Badagry In Lagos is Home To One Of The Oldest Storey Buildings In Nigeria.

Badagry, a coastal town in Lagos State, Nigeria, holds a significant place in the nation's history, primarily due to its pivotal role in the transatlantic slave trade and the subsequent introduction of Christianity. Among its most treasured historical landmarks is the first storey building in Nigeria. Located on the Marina and facing the Lagoon, this structure stands as a powerful, tangible link to the 19th century and the profound societal changes that swept across the region. Its existence is a testament to the early interactions between the local populace and European missionaries and traders, marking the dawn of a new architectural and religious era in Nigeria.

The construction of this historic building began in 1842 and was completed in 1845. It was primarily built by Reverend Henry Townsend of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) and was originally used as the Vicarage for the Anglican Church. The building served as the official residence of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African Anglican Bishop, and also housed the first primary school in Nigeria. Its two floors a novelty at the time made it a marvel of early colonial architecture. The architectural style blends local materials and craftsmanship with European design principles, setting it apart from the traditional single-storey mud houses prevalent in the area.

​Beyond its architectural significance, the storey building is deeply connected to the spread of Christianity in Nigeria. It was here that Christianity was nurtured and propagated. It is said that within its walls, Bishop Ajayi Crowther translated the Bible from English into the Yoruba language, a monumental task that significantly impacted the cultural and religious landscape of the Yoruba people. The building’s location, near the infamous "Point of No Return," also makes it a symbol of transition from the dark days of the slave trade to the hopeful, though complex, arrival of a new faith and formal education.

Today, the building functions as a museum and is a major tourist attraction. Visitors can explore its small, sparsely furnished rooms and view relics that date back to its early days, including the original Bible translated by Ajayi Crowther and a glass showcase containing an antique safe. The structure has been carefully preserved to maintain its original form and historical integrity, offering a poignant glimpse into the past. Walking through its rooms allows one to connect with the foundational figures and pivotal moments that shaped modern Nigeria, including the birth of formal education and religious institutions.

The First Storey Building in Badagry is more than just an old house; it is a national monument representing several Nigerian "firsts." It symbolizes the beginnings of modern infrastructure, the institutionalization of Western-style education, and the firm establishment of Christianity in the country. Its continued preservation is vital for educational and cultural reasons, serving as a constant reminder of the complex, layered history of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole a history marked by slavery, spiritual conversion, and the slow march toward modernization.