Religious Beliefs and Spirituality in Nigeria

According to the 1999 census report, 50% (70 million) of the populations are Muslims, 40% (56 million) are Christians, and 10% (14 million) observe other religions such as Judaism, Hinduism, Baha’i, Chrislam, The Grail Movement, The Rosicrucian Order, and Freemasonry.

Islam is predominant in the north and South Western, Yoruba part of the country. It was introduced during the 11th century and by 16th century Islam is already recognized major cities. Nigeria has one of the biggest Muslim populations in West Africa. Most Muslims in Nigeria observe the Maliki school of jurisprudence and are typically Sunni Muslims. The Christian denominations in Nigeria include Roman Catholicism, The Anglican Church of Nigeria, Christ Apostolic Church, and the Aladura Church. Catholics are predominant in Abuja, Benin City, Ibadan, Laogs, Calabar, Jos, Onitsha and Owerri. The clerical provinces the Church of Nigeria include Ondo, Bendel, Niger Delta, The Niger, Lagos, Ibadan, and Kaduna.

Judaism has around 40,000 believers most of whom belong to the Igbo tribe in the eastern, Ibibio, Annang, and Efik. Hinduism started in Nigeria during the immigration of Hindus and Hare Krishna Missionaries. There are about 25,000 Hindus mostly found in Lagos, the former capital of Nigeria. Chrislam is the combination of Christianity and Islam which aims to control feuds among Nigerians.