The history of the National Mosque began in 1980s, when the Federal Government of Nigeria during the regime of His Excellency, President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari decided to move from Lagos to the new Federal Capital Teritory, Abuja.

In 1981, some prominent Muslims from all over the country suggested that the Muslim community should solicit for and collect contributions from both domestic and foreign sources to erect a mosque edifice as a place of worship which would be the national mosque that will serve as a national institution and a symbol of unity for the Nigerian Muslim Ummah. The idea was widely accepted and supported by the Nigerian Muslims. To pursue this noble goal and objective, a council known as Abuja National Mosque Council was inaugurated under the distinguished chairmanship of late Sultan Abubakar III, GCON, the 17th Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs to initiate action for the construction of the mosque.

Architectural Design
The architectural design of the Mosque Complex was done by AIM Consultants Limited. The Design was made in such a way that the mosque has an imposing view that can be seen from various parts of the City Center and environs. The Mosque is located on the north-west terminus of the Cultural Mall Area.