List Of Religion in Nigeria: List and Meaning

Nigeria is a very religious country in Africa. Religion plays a big role in the daily lives of Nigerians. It influences how people dress, talk, and even who they marry. It also affects politics, education, and family life.

In Nigeria, people take their religion seriously. You can easily find churches, mosques, and traditional worship places in almost every community. Most Nigerians believe in God and follow one religion or the other.

But what are the main religions in Nigeria? Which religion is the most popular? Is Nigeria a Muslim or Christian country? What is the religion percentage in Nigeria in 2025 and what will it be in 2050?

In this article, we will explain the list of religions in Nigeria, their population percentages, and how things may change in the future. We will also answer common questions like “Is Nigeria a Christian country?” and “Is Nigeria a Muslim country?”

List of Religions in Nigeria

There are three major religions in Nigeria. They are:

1. Christianity

Christianity is one of the most popular religions in Nigeria. It came to Nigeria through missionaries from Europe, especially in the 15th to 19th centuries. The Christian religion spread mostly in the southern and central parts of Nigeria.

Today, Christians in Nigeria belong to different groups. Some of the main Christian denominations in Nigeria include:

• Catholic Church
• Anglican Church
• Methodist Church
• Pentecostal churches (like Redeemed Christian Church of God, Winners Chapel, etc.)
• Baptist Church
• Apostolic churches

Many Nigerian Christians attend church every week. They also read the Bible, pray regularly, and celebrate holidays like Christmas and Easter.

2. Islam

Islam is another major religion in Nigeria. It came to Nigeria through trade and the spread of Islamic education in the northern part of the country. Islam entered Nigeria earlier than Christianity, around the 11th century.

Today, most Muslims in Nigeria live in the North. They follow different Islamic groups, such as:

• Sunni Islam (majority)
• Shia Islam (small minority)
• Sufi groups (like Qadiriyya and Tijaniyya)

Muslims in Nigeria follow the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad. They pray five times a day, fast during Ramadan, give to the poor (zakat), and go to mosque regularly.

Some Muslims also follow Sharia law in some northern states like Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina.

3. Traditional African Religions

Before Islam and Christianity came to Nigeria, Nigerians already believed in their own traditional religions. These religions are based on worship of gods (called orishas, alusi, or deities) and respect for ancestors.

Traditional religion is still practiced in some villages and towns. Some popular beliefs include:

• Worship of Sango, Ogun, Amadioha, and other local deities
• Sacrifices and rituals
• Belief in spirits, ancestors, and reincarnation
• Use of charms and herbs

Today, fewer people practice traditional religion openly, but many Nigerians still mix traditional beliefs with Islam or Christianity. For example, some Christians may still consult prophets or traditional healers, especially during sickness or spiritual attacks.

Other Religions in Nigeria

Apart from the big three, there are also small groups of other religions in Nigeria. These include:

• Buddhism
• Hinduism
• Jehovah’s Witnesses
• Baha’i Faith
• Atheism (people who don’t believe in God)

These groups are tiny and usually found in cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and among foreigners or Nigerians who lived abroad.

Quick Summary of the Three Major Religions in Nigeria

Nigeria Religion Percentage (2025 and 2050)

Religion in Nigeria in 2025

In 2025, Nigeria’s population was about 236 million people. According to different reports from the Pew Research Center, CIA World Factbook, and other studies, the religion percentage in Nigeria was:

These numbers are close, so Nigeria is often called religiously balanced. It is not fully a Christian country or a Muslim country. Both religions are strong in different parts of the country.

Religion by Region

The religious population in Nigeria is also divided by region:

• Northern Nigeria: Mostly Muslim. States like Kano, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, and Katsina are almost fully Muslim.
• Southern Nigeria: Mostly Christian. States like Lagos, Anambra, Imo, Rivers, Delta, and Cross River are mostly Christian.
• Middle Belt: A mix of Christians and Muslims. States like Plateau, Benue, Kogi, and Taraba often have both religions, and sometimes there are tensions.

Nigeria Religion Percentage in 2050 (Future Forecast)

What will Nigeria’s religion look like in 2050? Researchers predict that both Christianity and Islam will continue to grow, but Islam might grow faster because northern Nigeria has a higher birth rate and less urban migration.

According to the Pew Research Center’s future religious projections:

That means Nigeria might have more Muslims than Christians by 2050, but both groups will still be large. Traditional religions may continue to decline as more people move to cities and modern religions grow.

So, Is Nigeria a Muslim or Christian Country?

