About us
Rooted in missions, serving God and humanity
The Diocese of Niger Delta North is a diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), in the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger Delta, serving Port Harcourt and surrounding communities in Rivers State.
Our story begins on 29 April 1865, when Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther planted the Anglican mission in Bonny. That mission became the Niger Delta Pastorate in 1892, and in 1952 the Diocese of Niger Delta was created with its see at St Stephen's Cathedral, Bonny.
In September 1995, the Provincial Standing Committee meeting in Kano approved the creation of a new diocese, and on Ascension Day, 16 May 1996, the Diocese of Niger Delta North was inaugurated at St Paul's Cathedral, Diobu, Port Harcourt as the 53rd diocese of the Church of Nigeria, with Primate Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye presiding.
Known for missions and evangelism, the Diocese has grown into a mother of dioceses: Ahoada (2004), Ogoni (2005), Etche (2007), Ikwerre (2007) and Evo (2009) were all carved from it, while its foreign missions have reached across Africa and beyond.
“Service to God and Humanity.” That is the motto we live by.
“From one mission planted at Bonny in 1865 grew a family of dioceses carrying the gospel across the Niger Delta.”
Timeline
Milestones of grace
From the first mission to our 30th anniversary.
29 April 1865
Anglican mission planted in Bonny
Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther planted the Anglican mission in Bonny.
29 April 1892
Niger Delta Pastorate declared
The Bonny mission was declared the Niger Delta Pastorate.
1 January 1952
Diocese of Niger Delta created
The Diocese of Niger Delta was created, with its see at St Stephen's Cathedral, Bonny.
September 1995
Creation approved in Kano
The Provincial Standing Committee approved the creation of Niger Delta North.
16 May 1996
Diocese inaugurated
The Diocese of Niger Delta North was inaugurated at St Paul's Cathedral, Diobu, Port Harcourt, as the Church of Nigeria's 53rd diocese. Primate Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye presided.
27 July 2004
Diocese of Ahoada inaugurated
Ahoada became the first daughter diocese created from Niger Delta North.
16 March 2005
Diocese of Ogoni inaugurated
Ogoni was inaugurated from Niger Delta North.
19 March 2007
Diocese of Etche inaugurated
Etche was inaugurated from Niger Delta North.
20 April 2007
Diocese of Ikwerre inaugurated
Ikwerre was inaugurated from Niger Delta North.
13 July 2009
Diocese of Evo inaugurated
Evo was inaugurated from Niger Delta North.
16 May 2026
30th anniversary
The Diocese marked 30 years since its inauguration.