When most people think of Nigeria’s exports, they think of oil, music, or culture. But there is another, far greater export — one that doesn’t deplete the land but enriches the world: the faith, witness, and mission of the Church of Nigeria.
Flashback to the 19th century: Western missionaries arrived on Nigerian shores, sowing seeds of the Gospel amid colonial winds. Fast-forward 150 years, and the tables have turned spectacularly.
The Church of Nigeria, with about 20 million members, is no longer content being a recipient anymore; envisioning planting churches in places where Christ is not known—all over the world, beginning from Nigeria.
The story of the Church of Nigeria is one of grace, resilience, and global relevance. Born out of missionary work, she has become a missionary Church herself — sending out priests, evangelists, and congregations to nations once considered “the sending lands.”
Today, Nigerian Anglicans are planting and reviving churches in Europe, North America, Asia, and across Africa; and Nigerian clergy lead parishes in the UK, US, Canada, and beyond, turning churches into hubs of unapologetic Biblical fervour.
In a world where faith is declining in the West, the Nigerian Church stands as a vibrant witness, reminding the world that the Gospel still transforms lives, and that Africa is not merely a mission field — Africa is now a mission force.
This “spiritual export” is not only about numbers or parishes. It is about values, vision, and vitality. The Church of Nigeria carries a strong voice for biblical orthodoxy, moral integrity, and holistic mission.
This matters because Nigerian Christianity is not diluted or domesticated—it is raw, resilient, and relentless. In a world weary of watered-down theology, Nigeria exports unyielding truth. At the heart of it: a fierce defence of Scripture’s authority.
The Church of Nigeria’s global push surged after Lambeth Conferences exposed rifts in the Anglican world—prompting a radical call to evangelize without compromise. Our influence through GAFCON (now Global Anglican Communio) and the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches (GSFA) has helped to shape the future of global Anglicanism and defend the faith once delivered to the saints.
This global mission is more than evangelism. It is the bold assertion of African spirituality’s vital role in Christianity’s future, reshaping global Christian discourse with fresh perspectives and vibrant worship. Through theological scholarship, humanitarian outreach, and cultural exchange, the Church of Nigeria brings a unique blend of faith, resilience, and love to the world stage.
The impact is undeniable: Communities strengthened across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and beyond through Nigerian-led churches and ministries. A bridge of hope and African identity connecting the diaspora with their roots and faith. A model of leadership and indigenous growth inspiring churches globally to rethink mission and ministry.
Recently, the Church of Nigeria, led by the Primate, the Most Rev. Dr Henry Ndukuba convened a World Mission Congress which gathered global mission-leaders convened by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) to reflect on and advance the evangelical and global-mission mandate of the church.
The congress which emphasised guarding the gospel’s integrity, mobilising orthodox leadership, and renewing zeal for worldwide witness, signals Church of Nigeria’s increasing role on the global mission’s stage.
The global mission of the Church of Nigeria calls us all — clergy and laity alike — to a renewed sense of purpose:
- Be Witnesses Everywhere – Whether at home or abroad, let our conduct and compassion reflect Christ.
- Support Mission Fields – Pray for, encourage, and partner with Nigerian missions worldwide.
- Raise Global-minded Christians – Equip the next generation to think beyond borders and serve beyond comfort.
- Defend the Faith – Uphold biblical truth with wisdom, courage, and humility in an age of compromise.
The Church of Nigeria is more than a national Church — it is a Divine movement. Our message, our missionaries, and our moral voice are shaping the future of Christianity across continents. We are no longer just recipients of the Gospel — we are bearers of it.
We are not just part of the story — we are helping to write the next chapter of global Christianity.
As we continue this global mission, may our “spiritual export” be nothing less than the fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15) — pure, powerful, and transformative.
“The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” — Habakkuk 2:14
VENERABLE DR. PRINCEWILL IREOBA
CANON THEOLOGIAN, DIRECTOR OF THEOLOGICAL MATTERS, CHURCH OF NIGERIA
