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. Its first structure built in the same year was constructed with mud and bamboo - common building materials of the time. It was rebuilt a decade after and displayed a significant advancement in its building materials of burnt brick and corrugated iron sheets for roofing.
The need for a bigger mosque to house the growing Muslim population in Lagos gave rise to the proposal of a new mosque in 1905. It took more than 10 years to complete and was finally opened in 1913. The Baroque style building designed by Joao Baptist da Costa was said to be an outstanding architectural feat during its days. However, more than half a century after, the demand for a new edifice emerged.
The present day Lagos central mosque officially opened on May 28, 1988. The new mosque was to serve as a bigger edifice befitting of its status as the central mosque for a growing Muslim population and a rapidly urbanizing city. The construction which lasted for about fifteen years resulted in the expansion of the old site to what we see today.
This structure along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Street encompasses an area of about 1 acre. Its exterior features include four ottoman style minarets arranged symmetrically- two above the entrance area and two recessed to the east and west sides of the building.
-Adefolatomiwa Toye, 2020