Nigeria is neither a Muslim country nor a Christian country. The country’s constitution says Nigeria is a secular state, meaning the government should not support any religion officially.

However, in real life, religion affects:

• How people vote
• Who gets government jobs
• Education policies
• Social events and laws (e.g., Sharia law in the North)

So while Nigeria is officially neutral, religion plays a big role in politics and daily life.

📌 Summary:

• In 2025, Nigeria was 47% Muslim, 46% Christian, and 7% traditional/other.
• By 2050, Islam may slightly grow more than Christianity.
• Nigeria is not officially a Muslim or Christian country but a secular nation.
• Religion is still one of the strongest forces in Nigeria’s culture and politics.

IV. Religion by Region in Nigeria

Religion in Nigeria is not just about numbers; it also depends on where you live. The country is large and made up of 36 states, and each region has its own religious majority. Some places are mostly Muslim, others are mostly Christian, and a few areas have a mix of both.

1. Northern Nigeria – Mostly Muslim

The northern region of Nigeria is home to the largest Muslim population. Islam has been practiced here since around the 11th century, brought by traders from North Africa and the Middle East.

States that are mostly Muslim:

• Kano
• Sokoto
• Borno
• Katsina
• Kebbi
• Zamfara
• Yobe
• Jigawa
• Bauchi
• Gombe

In some of these states, especially Zamfara, Kano, Sokoto, and Borno, Sharia law is practiced for Muslims. Sharia law covers areas like family matters, moral issues, and some civil disputes.

2. Southern Nigeria – Mostly Christian

In the southern region, Christianity is the main religion. Missionaries from Britain and other countries brought Christianity here in the 15th to 19th centuries. Many Nigerians in this region attend church regularly, and Christianity has deeply influenced the culture, schools, and way of life.

States that are mostly Christian:

• Lagos
• Anambra
• Imo
• Enugu
• Delta
• Rivers
• Akwa Ibom
• Bayelsa
• Cross River
• Ekiti
• Ogun
• Osun
• Ondo

This region has many churches, gospel events, and Christian-owned schools and hospitals. Pentecostal and Evangelical churches are very popular, especially in cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Aba.

3. The Middle Belt – A Mix of Christians and Muslims

The Middle Belt is located in the center of Nigeria. It is known for having a balanced mix of Christians and Muslims, with some areas still practicing traditional religions.

States with religious mix:

• Plateau
• Benue
• Kogi
• Taraba
• Nassarawa
• Kwara
• Niger
• Abuja (FCT)

These states often have communities living side by side, but unfortunately, this balance sometimes leads to religious conflicts, especially over land, politics, and cultural identity.

For example:

• Jos in Plateau State has seen clashes between Christian and Muslim groups over the years.
• In Benue, many are Christian but live close to Muslim-majority areas, leading to occasional tension.

4. Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) – Religious Diversity

Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, is located in the center and represents the religious diversity of the country. You’ll find:

• Big churches
• Large mosques
• Christians and Muslims working together in government and business

Abuja tries to keep the peace and balance between both religions since it is the seat of national power.

🧭 Summary Table – Religion by Region

Religion in Nigeria is closely tied to geography. This is why during elections, policymaking, and even marriage, people often consider religion and region together.

Is Nigeria a Muslim or Christian Country?

Many people often ask, “Is Nigeria a Muslim country or a Christian country?” The answer is:

Nigeria is neither a Muslim country nor a Christian country.

Nigeria is a secular country, which means the government is not supposed to support any one religion. The Nigerian constitution clearly states that:

“The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.”
– Section 10, 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

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This means that no religion is officially more important than the other in the eyes of the law.

✅ Why People Still Ask This Question

Even though Nigeria is officially secular, religion is very visible in the country. Here’s why many people still think Nigeria leans toward either Christianity or Islam:

1. Religious Leaders Are Powerful:
   Religious leaders have strong voices in politics and society. Many politicians seek their support during elections.
2. Religion Affects Government Jobs:
   In many states, people believe that religion influences how jobs and appointments are shared, especially in sensitive roles.
3. Public Holidays for Religion:
   Nigeria observes both Christian and Islamic holidays, like:
   • Christmas and Easter for Christians
   • Eid-el-Fitr and Eid-el-Kabir for Muslims
4. State Laws Can Support Religion:
   In northern states, Sharia law is practiced for Muslims. This makes it seem like those states are Islamic even though the federal government is secular.

🕌 States That Practice Sharia Law

In some northern states, Sharia law is used alongside the regular legal system. It is only applied to Muslims and not Christians.

