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Cocoa House Ibadan

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Landmark
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Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)

Weather…

Cocoa House in Ibadan is a landmark structure that, upon its completion in 1965, earned the distinction of being the first skyscraper in Tropical Africa. Standing at approximately 105 meters with 26 floors, the building was funded entirely from the proceeds of cocoa exports, making it a powerful symbol of the economic prosperity of Western Nigeria. Located in the Dugbe district, the commercial heart of Ibadan, it originally served as the headquarters for the Investment Corporation of Western Nigeria. The building's architectural style is functional and resilient, designed to endure the demands of a tropical climate. In 1985, a catastrophic fire nearly destroyed the skyscraper, but it was successfully restored and reopened in the early 1990s. Today, it houses various corporate offices and a dedicated cocoa museum that highlights the significance of the agricultural sector to the region's heritage. It remains a monument to the industriousness of Nigerian farmers and the historic economic foundations of the nation.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242626262625242425252625
Rain mm2326661261802422301893102115419

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Cocoa House is an office building and can be viewed from the outside. Access to upper floors is only by prior arrangement if viewing platforms exist.
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Typical hours
As an office building, it is open during usual business hours, but public access is limited. The best time for an exterior visit is during daylight.
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Photography
Exterior photos are possible at any time. Interior photos require permission, which may need to be arranged in advance.
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Time needed
An exterior viewing takes about 10-15 minutes. To learn more about the building’s history, book a guided tour if available.
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Combine with
The Cocoa House is in Ibadan, near Bower’s Tower and Agodi Park. Ibadan’s craft market is also worth a visit.
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Getting there
The building is in central Ibadan, easily reachable on foot or by taxi. Parking is available in the area.
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Insider tip
Ask at the local tourist information office about the building’s history - there are often interesting anecdotes. Visit on a weekday morning when it is quieter.

Geography

Coordinates
7.38770, 3.89660

Facts

  • Cocoa House was officially commissioned in 1965.
  • It was the first skyscraper built in Tropical Africa.
  • The building is 105 meters tall and consists of 26 stories.
  • It was funded entirely from Western Nigeria's cocoa revenue.
  • A devastating fire gutted the building on January 9, 1985.
  • The landmark is located in the Dugbe area of Ibadan.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mapo HallMapo Hall1 km · WExplore →
Olumene Cocoa FarmOlumene Cocoa Farm2 km · NExplore →
IbadanIbadan6 km · NExplore →
OyoOyo50 km · EExplore →
Ogun Forest AreaOgun Forest Area62 km · SWExplore →
Ijebu-OdeIjebu-Ode63 km · WExplore →
AbeokutaAbeokuta66 km · SWExplore →
Olumo RockOlumo Rock67 km · SExplore →

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 Cocoa House Ibadan (4)

Trans Amuserment Park🎡 recreation

This sprawling theme park in Ibadan has classic amusement rides and recreational spaces for families.

Festac🏛 museum

This museum space preserves artifacts and cultural memories associated with the pan-African Festac heritage.

New Culture Studios🎭 culture

This lively arts centre in Ibadan provides a creative hub for contemporary Nigerian visual and performing arts.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cocoa House?
A historic high-rise financed from the proceeds of cocoa exports.
Can one visit it?
Yes, it houses offices and a small museum/exhibition area.
Is it interesting for tourists?
Yes, it is a landmark of Ibadan offering insight into economic history.
When should it be visited?
During normal office hours on weekdays.
Where is it located?
It is located in the heart of Ibadan, in the Dugbe district.
Cocoa House Ibadan: where is it located?
Cocoa House Ibadan is located in Nigeria.
Cocoa House Ibadan: what is there to see?
Highlights include Trans Amuserment Park, Festac, National Museum.
Cocoa House Ibadan: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Cocoa House Ibadan: why is it worth visiting?
Cocoa House in Ibadan is a landmark structure that, upon its completion in 1965, earned the distinction of being the first skyscraper in Tropical Africa.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Ibadan — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Ibadan
Ibadan is a vast Yoruba city famous for the Cocoa House and the country's first university.
Ibadan — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Ibadan
Ibadan is one of Nigeria's largest cities and a major educational hub.
Oyo — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Oyo
Oyo was once the center of the powerful Oyo Empire and still preserves the Alaafin's palace today.
Ogbomosho — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Ogbomosho
The sprawling city of Ogbomosho combines rich agricultural traditions with the academic life of a university.
Iseyin — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Iseyin
Famous for the production of traditional Aso Oke fabrics, Iseyin is a cultural treasure of Yoruba weaving art.
Ijebu-Ode — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Ijebu-Ode
This old trading center boasts the Ojude Oba festival, celebrating Yoruba elegance and community spirit.
Abeokuta — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Abeokuta
The rock city of Abeokuta is dominated by the massive Olumo Rock, which served as a historical fortress.
Sagamu — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Sagamu
As a kola nut capital, Sagamu dominates the local agricultural market, complemented by a thriving cement production.
Ife — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Ife
Ile-Ife is considered the spiritual birthplace of the Yoruba people and is world-renowned for its realistic ancient bronze heads.

History & landmarks

Mapo Hall — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Mapo Hall
Mapo Hall in Ibadan is a historic colonial-style city hall built on Mapo Hill.

Nature

Osun — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Osun
A spiritually significant river in southwestern Nigeria.

More places

Ibadan Cocoa Centre — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Ibadan Cocoa Centre
An agricultural research and cultivation center for cocoa.
🗺️
Olumene Cocoa Farm
One of the historic cocoa plantations in the Oyo region.
Ogun Forest Area — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Ogun Forest Area
A forest area in southwestern Nigeria.
Olumo Rock — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Olumo Rock
A massive outcrop of granite rocks that served as a fortress for the Egba people during 19th-century intertribal wars.
Sungbo's Eredo — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Sungbo's Eredo
A massive system of defensive walls and ditches built in the Ijebu Kingdom.
Oduduwa Shrine — Cocoa House Ibadan (Nigeria)
Oduduwa Shrine
A revered site in Ile-Ife dedicated to the mythical progenitor of the Yoruba people, Oduduwa.