Announcement
The Calabar Nigeria Temple was announced by President Russell M. Nelson during the October 2023 General Conference. It will become the fifth temple announced for Nigeria, joining the Aba, Benin City, Eket, and Lagos temples. At the time of the announcement, Nigeria was home to approximately 225,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in about 770 congregations.
Current Status
The temple is planned for a 7-acre site on Atekong Drive in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. The location and official exterior rendering were both released on November 10, 2025. Plans call for a single-story temple containing approximately 26,000 square feet with a single attached end spire. The completed temple complex will also include patron housing, arrival facilities, and a meetinghouse. Inside, the temple will feature two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
The project is currently in the planning and approval phase. No groundbreaking date has been announced, and construction has not yet begun.
What to Watch for Next
The next major milestone will be the announcement of a groundbreaking ceremony. After construction begins, the Church will continue to provide updates on the temple's progress, followed by announcements for the public open house and dedication once the project is complete.
Nearest Operating Temple
Until the Calabar Nigeria Temple is completed, members in southeastern Nigeria continue to attend the Aba Nigeria Temple, the country's first operating temple, dedicated in 2005. Additional temples are also under construction in Benin City and Lagos, reflecting the continued growth of the Church throughout Nigeria.
Final Thoughts
The Calabar Nigeria Temple represents another important milestone in the remarkable growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nigeria. Although the project is still in the planning stage, the announced location and temple design provide an exciting glimpse of what lies ahead. Once completed, the temple will bring temple worship closer to thousands of members in southeastern Nigeria and continue the Church's expanding presence across West Africa.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com
0 comments