Nigeria has known only one decade of an elected government since it gained its independence from Britain in 1960. In 1999, Olusegun Obasanjo, who says he found Christ while in prison under Nigeria’s previous military dictator, was elected as president. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua became president in 2007. Nigeria is a federation of states that are somewhat autonomous. Greed and corruption run throughout all levels of authority.

Nigeria is strongly divided between Christianity and Islam. The north of Nigeria is largely Muslim while the south is predominantly Christian. In 1999, Shari’a law was implemented in 12 northern and central states. Although the law was originally sanctioned to govern only Muslim citizens, non-Muslims living in the regions have also been affected. Christians frequently face opposition in areas controlled by Muslims. In mid-November 2008, two church buildings were destroyed within days of each other in the northern city of Yelwa, Bauchi state. Later that month, anti-Christian violence erupted in the central city of Jos following a local election. Six pastors were murdered, at least 500 other people killed, 40 church buildings were destroyed, and approximately 25,000 people were displaced.

• Pray that Christians in Nigeria will demonstrate the love of Christ, in spite of the opposition they face.  
• Pray that Christians in Nigeria will take action to help their suffering brothers and sisters elsewhere in the country.
• Pray that one law, with equality for all, will govern the nation of Nigeria.