Nigeria 1
June 12th

“The word of the Lord will build Nigeria up and give it an inheritance!”

“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:32,NIV)

》 Country Profile

Continent | Africa
Population | 220 million
Area |  923,768㎢, Located on the Atlantic coast of western Africa.
Capital City | Abuja (capital, 3.84 million people)
People Groups | Total 538 groups, Yoruba 19.7%, Hausa 17%, Igbo 14.6%, Fulani 8.9%, Kanuri 3.7%, Ibibio 3%, Tiv 2.2%, Ijaw 2.3%
People Groups Unreached | 91 groups (31.4% of the population)
Official Language(s) |  English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo
Total Languages | 528
Bible Translations | Completed 50, New Testament 79, Partial 107
Religion | Christianity 51.2% (Protestant 10%, Catholic 16%), Islam 43.2%, Ethnic religion 5.2%, Evangelicals 25.8% (56.79 million people)

》 About Nigeria 1

Nigeria began forming small kingdoms around 850, and by the early 11th century, it had a political system structured as a federation of kingdoms. In 1470, the Portuguese became the first Europeans to land on the coast of Lagos. In the 16th century, large numbers of Europeans entered the region and engaged in the transatlantic slave trade. After the mid-16th century, Britain established numerous slave-trading companies, gradually taking control of Nigeria’s economy. Lagos became a British protectorate in 1862 and was fully colonized in 1900. After gaining independence in 1960, religious and ethnic conflicts between northern Muslims and southern Christians led to military coups and political turmoil. In 1967, several states declared independence and formed the Republic of Biafra, triggering a civil war. In 1999, Christian leader Olusegun Obasanjo became president, marking the transition to civilian rule. Nigeria is a presidential republic, with Bola Tinubu serving as president since 2023.

Nigeria has the largest economy in West Africa and is the seventh most populous country in the world. Its economy relies heavily on oil as its primary source of foreign exchange. The country has vast agricultural land and abundant mineral resources, providing significant development potential. While agriculture, telecommunications, and services have seen growth, progress is hindered by power shortages, inadequate infrastructure, an inefficient judicial system, and ongoing conflicts. More than 62% of the population still lives in extreme poverty. Nigeria’s GDP per capita is approximately $4,900.

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Christianity makes up more than 51% of Nigeria’s population and is dominant in 18 states in the central and southern regions. Evangelicals account for 25.8% of the population, or approximately 56.8 million people, meaning that the majority of African evangelicals reside in Nigeria. Despite significant growth, Christianity in Nigeria is plagued by prosperity theology, miracle-focused teachings, distorted doctrines that encourage greed and vanity, unethical fundraising, immorality, secret societies, and syncretism with traditional religions. Pastors and leaders, in particular, face political oppression and financial temptations, leading to negative portrayals of materialism, worldliness, corruption, embezzlement, sexual immorality, deception, and division. Nigeria is home to hundreds of seminaries, Bible schools, and training programs. Let us pray that these institutions will equip pastors with the truth of the gospel of the cross, leading them to repent from corruption, sexual sin, and financial misconduct and be raised as holy leaders. May the church also be sanctified in the Holy Spirit by teaching and nurturing believers with the word of truth.

2. Nigeria ranks sixth on the 2023 Christian Persecution Index, facing severe persecution by Muslims. In 2022 alone, 5,621 believers were killed, and many churches were destroyed or burned. However, despite the persecution, the church has become more united than ever before, praying fervently, which has led to revival and growth. Many believers have endured suffering, forgiven their persecutors, and refrained from retaliation.
Let us pray that the Nigerian church will stand as a witness of Christ’s love and forgiveness amid persecution. Let us also pray for churches that boldly hold onto their faith and remain steadfast in their mission, even in the face of fear and danger.

3. Nigeria is one of the leading missionary-sending nations among developing countries, with a nationwide missionary network. Thousands of long-term Nigerian missionaries serve under the Nigeria Evangelical Missionary Association (NEMA). About half of them minister to various ethnic groups within Nigeria, while the other half serve abroad.
Let us pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit upon Nigerian missionaries, that they may warn and guide people with tears, establish them firmly on the Word, and rise up as those who long for their heavenly inheritance.

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