Attraction
Aso Rock
The granite monolith rising about 400 metres above the city, backdrop to the Presidential Complex, the National Assembly and the Supreme Court in the Three Arms…
National Christian Centre
Nigeria's national church, a postmodern take on neo-Gothic architecture dedicated in 2005, with stained glass in the national colours and a slowly rotating central altar.
At a glance
- Type
- Interdenominational church
- Area
- Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria
Good to know
- Guided tours
- Stained glass
- Pipe organ
Why we recommend it
The National Christian Centre, often called the National Church of Nigeria and formerly known as the National Ecumenical Centre, stands on Independence Avenue facing the National Mosque. Its pointed arches and soaring white facade make it one of the most recognisable buildings in Abuja. Construction began around 1989 but stalled for years, and it was only after the Christian Association of Nigeria formed a committee in 2004 to finish the work that it was completed. The church was dedicated on 2 October 2005, with the Anglican Primate Peter Akinola presiding.
The design, by the Lagos-based Darchiwork Group, is a postmodern take on the neo-Gothic style. Inside, a series of pivoted arches frames a wide nave leading to the altar, which sits at the centre of the church and turns through a full rotation every ten minutes. A pipe organ stands on the right wing near the choir, and stained glass windows in yellow, green and red throw coloured light across the interior when the sun is out. As an interdenominational church it serves Christians of many traditions, and it hosts national services and state occasions.
When it is not being used for worship, the church is open to the public and guided tours are available. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter than Sundays, when services take priority. Dress modestly and keep your voice down if a service or rehearsal is under way. Ask staff before photographing the interior, and check at the entrance whether a tour can be arranged on the day.
Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes here. The building is set back from the road on a large plot, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water in the hotter months. Taxis and ride-hailing drivers know the church well, and it is easy to combine with the National Mosque across Independence Avenue.
From here it is a short drive to Eagle Square and the Federal Secretariat in the Central Business District, or to Millennium Park in Maitama for a walk in the gardens. Aso Rock is visible to the east, making this part of the city a natural starting point for a first day in Abuja.
National Christian Centre FAQs
Is the National Christian Centre open to visitors?
Yes, when it is not being used for worship, and guided tours are available.
What is special about the altar?
It is placed at the centre of the church and makes a full rotation every ten minutes.
When was it completed?
It was dedicated on 2 October 2005, after construction that began around 1989 had stalled for several years.
Who designed it?
The Lagos-based Darchiwork Group, in a postmodern interpretation of the neo-Gothic style.
What was it called before?
It was previously known as the National Ecumenical Centre and is sometimes called the National Church of Nigeria.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekdays outside service times. Sundays and national occasions are busy with worship.
What is nearby?
The National Mosque is directly across Independence Avenue, and Eagle Square is a short drive away.