Plizio Visual Lab
NECOM House
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
NECOM House, formerly known as the NITEL Building, is a prominent skyscraper located in the Marina district of Lagos Island. Standing at 160 meters (520 feet) with 32 floors, it was the tallest building in West Africa upon its completion in 1979. The most unique feature of the building is the communications spire at the top, which also serves as a lighthouse for the Lagos Harbour, guiding ships through the Atlantic waters. Originally built as the headquarters for Nigerian External Telecommunications Limited, its concrete-heavy design is a classic example of late brutalist architecture. Despite suffering significant damage from major fires in 1983 and 2015, the building has been restored and remains a vital part of the city's commercial and telecommunications infrastructure. NECOM House continues to dominate the Lagos skyline and is a key historical marker of Nigeria's rapid urban and technological expansion during the late 20th century.
- Location: Nigeria
- Top sights: Lighthouse Beach · Atlas Beach · Holy Cross Cathedral
- Nearby: Lagos (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 28 | 33 | 74 | 133 | 203 | 266 | 237 | 135 | 277 | 221 | 80 | 27 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
NECOM House in Lagos is an office tower whose interiors are generally not open to the public. The exterior and the surrounding area can be viewed at any time from public streets.
Typical hours
As it is an office building, there are no visiting hours for exterior viewing. If you wish to enter the lobby, check access regulations for visitors beforehand.
Photography
Photographing the building from outside is allowed from public streets. Avoid shots that show security personnel or sensitive office areas if you go inside.
Time needed
For a quick exterior viewing and a few photos, about 10-15 minutes suffice. If you want to experience the surrounding business district, allow 30 minutes.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk along the Marina lagoon and Tafawa Balewa Square. The National Museum of Lagos is also a short drive away.
Getting there
NECOM House is located in Lagos's central business district on the Marina. It is accessible by taxi or BRT bus; parking in the area is limited and paid.
Insider tip
Plan your visit on a weekday outside peak hours to avoid Lagos traffic. The best view of the building is from the Marina Bridge.
Geography
Facts
- The building stands at a total height of 160 meters.
- It was completed and officially opened in 1979.
- The skyscraper consists of 32 floors above ground level.
- It features a communication spire that doubles as a lighthouse.
- NECOM stands for Nigerian External Communications.
- It is located in the Marina area, the financial hub of Lagos Island.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town NECOM House (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is NECOM house?
One of Nigeria's tallest skyscrapers.
Can I enter?
Restricted access for offices.
Is it a landmark?
Yes, it defines the Lagos skyline.
What is in the vicinity?
Many business offices and the Marina area.
Is the trip worth it?
For architecture fans, it is interesting.
NECOM House: where is it located?
NECOM House is located in Nigeria.
NECOM House: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lighthouse Beach, Atlas Beach, Holy Cross Cathedral.
NECOM House: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
NECOM House: why is it worth visiting?
NECOM House, formerly known as the NITEL Building, is a prominent skyscraper located in the Marina district of Lagos Island.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Nigeria →
Nearby cities
Lagos
Lagos is the most populous city in Nigeria and the largest financial and economic center in West Africa.
Ikeja
Ikeja is the capital of Lagos State, home to the bustling Murtala Muhammed Airport.
Lekki
Lekki is the upscale peninsula of Lagos, famous for its luxury beaches, modern shopping malls, and major nature conservation center.
History & landmarks
Freedom Park Lagos
Freedom Park in Lagos was built on the site of the former colonial Broad Street Prison.
Independence House Lagos
The Independence House in Lagos was the first high-rise building constructed after Nigeria's independence in 1960.
Tafawa Balewa Square
Tafawa Balewa Square in central Lagos is a historic square where Nigeria's independence was celebrated in 1960.
Cathedral Church of Christ Lagos
The Cathedral Church of Christ on the Marina in Lagos is one of the oldest and most well-known Anglican cathedrals in Nigeria, famous for…
National Arts Theatre
The National Arts Theatre in Lagos is the primary center for the performing arts in Nigeria.
Civic Centre Lagos
The Civic Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos, is a masterpiece of modern waterfront architecture.
Third Mainland Bridge
The Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos is the longest bridge in Nigeria, measuring 11.8 kilometers in length.
Jaekel House
Jaekel House is a classic colonial-era mansion in Lagos that now houses a railway museum.
More places
Apapa Port Complex
The largest and most important port in Nigeria, handling a large portion of the country's international trade.
Tin Can Island Port
A major seaport in Lagos that relieves the Apapa port and handles many RoRo ships.
Lekki Conservation Centre
A protected wetland in Lagos featuring a famous canopy walkway.
Dangote Refinery
The largest single-train oil refinery in the world, designed to drastically reduce Nigeria's reliance on fuel imports.
First Storey Building
The oldest storey building in Nigeria, built by Christian missionaries in Badagry.
Badagry Slave Port
A historic port and route that served as a major transit point during the transatlantic slave trade.
Lekki Deep Sea Port
Nigeria's most modern and deepest seaport, designed to handle large container ships.
🗺️
Lekki Lagoon
A lagoon near the coast near Lagos.