Cultural Sites

Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” is a country rich in cultural diversity and heritage, offering a treasure trove of attractions that celebrate its history and traditions.

With over 250 ethnic groups, the nation’s cultural landscape is vibrant and dynamic, reflected in its historic palaces, ancient shrines, bustling markets, and iconic festivals. Visitors can explore landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, the Nok Terracotta in Jos, and royal residences like the Emir of Kano’s Palace.

From the artistic hubs of Lagos to the cultural traditions of Calabar and the historic relics in Benin City, Nigeria is a haven for anyone seeking to connect with Africa’s deep-rooted cultural legacy.

List of Cultural Attractions in Nigeria

 

1. Palaces and Royal Residences

Oba of Benin Palace – Benin City, Edo State
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic palace is the residence of the Oba of Benin and a symbol of the Benin Kingdom’s rich heritage.

Ooni’s Palace (Ile Oodua) – Ile-Ife, Osun State
The royal residence of the Ooni of Ife, a sacred leader in Yoruba culture and a custodian of Yoruba traditions.

Aafin Oyo (Alaafin’s Palace) – Oyo Town, Oyo State
The historic palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, a central figure in Yoruba history and culture.

Emir of Kano’s Palace (Gidan Rumfa) – Kano City, Kano State
Built in the 15th century, this is the official residence of the Emir of Kano, known for its ancient architectural design and cultural significance.

Shehu of Borno’s Palace – Maiduguri, Borno State
Home to the Shehu of Borno, this palace plays a significant role in the Kanem-Borno Empire’s history and culture.

Oba of Lagos Palace (Iga Idunganran) – Lagos Island, Lagos State
A historic palace serving as the residence of the Oba of Lagos, symbolizing the leadership and traditions of Lagosians.

Sultan of Sokoto’s Palace – Sokoto, Sokoto State
The residence of the Sultan of Sokoto, the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims and an influential figure in the Sokoto Caliphate.

Etsu Nupe’s Palace – Bida, Niger State
The royal home of the Etsu Nupe, showcasing the rich traditions of the Nupe people.

Obong of Calabar’s Palace – Calabar, Cross River State
Residence of the Obong of Calabar, a key figure in the Efik Kingdom and cultural custodian of the Efik people.

Tor Tiv Palace – Gboko, Benue State
The royal residence of the Tor Tiv, the paramount ruler of the Tiv people, representing Tiv cultural and traditional values.

Olubadan’s Palace – Ibadan, Oyo State
The palace of the Olubadan, the traditional ruler of Ibadan, known for its unique chieftaincy system.

Attah of Igala’s Palace – Idah, Kogi State
The royal residence of the Attah Igala, symbolizing the leadership of the Igala Kingdom.

Deji of Akure’s Palace – Akure, Ondo State
The home of the Deji of Akure, a central figure in the cultural and traditional governance of Akure.

Oba of Ede’s Palace – Ede, Osun State
A historical and cultural hub of the Ede community, housing the Oba of Ede.

Olu of Warri’s Palace – Warri, Delta State
Residence of the Olu of Warri, a prominent figure in the Itsekiri Kingdom.

Ohinoyi of Ebiraland’s Palace – Okene, Kogi State
The palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, reflecting the culture and traditions of the Ebira people.

Amanyanabo Palace – Bonny, Rivers State
Residence of the Amanyanabo, the traditional ruler of the Bonny Kingdom, significant in Ijaw culture.

Gbong Gwom Jos Palace – Jos, Plateau State
The residence of the Gbong Gwom Jos, a key leader in the Berom community.

Owa Obokun Palace – Ilesa, Osun State
The royal home of the Owa Obokun, a significant figure in Ijesa history and culture.

Amanayabo of Opobo Palace – Opobo, Rivers State
The residence of the Amanayabo, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the Opobo Kingdom.

