Abuja National Church
The National Church in Abuja is the main place of worship for the faithful Christian population of the city. The building was constructed in 2005, an event that coincided with the celebration of the country’s 45th independence anniversary.”
General information
Upon completion, the church became a landmark in Nigeria for its interesting architectural design, and for its spiritual component, important to the faithful, between whom internal tensions have escalated in recent decades. Construction was originally scheduled for 1984, but organizational arrangements related to preparations for the transfer of the city’s functions as the federal capital and issues of technical solutions to this strategic task forced a twenty-year delay in the construction of the new church needed by the faithful.
The National Church in Abuja is in the neo-Gothic style with expansive copper roofs. Its sumptuous design is mesmerizingly beautiful; by its massiveness the building emphasizes the power of the idea and the austerity of the purpose, but in decoration everything is done in accordance with the notions of modernity. On the upper level of the high square tower is a small bell tower, containing five tubular-shaped bells.
Several revolving arches with a wide hub lead to the altar located in the center of the church hall. It makes a complete revolution every ten minutes. To the right of the altar is a huge organ and a place for the choir. Magnificent stained glass windows in a combination of yellow, green, and red decorate the lancet windows.
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At times when the National Church is not holding Christian services, it is open to the public. Tourist excursions are available to anyone who wishes to visit. In some cases, guided tours of the church are available.
