The Aba Nigeria Temple holds a special place in Church history as the first temple built in Nigeria. Dedicated in 2005, it stands as a landmark of faith for members across West Africa and a meaningful stop for any Latter-day Saint traveler exploring temples outside the United States. If you're planning a visit, here's what you need to know before you go.
Where It's Located
The temple sits at 72–80 Okpu-Umuobo Road in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. It's positioned on a highly visible site on the outskirts of the city, just north of the Ogbor River. The Church built a concrete bridge across the river specifically to give visitors access to the temple complex, which also includes a stake center and an administration building with guest rooms.
Getting There
Aba doesn't have a major international airport of its own, so most American travelers will fly into Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos first, then connect via a domestic flight. From there, the two most practical options are:
- Sam Mbakwe International Airport (Owerri) – roughly 40 km (about 25 miles) from Aba, generally the closest airport with regular domestic service.
- Port Harcourt International Airport – a bit farther out at around 69 km (about 43 miles), but often has more flight options.
From either airport, plan on arranging ground transportation into Aba, since public transit options for international travelers are limited. Building in extra time for domestic connections and ground travel is wise, as infrastructure and scheduling can be less predictable than in the U.S.
There's patron housing available on site for those attending the temple, along with a Church distribution center, which is worth knowing if you're traveling from farther away and need a place to stay near the temple grounds.
A Bit of History
The temple was announced on April 2, 2000, with groundbreaking and site dedication following on February 23, 2002, led by H. Bruce Stucki. After a public open house held June 18 through July 2, 2005, the temple was dedicated on August 7, 2005, by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
President Hinckley's visit to Aba was part of a larger worldwide tour that also included stops in Anchorage, Vladivostok, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, New Delhi, and Nairobi before arriving in Nigeria. He reportedly caught his first glimpse of the completed temple from a helicopter during a flyover of the site — a detail that captures just how remote and significant this location was at the time.
The Aba Nigeria Temple was the first temple built in Nigeria, the second in West Africa, and the third on the entire African continent, following the Johannesburg South Africa Temple (1985) and the Accra Ghana Temple (2004). That milestone alone makes it a meaningful stop for anyone interested in the global growth of the Church.
Design and Architecture
The temple sits on 6.3 acres (2.5 hectares) and features an exterior finished in Namibian pearl granite. It has a single attached spire topped with the angel Moroni statue, a design element found on many temples worldwide. Inside, the building includes two instruction rooms (two-stage progressive), two sealing rooms, and one baptistry, spread across roughly 11,500 square feet (1,068 square meters). The temple sits at an elevation of about 192 feet (59 meters).
Final Thoughts
The Aba Nigeria Temple isn't a stop you'll make on a whim — it takes real planning to get there. But for travelers interested in the history and reach of the Church across Africa, it's a meaningful destination that tells an important part of the story. Whether you're attending as a recommend holder or simply want to see this historic building from the outside, understanding what to expect ahead of time will make the trip much smoother.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com
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