2. Historical Sites and Monuments

Benin City Walls and Moat, Edo State

National War Museum, Umuahia, Abia State

Slave History Museum, Calabar, Cross River State

Oke Idanre Hill, Ondo State (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

National Museum, Lagos State

3. Festivals and Celebrations (Cultural Events)

Eyo Festival – Lagos State

Osun-Osogbo Festival – Osun State

Argungu Fishing Festival – Kebbi State

Calabar Carnival – Cross River State

New Yam Festival – Celebrated in various states, particularly Anambra, Enugu, and Imo States

Durbar Festival – Kano and Kaduna States

Sango Festival – Oyo State

Lagos Carnival – Lagos State

Ofala Festival – Anambra State

Egungun Festival – Oyo and Ogun States

Abuja Carnival – Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja

Olojo Festival – Osun State

Igbo Cultural Day – Celebrated in various Igbo states (Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi States)

Oro Festival – Lagos and Ogun States

Ekpe Festival – Cross River, Abia and Akwa Ibom States

Igue Festival – Edo State

Sharo Festival – Bauchi and Taraba States

Nwonyo Fishing Festival – Taraba State

Anioma Cultural Festival – Delta State

Igede-Agba Festival – Benue State

Leboku Festival – Cross River State

Obudu Mountain Carnival – Cross River State

Iriji Mbaise Festival – Imo State

Wukari Yam Festival – Taraba State

Ogoni Day Celebration – Rivers State

4. Sacred Sites and Shrines

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

Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls, Osun State (Associated with Yoruba spirituality)

Shrine of the Long Juju, Arochukwu, Abia State

5. Museums and Cultural Centers

National Museum, Abuja

Benin City National Museum, Edo State

Yoruba Cultural Centre, Ile-Ife, Osun State

Jos Museum Complex, Plateau State

Gidan Makama Museum, Kano State

National Museum, Cross River State

JK Randle Centre for Yorùbá Culture & History, Lagos State

6. Traditional Arts and Craft Villages

Igun Street Bronze Casters, Benin City, Edo State (UNESCO Site)

Abuja Arts and Craft Village, Abuja

Ogbunike Caves, Anambra State (Spiritual and historical significance)

Dada Pottery, Kwara State

The Kofar Mata Tie and Dye, Kano State

7. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Sukur Cultural Landscape, Adamawa State (Ancient Iron Age site)

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Osun State

Kano Durbar festival, Kano State

8. Iconic Markets with Cultural Relevance

Balogun Market, Lagos State

Ariaria Market, Aba, Abia State

Kurmi Market, Kano State (Oldest market in Nigeria)

9. Heritage Buildings and Colonial Architectures

Freedom Park Lagos (Former colonial prison, Lagos Island)

Christ Cathedral Marina (Lagos Island, built in 1869)

Old Secretariat Building Ikoyi, Lagos

Brazilian Quarters (Lagos Island)

First Storey Building in Nigeria, Lagos State

Centenary Hall (Abeokuta)

Mapo Hall (Ibadan, built in 1929)

Irefin Palace (Ibadan, historic traditional palace)

Port Harcourt Old Township (Colonial administrative buildings)

Old Residency Museum (Calabar, former British colonial headquarters)

Mary Slessor House, Calabar

Hope Waddell Training Institution (Calabar, established in 1895)

Lord Lugard’s Residence (Kaduna, built in 1915)

Amalgamation House (Zungeru)

Benin Moat (Benin City, pre-colonial defensive walls)

Colonial Secretariat (Jos, now a museum)

Old Coal Miners’ Quarters (Enugu)

Colliery Museum (Enugu, showcasing Nigeria’s coal mining history)

Emir’s Palace (Ilorin, with historic architecture and ancient traditions)

Gidan Makama Museum (Kano, historic emir’s palace turned museum)

Kano City Walls (Ancient defensive walls)

Dala Hill (Ancient settlement)

Zungeru Colonial Sites (Zungeru, administrative headquarters of British Nigeria)
Lord Lugard’s Office (Zungeru)

Fajuyi Memorial Park (Ado-Ekiti, colonial ties)