Religion in Nigeria displays a wide range of diversity, considering that Nigeria is recognized as the most populous African nation with a population exceeding 250 million in 2023.
Within its borders, Nigeria accommodates substantial Christian and Muslim communities, making it home to some of the largest populations of both religions worldwide.
Accurate and up-to-date statistics are currently unavailable, but Nigeria can be roughly categorized into two halves: the northern region predominantly inhabited by Muslims, and the southern region predominantly inhabited by Christians.
The traditional religions of the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups, which have been steadily decreasing over the years, have been supplanted by either Christianity or Islam.
The proportion of Christians in Nigeria’s population is currently decreasing as a result of a lower birth rate compared to the Muslim population in the nation.
Nigeria boasts one of the most sizable Muslim communities on the African continent. Approximately 55 percent of Nigeria’s population practices Islam, and this Muslim community is steadily expanding in the country.
It is estimated that approximately 85-90 million Nigerians, accounting for roughly 55% of the entire population, are followers of the Islamic faith. The majority of these individuals, likely around 70 million, are thought to belong to the Sunni denomination.
However, it should be noted that this categorization is not a uniform identity and encompasses a diverse range of perspectives.
