How Christianity & Islam Came to Nigeria: The Story of the First Missionaries and Their Leader

How Christianity Came to Nigeria: The Story of the First Missionaries and Their Leader

Long before Nigeria became a nation, its people followed traditional African religions, worshipping gods like Sango (the Yoruba god of thunder), Amadioha (the Igbo god of justice), and Tsumburbura (the Hausa god of fate). But in the 15th century, a new faith arrived on its shores—one that would change the land forever.

The First Arrival: Portuguese Missionaries (15th Century)

The first Europeans to bring Christianity to Nigeria were the Portuguese. In 1472, Portuguese explorers, led by Fernão do Pó, landed on the coasts of the Niger Delta and Benin. They came not just for trade but also to spread their religion.

The Catholic Church sent missionaries, and by the 16th century, small Christian communities existed in places like Warri and Benin Kingdom. The Oba of Benin even allowed a church to be built in his palace. However, when the Portuguese left, Christianity faded in many areas, leaving only traces behind.

The Return of Christianity: The 19th Century Missionary Wave

For centuries, Christianity remained weak in Nigeria. But in the 1800s, everything changed. The abolition of the slave trade led British missionaries to Africa, hoping to “civilize” and convert its people.

The first major missionary group was the Church Missionary Society (CMS), sent by the Anglican Church. Their most famous leader was Rev. Henry Townsend, who arrived in Badagry in 1842.

The First Nigerian Christian Leader: Samuel Ajayi Crowther

The most important figure in Nigeria’s Christian history was not a European, but a Nigerian—Samuel Ajayi Crowther.

Born in Osogun (Yorubaland) in 1809, Crowther was captured as a child during a slave raid and sold to Portuguese traders. Fortunately, a British anti-slavery patrol rescued him, and he was taken to Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he was educated by missionaries.

Crowther converted to Christianity, excelled in his studies, and became a priest. In 1845, he returned to Nigeria with the CMS, preaching in Abeokuta, Onitsha, and Niger Delta. He translated the Bible into Yoruba, built schools, and fought against slavery.

Because of his wisdom and leadership, Crowther was ordained as the first African Anglican Bishop in 1864. He led the Niger Mission, spreading Christianity deep into Igbo and Niger Delta lands.

Challenges and Resistance

Not everyone welcomed Christianity. Traditional rulers and Muslim leaders in the North resisted it. Some communities feared that abandoning their gods would bring disaster. In Abeokuta, Crowther faced opposition from local chiefs, but his peaceful approach won many converts.

European missionaries also doubted African leadership. Sadly, in his old age, white missionaries accused Crowther of mismanagement and took control of his mission. He died heartbroken in 1891, but his legacy lived on.

The Spread of Christianity in Nigeria

By the 1900s, more denominations arrived:

• Catholics (1884) – French missionaries established churches in Lagos and the East.

• Methodists (1842) – Started in Yorubaland.

• Southern Baptists (1850s) – Entered through the Niger Delta.

• Pentecostalism (Early 1900s) – Began with the Aladura movement (prayer churches).

Conclusion: A Faith That Changed a Nation

Christianity in Nigeria grew because of men like Samuel Ajayi Crowther, who bridged African culture and the new faith. Today, Nigeria has one of the largest Christian populations in the world, with millions worshipping in churches built on the sacrifices of these early missionaries.

But the story isn’t over—new churches rise, debates continue, and Nigeria’s spiritual journey evolves. Yet, the memory of those first brave preachers remains, a testament to faith’s power to transform a nation.

​The introduction of major world religions to Nigeria—Islam and Christianity—marked significant turning points in the nation’s cultural and spiritual history. Each religion arrived through distinct channels, led by pioneering figures who shaped their early development and influence.​

Islam in Nigeria: Arrival and Leadership

Islam was the first major monotheistic religion to enter what is now Nigeria, arriving around the 11th century. It was introduced through trans-Saharan trade routes by merchants from North Africa and the Senegalese basin. These traders brought not only goods but also Islamic teachings, which gradually took root in the northern regions. Over time, Islam became deeply embedded in the cultural and political structures of various northern states, including the Kanem–Bornu Empire and the Hausa Kingdoms. ​Wikipedia

Usman dan Fodio: The First Islamic Leader

A pivotal figure in the spread of Islam in Nigeria was Usman dan Fodio, a Fulani scholar, Islamic religious teacher, and philosopher. Born in 1754, he led a religious and social reform movement that culminated in the establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate in the early 19th century. As the first Caliph, Usman dan Fodio implemented Islamic law and governance, significantly influencing the religious and political landscape of northern Nigeria. ​Wikipedia

Christianity in Nigeria: Introduction and Early Missionaries

Christianity made its entrance into Nigeria in the 15th century through Portuguese explorers along the coastal regions. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that Christianity gained a substantial foothold, primarily through the efforts of European missionaries. These missionaries established schools, translated religious texts, and engaged in evangelism, particularly in the southern parts of Nigeria.​

Thomas Birch Freeman: Early Missionary Work

One of the earliest missionaries was Thomas Birch Freeman, who arrived in Badagry (modern-day Lagos State) on September 24, 1842. Accompanied by his former pupil, William de Graft, Freeman established a mission house and chapel by November of the same year. He later extended his missionary work to Lagos and Abeokuta, where he was warmly received by local leaders. ​Wikipedia

Samuel Ajayi Crowther: First Indigenous Anglican Bishop

Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a Yoruba man born around 1807, holds the distinction of being the first African Anglican bishop. After being freed from slavery by the British Navy, he was educated in Sierra Leone and later ordained in England. Crowther returned to Nigeria as a missionary, translating the Bible into Yoruba and other local languages, and played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity in the region. ​Wikipedia

Legacy and Impact

The introduction of Islam and Christianity brought profound changes to Nigerian society. Islam influenced the legal and educational systems in the north, while Christianity contributed to the development of Western-style education and healthcare in the south. The leaders who spearheaded these religious movements—Usman dan Fodio for Islam and Samuel Ajayi Crowther for Christianity—left enduring legacies that continue to shape Nigeria’s religious and cultural landscape