west terminus of the Cultural Mall Area.
NATIONAL CHRISTIAN CENTRE
The National Christian Centre (previously known as the National Ecumenical Centre and sometimes known as the National Church of Nigeria) is the primary Christian place of worship in Nigeria.
It is located in Abuja, the capital city. The centre is an inter-denominational church building. Built in a neo-gothic style, with several pivoted arches and wide nave leading to the altar, this 8,000 capacity edifice is an epitome of architectural excellence. The altar, placed at the centre of the church completes a full rotation every ten minutes.

A pipe organ is fitted to the right wing of the church, close to which sits the choir. Stained glass windows which employ a simple but attractive mix of yellow, green and red colours can be seen all around the church. The centre displays remarkable work of architecture and excellent work of craftsmanship.

When not being used for Christian ceremonies, it is open to the public. The project was started around 1989, then lay dormant for several years until 2004, when the Christian Association of Nigeria organized a committee to ensure its speedy completion. The dedication, on 2 October 2005, coincided with the celebration of Nigeria’s 45th anniversary as an independent nation.

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