Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is known not only for its natural resources but also for its deeply religious society. Christianity thrives here, and with it has risen a number of powerful, well-financed churches that are as influential economically as they are spiritually. Many Nigerian churches have grown far beyond traditional places of worship. They have developed into mega-institutions with vast real estate holdings, private universities, media empires, and humanitarian arms.
This blog post explores the top 10 richest churches in Nigeria as of May 2025. The list includes churches founded and headquartered in Nigeria with an extensive footprint both nationally and globally. These churches have built their wealth through tithes and offerings, business ventures, schools, real estate, and global outreach initiatives.
1. The Roman Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church remains the wealthiest Christian institution in Nigeria. With millions of adherents and dioceses across all 36 states, the Catholic Church has built a formidable financial empire. Its wealth comes from a combination of offerings, international support, investments, and widespread real estate holdings.
The Catholic Church owns several prominent universities, including Madonna University and Veritas University, and a vast network of primary and secondary schools, hospitals, convents, and cathedrals. The church also operates farms, printing presses, and health clinics, especially in rural areas. In Nigeria, it stands as the most organized and financially stable religious institution, worth billions of dollars.
2. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)
Founded in 1952 by Josiah Akindayomi and now led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, RCCG is among the most financially successful Pentecostal churches in Africa. Its global presence spans over 190 countries.
The RCCG Redemption Camp, located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, spans thousands of hectares and includes housing estates, a university (Redeemer's University), banks, a power plant, and a host of commercial establishments. The church's income streams include tithes, offerings, media sales, and property investments, placing its estimated net worth in the billion-dollar range.
3. Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners' Chapel)
Founded in 1981 by Bishop David Oyedepo, Living Faith Church Worldwide is headquartered in Ota, Ogun State, at its 5,000-acre Faith Tabernacle. The church runs Covenant University, Faith Academy, and Dominion Publishing House, through which it generates revenue.
Bishop Oyedepo, often referred to as Nigeria’s richest pastor, has used his influence to diversify into real estate, aviation, and education. Winners' Chapel also owns satellite churches across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, contributing to its financial strength.
4. Christ Embassy (Believers’ Loveworld Incorporated)
Founded by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome in 1987, Christ Embassy is known globally for its sophisticated media ministry. Its television networks, including LoveWorld TV and LoveWorld SAT, reach millions worldwide.
Christ Embassy's financial power comes from its media, publishing arm (LoveWorld Publishing), music ministry, real estate holdings, and global ministry conferences. The church’s asset value is estimated at over a billion dollars, bolstered by strong international giving and a loyal follower base.
5. Deeper Life Bible Church
Pastor William Kumuyi founded Deeper Life in the 1970s, and it has grown into one of Nigeria's largest and most conservative Pentecostal movements. The church's ultra-modern headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos, can accommodate over 30,000 people.
In addition to offerings and tithes, Deeper Life owns schools, including Anchor University, and several income-generating properties. Its strict adherence to holiness and Bible teaching has attracted millions, especially among Nigeria’s educated elite.
6. Salvation Ministries
Headquartered in Port Harcourt and founded by Pastor David Ibiyeomie in 1997, Salvation Ministries is one of the fastest-growing churches in Nigeria. Its new cathedral, the Hand of God, is considered one of the largest in Africa.
With a network of satellite churches and a robust digital outreach program, the church’s finances are boosted by offerings, book sales, real estate, and its educational institutions. Pastor Ibiyeomie is also a well-known philanthropist, funding scholarships and medical outreach programs.
7. Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM)
Established in 1989 by Dr. Daniel Olukoya, MFM is known for its deliverance-focused ministry. It owns one of the largest prayer cities in West Africa and a massive headquarters on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
MFM generates income from educational services, book sales, music, conferences, and property holdings. It also owns Mountain Top University and multiple secondary schools. The ministry’s assets are estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
8. The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN)
Though Prophet T.B. Joshua passed away in 2021, SCOAN remains one of Nigeria's most influential and wealthy ministries. Located in the Ikotun area of Lagos, SCOAN is a major tourist attraction, drawing thousands of international visitors every year.
The church’s wealth is generated through offerings, international donations, Emmanuel TV, and real estate. SCOAN’s economic impact on the local economy is profound, with hotels, shops, and transport companies benefiting from religious tourism.
9. The Anglican Church of Nigeria
The Church of Nigeria, part of the global Anglican Communion, has more than 160 dioceses and a membership in the tens of millions. It runs numerous mission schools, theological colleges, hospitals, and media outlets.
The church owns vast land assets and generates income from school fees, property leases, and agricultural ventures. Though not as commercially aggressive as Pentecostal churches, its assets and network give it immense influence.
10. The Apostolic Church Nigeria
Founded in 1918, the Apostolic Church is one of Nigeria’s oldest Pentecostal denominations. Its national headquarters in Lagos covers over 100 hectares and includes conference facilities, a seminary, and residential quarters.
Revenue is generated from tithes, offerings, real estate, and agricultural projects. While conservative in doctrine, the church has a strong and loyal following, particularly in the South West, giving it a solid financial base.
Conclusion
These ten churches exemplify how religion in Nigeria has evolved into a financially robust and socially impactful enterprise. Beyond spiritual guidance, they provide employment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure to millions. As their influence continues to grow in 2025 and beyond, so too will the discussions about the role of wealth in religious institutions.
Whether admired for their philanthropic reach or questioned for their financial opulence, these churches remain pillars of Nigerian society, blending faith with formidable economic power.
