Overview:

Old Secretariat, Marina, Lagos State is located in the heart of Lagos, the economic and financial centre of Nigeria. It began operations in 1948 as the main administrative centre of the former British colonial government. Today, it houses the offices of the Executive Governor of Lagos State and other key government ministries and departments.The area provides socio-economic development opportunities to the people of Lagos, and also serves as a strategic centre for the Nigerian Government to access the rich oil industry.The area is home to numerous economic activities and services such as finance, oil and gas, trade, and shipping, as well as a wide range of restaurants, cafes, shops, and other amenities. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Nigeria
Prominent Features:

1. Old Secretariat: Constructed in 1932, this two-storey building is a Colonial-era structure located in Marina, Lagos State. It is significant because it served as the administrative headquarters of the former Western Region of Nigeria. 2. Marina: This waterfront district, also known as the Bar Beach Road, is one of the oldest areas of Lagos State. It is a historically and culturally significant neighbourhood, which also serves as a business hub due to its proximity to major commercial banks, international companies, and the Nigerian Stock Exchange. 3. Lagos State: Located in the south-western region of Nigeria, Lagos State is the country's most populous state. The state is known for its vibrant culture, including the popular Afrobeat music genre which originated there. It is the economic powerhouse of Nigeria, contributing around 23% of the nation's Gross Domestic Product. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Nigeria.

History:

The Old Secretariat, located in the heart of Marina, Lagos State, is a historic building erected in 1895 and was the original seat of colonial power in the state. It served as part of the colonial administration and as such was the nerve centre of the government of the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. The four-storey building was designed and implemented by Governor Frederick Lugard and Charles Ezeji and is bracketed by two towers, which are the only remaining portion of its old facade. The building was designed using a combination of styles, incorporating British Classicism and Italian mixed media. The Old Secretariat was initially used as the office of the Governor-General of Nigeria until the building was damaged during an attack by supporters of former Nigerian President, Sanni Abacha, in 1996. The building has since been put under lock and key and is no longer in use. Today, the Old Secretariat is one of the few remaining examples of the Colonial era in Nigeria and an important monument in the history of the country. It serves as a reminder of the nation’s northern roots and the power of the British Empire in the Protectorate of Nigeria. Visit one of the famous monuments of Nigeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Old Secretariat is the first seat of Government of Lagos after it become a State in 1967. 2. Old Secretariat is located at Marina, Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria. 3. The Old Secretariat complex consists of three edifices which are the Government House, the State House of Assembly and the State Secretariat. 4. The building is an architectural masterpiece designed by a British architect, and build with materials from Nigeria. 5. The structure is made of sandwiched concrete moulds, giving it a distinctive look that is unique to its era. 6. The Old Secretariat houses important government ministries such as the Ministry of Local Government affairs, Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Justice. 7. The Old Secretariat is one of the first buildings to be built with reinforced concrete with steel shuttering 8. The building is iconic to the Lagos skyline as it can be seen as far away as Ilasan and the islands that surround the Lagos Mainland. 9. The Old Secretariat is symbolic of Lagos State's rich history as it has served as the centre of government administration for 52 years in Lagos since 1967. 10. The building is currently undergoing renovations to restore its original beauty and is expected to be opened to the public within the year. One of the historical monuments of Nigeria, it tells the story of a bygone era