In the mid-20th century, many Nigerians learned about the Church from literature or friends and family. They believed and were faithful, despite the government’s refusal to allow missionaries into the country and the Church’s practice of restricting men of African descent from priesthood ordination. The Church was established in Nigeria following the 1978 revelation extending the priesthood to all worthy males.
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History of the Church in Nigeria
In response to letters from Nigerians who had read about the Church and organized unofficial congregations, Church leaders attempted to establish a mission in Nigeria in the early 1960s. Because the Church was unable to obtain missionary visas and, at the time, did not ordain men of African descent to the priesthood, plans were eventually put on hold. After the Nigerian Civil War, Ime Eduok, Anthony Obinna, and others ministered to those who still longed to join the Church, waiting in faith and patience to inherit the promises of the gospel (see Hebrews 6:12).
Following President Spencer W. Kimball’s 1978 revelation extending priesthood ordination and temple blessings to worthy Church members of African descent, the Church was finally established in Nigeria. Many people had long looked forward to that day and were finally able to be baptized and invite relatives and friends to join the Church. Ten years later, the first stake in Nigeria was organized.
Saints in Nigeria have served their communities in many ways, practicing integrity and goodwill in their own lives and participating in organized Church efforts. Relief Society sisters took the lead on a literacy effort that aimed to help women become more self-reliant and gain personal testimonies of the Book of Mormon. Saints of all ages have participated in the Church’s annual All-Africa Mormon Helping Hands Day. In 2005, a temple was dedicated in Aba. By 2018, 40 years after the first converts were baptized there, more than 160,000 Saints lived in Nigeria.
Stories of Faith
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Directors of Communication
Weyinmi Winifred Wonodi
Port Harcourt and Uyo Coordinating Councils
Phone: +234 (0) 803 777 7320
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Austin Akomah-Mordi
Benin-City and Owerri Coordinating Councils
Phone: +234 (0) 803 755 6032
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Ikpe George Nkanang
Lagos, Ibadan, and Enugu Coordinating Councils
Phone: +234 (0) 802 320 4879
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