Church of Nigeria Adds 15 New Dioceses and Pushes Mission Work Deeper Across Nigeria
On September 18, 2025 the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion approved the creation of 15 new dioceses, a move the leadership says will strengthen local mission work and improve pastoral care across the country.
Five of the new dioceses will operate as full fledged dioceses:
- Ekiti South from Ekiti Diocese
- Kalabari from Niger Delta Diocese
- Lagos South West from Lagos West Diocese
- Omoku from Ahoada Diocese
- Ozoro from Oleh Diocese
Ten have been approved as missionary dioceses:
- Eket from Uyo Diocese
- Idanre from Akure Diocese
- Ikom from Calabar Diocese
- Keffi from Kubwa and Lafia Dioceses
- Nasarawa from Lafia Diocese
- Ogoja from Calabar Diocese
- Oyo South from Oyo Diocese
- Oyun from Kwara Diocese
- Takum from Jalingo Diocese
- Zuru from Kebbi Diocese
The press statement, signed by the Church communications office, notes the change increases the total number of dioceses in the Church of Nigeria and that further steps such as bishop elections, consecrations and inaugurations will be announced in due course.
For ordinary churchgoers the change means more local oversight, shorter travel distances to diocesan events, and more focused pastoral attention. For clergy it creates new leadership opportunities and a clearer administrative structure that can respond faster to local needs. For mission teams it opens fresh frontiers where planting churches, youth work, and social outreach can grow with more local support.
From a practical point of view, creating missionary dioceses gives the Church a way to test and fund expanding areas before they become full fledged dioceses. That staged approach helps manage resources and helps new congregations mature under targeted mentoring.
Most new units were carved out of existing dioceses so boundaries and parish alignments will change. The Standing Committee approved the expansion in line with the Church constitution after inspection and validation reports were presented to the Episcopal Synod. Expect announcements about nominations, consecration dates, and enthronements in coming weeks from the national office.
