By Juliet Umeh
As Google marks the 20th anniversary of Google Maps, it has revealed that the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Abia Tower Roundabout in Umuahia, and Emir’s Palace in Kano are among the most reviewed places in Nigeria.
Other locations that made the list include top restaurants such as Farmcity Lekki Lounge, Crush Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe, and Domino’s Pizza in Wuse and Yaba. The most reviewed cafés feature Flowershop Cafe, Oliver’s Café, Salamander Cafe, Café de Vie, and Wood House Cafe. Meanwhile, visitor attractions like Dimplediva_scent, Oniru Private Beach, The Good Beach, and New Berger Roundabout in Ojodu Ikeja have also captured the attention of users.
For parks, City Park Abuja, Muri Okunola Park, Tinubu Square, Ndubuisi Kanu Park, and Freedom Park Lagos lead the rankings. Museums such as the National Museum Benin City, Kalakuta Museum, National Museum Lagos, and Open Heavens International Centre also stand out among the most reviewed locations.
Commenting on the milestone, Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Google West Africa, Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, said: “Google Maps has evolved from a basic navigation tool to a dynamic platform that helps people explore, discover, and share their experiences.
“The most reviewed places in Nigeria highlight the locations that matter most to our users, showcasing the country’s vibrant social and cultural landscape.”
Speaking about the features driving engagement on Google Maps, Kola-Ogunlade noted that since its launch in 2005, the platform has transformed how people navigate, discover locations, and share reviews.
“With over 2 billion monthly users, Google Maps has become a go-to resource for finding businesses, planning trips, and making informed travel decisions. This ranking reflects Nigeria’s vibrant social and cultural landscape, as seen through the experiences and feedback of Google Maps users,” he said.
Over the years, Google Maps has introduced cutting-edge features to improve navigation, travel efficiency, and everyday convenience. These include:
Gemini-powered recommendations – AI-driven suggestions for places to visit
Augmented reality (Live View) – Provides real-time navigation cues
Airport navigation – The “Directory” tab helps travelers explore airport amenities
Cheapest fuel station finder – Helps users save money on petrol
Street View time travel – Offers historical imagery of locations
Group planning & reservations – Facilitates travel coordination among friends and families
AI-powered route previews – Allows users to explore routes before embarking on their journey
Fuel-efficient routes – Helps users choose environmentally friendly travel options
Kola-Ogunlade highlighted key statistics on Google Maps’ global impact:
Over 1 trillion kilometers of directions provided
250 million businesses and locations listed worldwide
500 million users contribute to Google Maps every year
100 million daily updates ensure accurate and fresh information
