Location: Asokoro District, Abuja, Nigeria
By Sam Ovie
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Published on October 24, 2026
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3 min read
Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria is home to some remarkable buildings, but one property that continues to attract attention is the famous Aeroplane House in Asokoro. From a distance, it looks like an aircraft parked on the ground, but it is actually a residential home with a fascinating story behind its design.
The unusual property was built by Jammal Said, a Nigerian-Lebanese construction professional, who began the project in 1999. According to his interview with BBC Pidgin, the idea was inspired by his wife, Liza, who loves travelling. He wanted to build her a home that would make her feel as though she were always inside an aeroplane.
And he certainly took the idea beyond the ordinary!
A House Designed Like An Aeroplane
The building features an aircraft-shaped structure, complete with wings and a tail. Its green and white exterior reflects the colours of the Nigerian flag, while the Lebanese cedar emblem on the tail represents the family’s Lebanese heritage.
But the aeroplane concept goes beyond the exterior. Different sections of the building serve as living spaces, with the wings accommodating bedrooms and the cockpit area functioning as a television and gaming lounge.
The property also features a kitchen, a swimming pool, a private mosque and other residential facilities. There is even a guesthouse inspired by an aircraft and a security post designed to resemble an airport control tower.
The attention to detail makes this property stand out from the conventional luxury homes found in Abuja.
A Family Project That Spans Decades
Construction began in 1999, but the project has taken many years to develop. In his BBC Pidgin interview, Jammal explained that the house was still under construction when he spoke to the broadcaster.
His children were also involved in the process while growing up. His son, Mohammed, recalled helping their father with activities around the property, including digging and planting trees.
For Jammal, this is more than just an architectural experiment. It is a personal project inspired by his wife and a legacy he hopes to leave for his family and Nigeria.
More Than Just A House
The Aeroplane House has become one of Abuja’s most talked-about unconventional residential buildings. It combines personal inspiration, engineering creativity and family heritage in a way that makes it difficult to mistake for an ordinary home.
It also shows how architecture can tell a story. What started as an idea inspired by a wife’s love for travelling has grown into a distinctive property that continues to capture people’s imagination.
