Anglican Church Expands Footprint with 15 New Dioceses, Total Hits 176

Anglican Church Expands Footprint with 15 New Dioceses, Total Hits 176

By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has approved the establishment of 15 new dioceses across the country, a move that further strengthens its administrative and missionary presence nationwide.

The Primate of the Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, disclosed this while hosting a high-level delegation from Gombe State on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja. The delegation was led by the former provost of the College of Education, Billiri, Dr. Langa Hassan Bangunji.

With the latest approval, the number of dioceses under the Church of Nigeria has risen from 161 to 176. The Primate explained that the decision was taken by the Church’s Standing Committee at its meeting held on September 15, 2025.

Speaking to journalists in Gombe on Tuesday, Dr. Bangunji said the Primate assured the delegation that arrangements for the election, consecration, and enthronement of bishops for the newly created dioceses would be completed before the end of the year.

He noted that Most Rev. Ndukuba expressed appreciation for the visit and extended his prayers and goodwill to members of the delegation, particularly as some of them prepare to take part in the political process in Gombe State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Other members of the four-man delegation were Barrister Zerubabel Hassan Lubo, Elder Nadab Haruna, and Pastor Kabiru Wakaye.

The newly approved dioceses include Ekiti South (from Ekiti Diocese), Kalabari (from Niger Delta Diocese), Lagos South West (from Lagos West Diocese), Omoku (from Ahoada Diocese), and Ozoro (from Oleh Diocese).

In addition, 10 missionary dioceses were approved. These are 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), and Zuru (from Kebbi Diocese).

The Church said further details on the election of bishops, consecration ceremonies, inaugurations, and enthronement dates will be communicated in due course.

The approvals, according to reports, followed extensive inspections, assessments, and validations carried out to confirm the readiness and compliance of applicant areas seeking diocesan status.