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THE STATES OF NIGERIA
Three main regions emerged as a result of colonial policy.
THE SOUTHERN ZONES
1 Critical issues:
a) Christian-Muslim relations have soured since 1995
b) Oil wealth derived from the south-east has been spent elsewhere
2 The SW was pioneered by Anglicans, Methodists and Southern Baptists and the SS and SE by Presbyterians, Catholics, QIF and others in
3 The less reached peoples and areas:
a) The Muslim suburbs (sabongari) in southern towns and cities where Northerners congregate
b) Muslim groups among Southern peoples
c) The Niger Delta (SS). Many peoples live in these virtually inaccessible swampy, riverine areas
d) Coastal areas: Ondo, Ogun, Edo and Delta States where the Christian presence is not deeply rooted
e) Other needy areas: the Benin border area (SW) and Cross River State (SS) where ethnic religions and secret societies are strong (ECWA/SIM)
THE CENTRAL ZONE
1 Dramatic church growth over the past 40 years.
2 Muslim missionary activity has intensified in the region
3 Less-reached peoples
a) Plateau State. Many peoples have turned to the Lord, but some are more resistant
b) Along the Niger River and Benin border where there are numerous unreached and partially-reached peoples
THE NORTHERN ZONE
1 Critical issues:
a) The proclamation of shari'a law in many northern states (8 by March 2001) has precipitated Nigeria into a constitutional crisis
b) Shari'a law has also led to restrictions on church buildings, banning of Christian religious education in state schools, communal violence, destruction of many churches and loss of life – especially of Christians
2 The gospel has made progress since independence despite considerable opposition from the Muslim rulers
3 There is a great need for Nigerian missionaries to build on the foundations laid by SIM, SUM/AP missionaries in the past
4 Unreached peoples:
a) The Fulani (Fulbe) are a strategic people right across Africa and are also black Africa's largest unreached people cluster
b) The Hausa are known as Muslims, but maybe 30%, while claiming to be Muslim, actually follow their traditional religions
c) The Kanuri of Borno State
are strongly Muslim, and have been so for 1,000 years
d) The Gwoza Hills (Adamawa and Borno). The area has become a spiritual battleground, with some peoples turning from paganism – some to Islam and others to Christ
e) The mountain regions in the east along the Cameroon border
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Area 29,525 sq.km. 5 states
Population 13,500,000
Major peoples Igbo, Ibibio.
Christian 80%; Muslim 5%; Traditional 15%.
Area 84,587 sq.km. 6 states
Population 16,300,000
Ijaw, Isekiri, Isoko, Urhobo.
Christian 75%; Muslim 5%; Traditional 20%.
Area
78,771 sq.km. 6 states
Population 22,200,000
Yoruba.
Christian 70%; Muslim 20%; Traditional 10%.
Area 266,617 sq.km. 7 states
Population 20,800,000.
Major peoples
No dominant group
Christian 55%; Muslim 30%; Traditional 15%.
Area
272,395 sq.km. 6 states
Population
15,000,000
Major peoples
Kanuri, Fulani, Bachama.
Muslim 50%; Traditional 30%; Christian 20%.
Area 191,873 sq.km. 6 states
Population 23,800,000.
Major peoples Hausa, Fulani.
Muslim 67%; Traditional 20%; Christian 13%.
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Geography - SE 
Peoples - SE 
Religion - SE