Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion Elects 15 New Bishops as Church Expands Nationally

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has announced the election of fifteen new bishops, marking a significant moment in its organisational expansion. The move comes after the recent approval of new dioceses, reflecting a deliberate effort to deepen the church’s reach across Nigeria.

According to communications from the church, the elections were conducted at the Episcopal Synod held on 18 September 2025 at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesha, Ado-Ekiti. This marked the culmination of preparatory processes and inspection exercises mandated by the church’s Standing Committee.

One of the newly elected bishops will fill the existing vacancy in the Diocese of Irele/Ese-Odo, while the remaining fourteen will lead the newly created dioceses. The creation of these dioceses follows the lifting of the moratorium on new diocesan establishments and reflects a renewed mission strategy.

Among the new jurisdictions are full-fledged dioceses and missionary dioceses. The missionary dioceses are intended to operate in emerging areas where the church seeks to plant deeper roots, enhance pastoral coverage and advance local development in partnership with communities.

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has urged the faithful to pray for the bishops-elect and their families as they prepare for consecration, enthronement and the inauguration of their respective dioceses. He emphasised that their duties carry both privilege and responsibility in shaping the future of the church.

Details of the consecration ceremony and diocesan inaugurations have been scheduled, with the consecration of the new bishops slated for 9 November 2025 in Abuja, followed by a series of inaugurations across the country from mid-November into December. These events will symbolise the formal rollout of the new leadership and jurisdictions.

This expansion is more than numerical: it is strategic. By increasing diocesan presence, the church aims to improve oversight, foster closer relationships between local congregations and leadership, and respond to evolving demographics and mission landscapes across Nigeria’s regions.

Nevertheless, the development presents challenges. Effective implementation will require adequate resources, robust administrative structures, timely enthronements, and clear communication with congregations. The leadership’s success will depend on how well the new dioceses embed into existing frameworks and deliver meaningful outcomes.