States that practice Sharia include:

• Zamfara
• Kano
• Sokoto
• Bauchi
• Katsina
• Jigawa
• Kebbi
• Borno
• Yobe
• Gombe

Because of this, some people say the North is more Islamic in behavior and laws.

⛪ Southern Nigeria – Christian Influence

In the southern part of Nigeria, there is a strong Christian presence. Most governors, lawmakers, and traditional rulers are Christian. Churches run many schools, hospitals, and media houses.

Religious events like crusades, revivals, and thanksgiving services are common. Many Christians in the South believe Nigeria is a Christian country in practice, especially in their region.

🤝 Middle Belt and Abuja – Mixed Influence

The Middle Belt and Abuja are mixed. You’ll see both churches and mosques everywhere. Most leaders in Abuja try to balance both religions to maintain peace. For example:

• Federal holidays are given for both religions.
• Ministries are led by both Christians and Muslims.

⚖️ Final Answer

So, is Nigeria a Christian country?

❌ No. Nigeria is not a Christian country.
❌ No. Nigeria is not a Muslim country either.
✅ Nigeria is a secular country, with large populations of both Muslims and Christians.

🧠 Quick Recap

FAQs About Religion in Nigeria

What are the top 3 religions in Nigeria?

The top 3 religions in Nigeria are:

1. Islam
2. Christianity
3. Traditional African Religions

These are the most followed religions, with Islam and Christianity making up the majority.

What is the religion percentage in Nigeria in 2022?

As of 2022:

• Islam: About 47%
• Christianity: About 46%
• Traditional/Other: Around 7%

📌 Source: Pew Research Center, CIA World Factbook

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3. What will be the religion percentage in Nigeria by 2050?

By 2050, researchers expect:

• Islam: 51% or more
• Christianity: About 45–47%
• Others: 2–4%

This shows Islam may slightly grow more due to population increase in the northern region.

4. Is Nigeria a Christian country?

No. Nigeria is not a Christian country. It is a secular country, meaning the government does not promote one religion over another.

5. Is Nigeria a Muslim country?

No. Nigeria is also not a Muslim country. It has a large Muslim population, but it is not officially an Islamic nation.

6. What is the religion of northern Nigeria?

Islam is the main religion in northern Nigeria. It has been practiced there for centuries, and some states use Sharia law for Muslims.

7. What is the religion of southern Nigeria?

Christianity is the main religion in southern Nigeria. It is very popular in cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Onitsha.

8. What religion was in Nigeria before Islam and Christianity?

Before the arrival of Islam and Christianity, Nigerians followed Traditional African Religions. These include:

• Worship of gods like Sango, Ogun, and Amadioha
• Belief in ancestors
• Use of sacrifices and spiritual objects

Some people still practice these today, often mixed with Christianity or Islam.

9. Who brought Christianity to Nigeria?

Christian missionaries from Europe brought Christianity to Nigeria, especially from Portugal and Britain. They built schools and churches to spread the faith, mainly in the South.

10. Who brought Islam to Nigeria?

Islam came through North African traders and scholars. It started in the 11th century, mainly in the northern parts of Nigeria, through trade and Islamic education.

11. Which state in Nigeria has the most Christians?

Some of the states with the highest Christian population include:

• Anambra
• Imo
• Enugu
• Rivers
• Akwa Ibom
• Lagos

12. Which state in Nigeria has the most Muslims?

The northern states with the most Muslims include:

• Kano
• Sokoto
• Katsina
• Zamfara
• Borno

13. Is there freedom of religion in Nigeria?

Yes, the Nigerian Constitution allows freedom of religion. Everyone has the right to worship freely, but in practice, there are still some religious tensions in certain areas.

Conclusion: Religion in Nigeria and Its Future

Religion is one of the most important parts of life in Nigeria. It shapes how people live, work, vote, and relate with others. Although Nigeria has many tribes and languages, religion is one thing that touches every part of the country.

From the north where Islam is strong, to the south where Christianity is more popular, to the middle belt where both religions mix — religion is everywhere. Traditional African religions, though smaller today, still influence the culture and spiritual life of many Nigerians.

✅ Key Takeaways:

• Nigeria is not a Christian or Muslim country. It is a secular nation with freedom of religion.
• The top 3 religions in Nigeria are Islam, Christianity, and Traditional religions.
• As of 2022, Nigeria is 47% Muslim, 46% Christian, and 7% others.
• By 2050, Islam may slightly increase due to population trends.
• Religion by region: North = Islam, South = Christianity, Middle Belt = Mixed.
• Religion in Nigeria is deep, emotional, and powerful — and will likely remain so in the future.