At a Glance
- The $100 million Centre Point, built without loans, symbolizes Folorunso Alakija’s success, blending luxury with her African entrepreneurial legacy.
- Alakija’s journey from secretary to oil tycoon, with Famfa Oil, has made her one of the world’s wealthiest self-made women.
- Centre Point, designed for luxury and efficiency, is Lagos’ premier business hub, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a global standard for office spaces.
Rising 103 meters above the affluent neighborhood of Ikoyi, Lagos, the Famfa Oil Tower—now known as Centre Point—serves as a striking symbol of the remarkable success of Nigeria’s richest woman, Folorunso Alakija. Built without a single bank loan, this $100 million skyscraper is more than just a luxury commercial property; it reflects Alakija’s sharp business sense, ambition, and the achievements of her flourishing African enterprise.
Located at the corner of Alfred Rewane (Kingsway) Road, Centre Point is an eye-catching addition to Lagos’ skyline, blending innovation with sophistication. Its curvaceous façade, intricate stencil-like patterns, and tiara-inspired crown make it a standout, fitting seamlessly alongside iconic buildings in cities like New York or Tokyo. But Centre Point is far from just another skyscraper. It’s a testament to African success, created by a woman who journeyed from a secretary’s desk to the top of the business world in both fashion and oil.
From couture to crude: The making of a billionaire
Folorunso Alakija’s journey began in 1974 as an executive secretary at Sijuade Enterprises in Lagos. By the 1980s, she had pivoted to fashion, launching Supreme Stitches, later renamed The Rose of Sharon House of Fashion. Her designs quickly gained a following among Nigeria’s elite. But her real breakthrough came in 1993 when she secured an oil prospecting license (OPL) for a massive 617,000-acre offshore block in Nigeria’s Agbami Field.
At a time when few believed an African businesswoman could make it in oil, Alakija built Famfa Oil into one of Nigeria’s largest crude exporters, cementing her status as one of the world’s most successful self-made women. Her fortune has since grown beyond $1 billion, and Centre Point is a reflection of that success—not just a tower of steel and glass, but a legacy built on perseverance and smart investment.
A masterpiece built for the future
Construction of Centre Point began in late 2016, with Italian firm Trevi Foundations handling the piling work. Julius Berger, Nigeria’s most prestigious construction company—backed by billionaire Mike Adenuga—took on the civil works and delivered a turnkey finish. By November 2022, the office complex was complete, standing as a symbol of world-class design and cutting-edge facilities that set a new standard for luxury workspaces in Africa.
With 20 floors of premium office space, Centre Point isn’t just a corporate address—it’s the most sought-after business hub in Lagos. Five floors are reserved for Famfa Oil and Alakija’s personal offices, while the rest house multinational corporations and leading African firms.
Powerful office design for high achievers
Centre Point was designed with comfort, efficiency, and prestige in mind. The grand rooftop terrace, a high-tech event hall, and an executive gym offer more than just office space—they create an environment where work and lifestyle blend seamlessly. For high-net-worth individuals navigating Lagos’ notorious traffic, a helipad with a dedicated waiting lounge ensures a swift, hassle-free arrival.
Parking is no issue, with a 266-car capacity providing easy access for tenants and visitors. Inside, raised access floors and select granite finishes add a touch of sophistication, while a high-performance unitized curtain wall system enhances energy efficiency. At night, the building’s illuminated façade transforms it into a glowing landmark in Lagos’ commercial skyline.
Lagos is known for frequent power outages, but Centre Point ensures uninterrupted business operations with an advanced Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system. The offices are designed for productivity, featuring bright, open layouts with built-in powered blinds to keep out the tropical heat. Shared spaces, finished with fine porcelain tiles and granite, create an atmosphere that rivals the world’s best corporate environments.
A bold statement for Lagos—and Africa
Centre Point is more than a skyscraper; it’s a statement. It signals that Lagos isn’t just a regional business hub—it’s a global player, ready to stand alongside cities like Dubai, London, and New York. It also cements Alakija’s legacy as a trailblazer who broke barriers in industries long dominated by men, proving that African women can—and do—build billion-dollar empires.
As Lagos continues to grow as a center for commerce and innovation, the Famfa Oil Tower will remain a defining feature of its skyline. For Folorunso Alakija, this isn’t just another investment—it’s the realization of a vision. A towering testament to success, resilience, and the limitless possibilities that Africa has to offer.
