One in six Africans is Nigerian. With an area about twice the size of California, Nigeria is rich in agricultural land, minerals, and oil. It is the 12th largest producer of petroleum in the world, and the world’s 20th largest economy. Its population of 191 million is comprised from more than 250 ethnic groups, with over 500 languages spoken. (English is the official language.) It’s size, infrastructure, and its general prosperity (especially compared to many of its neighbors) give Nigeria significant influence on the entire African continent.

Nigerians are nearly equally divided into Christians and Muslims. Increasingly, Muslims have a stronghold in the north; churches in this area have been burnt and many Christians have been killed. Additionally, because of its size and influence, Nigeria has become an African hub for the Grail Movement and the Hare Krishnas, now has the largest temple of the Eckankar religion, and is a new mission territory for Mormons.

There are more than 160 seminaries and Bible schools, yet there remains a great need for leaders well-versed in Scripture. Nigeria is the chief breeding ground for false teaching in Africa, and its technological and media advances make it a prolific developer of prosperity gospel programs and charlatan television ministries. These ministries are often

There is a well-known saying that “As Nigeria goes, so goes Africa.” ITEM’s work in Nigeria is very important and critical to Biblical Christianity throughout the continent. Joel Jaji Auta (ITEM Coordinator), has a humble leadership strength and the other pastors on the core team are mature and seminary trained. Praise God for a solid and well-educated team of pastors in Nigeria that are ready to expand ITEM’s ministry impact.