Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Nigerian Muslims Self-Identify First with Their Religion

Nigerian Muslims, are nearly unanimous (91%) in naming their religion, rather than their nationality, as the most important factor in their lives — a view shared by 76% ofChristians in Nigeria and a sharp reminder of the religious divide in Africa’s most populous country as it prepares for presidential and National Assembly elections on April 21. However, a 2006 survey conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, also found the appetite for major political change extends across the religious spectrum. Large majorities of both the country’s Christians (94%) and Muslims (97%) say they are dissatisfied with conditions, and the discontent extends to virtually every major secular institution.Read More