Back المسيحية في نيجيريا Arabic مەسیحیەت لە نێجیریا CKB Christentum in Nigeria German Kristinusko Nigeriassa Finnish Christianity in Nigeria IG Cristianesimo in Nigeria Italian Khwikristi mami Naijeriya KCG Христијанството во Нигерија Macedonian Chrześcijaństwo w Nigerii Polish Христианство в Нигерии Russian
 Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos, one of the oldest Anglican cathedrals in Nigeria | |
| Total population | |
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 86–118 million (est., 2015–2022)45-54% of the population. |
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Christianity in Nigeria is a major religion, shaping the country's cultural, social, and political landscape. Introduced in the 15th century through European missionaries,[1] it gained significant traction in the 19th century, particularly in the southern and central regions.[2] Today, Nigeria is home to one of the largest Christian populations in Africa,[3] with diverse denominations including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Pentecostalism thriving alongside indigenous African Christian movements.[4] The religion's influence extends to education, healthcare, and community life,[5][6][7] while its dynamic growth has also sparked theological debates and interactions with Islam and traditional African religions.[8][9] Christianity's role in Nigeria reflects both its global reach and its adaptation to local contexts, making it a vital part of the nation's identity.[10][11]
As of recent estimates, Nigeria’s Christian population ranges from approximately 45% to 54% of the country’s total population of about 230–237 million, equating to roughly 80–100 million Christians, making Nigeria the country with the largest Christian population in Africa.[12][13][14][15][16][17] The variance in estimations reflects the differences in survey methodologies and the absence of an official national religious census since 1963.[18][19]
Christians are predominant in the southern and central regions, with significant Protestant, Pentecostal, and Catholic communities.[20][21][22][23][24]
- ^ Peel, J. D. Y. (2003). Religious Encounter and the Making of the Yoruba. Indiana University Press. p. 23.
- ^ Ajayi, J. F. A. (1965). Christian Missions in Nigeria, 1841-1891: The Making of a New Elite. Northwestern University Press. pp. 14–15.
- ^ "Global Christianity: A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World's Christian Population" (PDF). Pew Research Center. December 19, 2011. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ Kalu, O. U. (2008). African Pentecostalism: An Introduction. Oxford University Press. pp. 76–78.
- ^ Higgins, James (August 15, 2006). "History of the Church in Mid-West Nigeria". Society of African Missions. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ Falola, T.; Heaton, M. M. (2008). A History of Nigeria. Cambridge University Press. pp. 112–114.
- ^ Ojo, Matthews A. (2007). "Pentecostal Movements in Nigeria". Wesleyan Theological Journal. 42 (1): 1–21. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ Hackett, R. I. J. (2011). Religion in Calabar: The Religious Life and History of a Nigerian City. Mouton de Gruyter. pp. 45–47.
- ^ Paden, J. N. (2008). Faith and Politics in Nigeria: Nigeria as a Pivotal State in the Muslim World. United States Institute of Peace Press. pp. 67–69.
- ^ Anderson, A. H. (2013). An Introduction to Pentecostalism: Global Charismatic Christianity. Cambridge University Press. pp. 132–134.
- ^ Adogame, A. (2011). Who is Afraid of the Holy Ghost? Pentecostalism and Globalization in Africa and Beyond. Africa World Press. pp. 15–17.
- ^ "National Profiles: Nigeria". Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA). ARDA. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ "Global Christianity: Executive Summary". Pew Research Center. December 19, 2011. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ "2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Nigeria". U.S. Department of State. Office of International Religious Freedom. May 15, 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ https://www.britannica.com/place/Nigeria/Languages#ref55291
- ^ "The World Factbook: Nigeria – People and Society". Central Intelligence Agency. U.S. Government. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ Afrobarometer Round 9: Summary of Results for Nigeria, 2022 (PDF) (Report). Afrobarometer. August 26, 2022. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ McKinnon, Andrew (2021). "Christians, Muslims and Traditional Worshippers in Nigeria: Estimating the Relative Proportions from Eleven Nationally Representative Social Surveys". Review of Religious Research. 63 (2): 303–315. doi:10.1007/s13644-021-00450-5. hdl:2164/16008. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
- ^ "2022 Report on International Religious Freedom: Nigeria". U.S. Department of State. 2022. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
- ^ Falola, T.; Heaton, M. M. (2008). A History of Nigeria. Cambridge University Press. pp. 110–112.
- ^ Falola, T.; Heaton, M. M. (2008). A History of Nigeria. Cambridge University Press. pp. 110–112. ISBN 978-0-521-68157-5.
- ^ Kalu, O. U. (2008). African Pentecostalism: An Introduction. Oxford University Press. pp. 76–80. ISBN 978-0-19-534000-6.
- ^ Ayandele, E. A. (1966). The Missionary Impact on Modern Nigeria, 1842–1914. Longmans. pp. 130–132. ISBN 978-0-582-64509-7.
- ^ "Languages of Nigeria". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 15 May 2025.