Nigeria is a country teeming with history, culture, and ancestral legacy. From ancient palaces to prehistoric rock paintings, sacred groves to colonial forts, Nigeria’s national monuments reflect its deep-rooted heritage and complex past. Recognized by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), these sites have been preserved for their historical, artistic, and cultural value.

If you’re a cultural explorer, historian, student, or a tourist curious about Nigeria’s identity, here is a comprehensive list of national monuments in Nigeria.

National Monuments in Nigeria

Abia State

1. Chief Okoroji’s House, Arochukwu

2. Obu House, Elu Ohafia

3. Chief Ochu Kalu’s House, Ndi Okereke Abam

4. Omo Ukwu of Ndi Nzera Clan, Asaga-Ohafia

Adamawa State

5. Sukur Cultural Landscape, Madagali (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Bauchi State

6. Gidan Madaki, Kafin Madaki

7. Dutsen Damisa Rock Painting, Near Gumje

8. Dutsen Zane Geji Rock Paintings, Toro

9. Shadawanka Rock Paintings

10. Shira Rock Paintings, Shira

11. Cairn of Stones at Panshanu Pass (Kwandonkaya), Near Mile 31 on Jos-Bauchi Road

12. First Mining Beacon, Tilden Fulani

Borno State

13. Rabeh’s House/Fort, Dikwa

Cross River State

14. The Old Residency, Calabar

15. The Old Consulate, Calabar

16. Chief Egbo Bassey’s House, Calabar

17. Carved Stone Monoliths at Alok

18. Carved Stone Monoliths at Emaghabe

Delta State

19. Palace of Chief Nanna of Koko

Edo State

20. Chief Ogiamen’s House, Benin City

21. Chief Aikoriogie’s House (Enogie of Obazagbon)

22. Benin City Walls and Moat

Enugu State

23. Chief Nwokolo’s House, Ukehe

Jigawa State

24. Rock Paintings at Dutsen Habude, Birnin Kudu

25. Rock Paintings at Dutsen Murufu, Birnin Kudu

26. Rock Inscriptions at Dutsen Mesa, Birnin Kudu

27. Rock Paintings at Dutsen Zango, Birnin Kudu

Kaduna State

28. Zaria City Walls

29. Kufena Hills, Near Zaria

30. Steel Foot Bridge Built by Lord Lugard

31. Habe Mosque, Maigana

Kano State

32. Habe Mosque, Bebeji

33. Gidan Makama

34. Kano City Walls and Gate

Katsina State

35. Gobirau Minaret

36. Tumuli and Baobab Tree (Durbi-Takusheyi)

37. Old Katsina Training College

Kogi State

38. Ojogwu Atogwu Tumulus near the Palace of the Attah of Idah

Kwara State

39. Relics of the Steamer “Dayspring”, Jebba Station

40. Old WAFF Fort, Okuta

41. Old WAFF Fort, Yashikera

42. Stone Figures at Ofaro

43. Stone Figures at Ijara

Lagos State

44. Ilojo Bar, Lagos Island

45. Iga Idunganran (Oba’s Palace), Lagos Island

46. Water House, Lagos Island

47. Old Secretariat, Marina

Niger State

48. Tsoede’s Tomb, Gwagwade

49. Site of Mai Jimina’s House, Wushishi

50. Ruins of Colonial Government House, Zungeru

51. Katamba of the Palace of Etsu Nupe, Bida

Ogun State

52. Sungbo’s Shrine, Oke-Eri, Near Ijebu-Ode

Ondo State

53. Igbara Oke Petroglyphs, near Igbara Oke

54. Iwo Eleru Cave, Near Owo

55. Old Palace of the Deji of Akure

Osun State

56. Osun Grove and River-side Shrine, Osogbo (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

57. Shrine of Osun, King’s Market, Osogbo

58. Shrine of Osun at Afin Ata-Oja (Palace), Osogbo

59. Ita Yemoo, Ile-Ife

60. Carved Stone Figure at Igbajo

Plateau State

61. Stone Causeway at Batura, Bokkos

62. Stone Causeway at Forof, Bokkos

63. Stone Causeway at Tading, Bokkos

Rivers State

64. King Jaja’s Statue, Opobo

Sokoto State

65. Ruins of the Ancient City of Surame (UNESCO Tentative Site)

Frequently Asked Questions About National Monuments in Nigeria

1. What are national monuments in Nigeria?

National monuments in Nigeria are sites, structures, or locations officially recognized and preserved by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) due to their historical, cultural, architectural, or archaeological importance.

2. Who manages Nigeria’s national monuments?

The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) is the federal agency responsible for managing, preserving, and protecting Nigeria’s national monuments.

3. How many national monuments are there in Nigeria?

There are over 60 officially recognized national monuments spread across different states in Nigeria. These include palaces, colonial buildings, rock art sites, ancient city ruins, and religious shrines.

4. What are some of the most popular national monuments in Nigeria?

Some of the most notable ones include:

• Benin City Walls and Moat (Edo State)

• Kano City Walls and Gates (Kano State)

• Sukur Cultural Landscape (Adamawa State – UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove (Osun State – UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Chief Nanna’s Palace (Delta State)

• Iga Idunganran (Oba’s Palace) (Lagos State)

5. Are national monuments in Nigeria open to the public?

Yes, many national monuments are open to the public for tours, educational visits, and research. However, access may require permission or entrance fees in some cases.

Final Thoughts

These monuments are not just structures, they are stories in stone, wood, and earth. They offer insight into Nigeria’s evolution from prehistory through colonialism to modern times.