Nigerian Culture

Nigeria, located on the west coast of Africa and the most populous Black Country in the world has a population of 103.9 million growing rapidly at 3% with more than 250 ethnic groups.  Nigerian cultural heritage is very rich, dating back to more than 2000 years.

The three largest ethnic groups are the Hausa-Fulani who are predominant in the north, the Igbo in the southeast and the Yoruba in the southwest. The rest of Nigeria's ethnic groups (sometimes called "micro-minorities") are found all over the country but especially in the densely populated south.

The Hausa tend to be Muslim and the Ibo, Christian. Practitioners of both Christianity and Islam are found among the Yoruba. Indigenous religious practices remain important, especially in the south, and are often blended with Christian beliefs.

The official language is English yet less than half of the population speaks English. It is considered a foreign language although 'pidgin english' (the term used to refer the slang of the region) is used often. Every ethnic group has its own distinct language example, Hausa Yoruba Ibo and Fulani are spoken widely.

The Hausa people who account for about 20% are usually more political and military inclined, while the Yorubas around 20%, control the press and financial sector and the Fulani people make up 9% tend to be a more reserved people. The remaining groups are the Ibo people that make up only 17%, usually control land and oil reserves and the rest of the other ethnic groups count for 9%, such as the Ogoni people.

In Nigeria Muslim consists 40% of the northern population, 50% of Christians south eastern and the rest follow the traditional African belief systems, although both Muslims and Christians incorporate African practices. The Nigerian people identify themselves first with their ethnicity, secondly their religion and then nationality.

The dress code varies accordingly to areas and culture but personal appearance is important to the people. Northern Muslims dress conservatively while the Ibo wear casual, more westernized clothing. Traditional men's clothing is loose and comfortable with the shirt extending to the knees.

Women and girls wear a long wrap- around skirt, a short -sleeved top and a scarf. Nigerian fabrics usually have bright colors and unique patterns.

In the Nigerian culture greetings are important and highly valued. The people believe in politeness and cheerfulness when exchanging greetings. People say hello and Good morning in English. When asked about the wellbeing of someone, time is given to respond, as it is considered respectful. In addition, Nigerians may stand or sit closely when conversing.

Since Nigeria is multicultural, gestures differ from pushing the palm of your hand forward and spreading the fingers is considered as vulgar and is to be avoided. One never says 'thank you' for food for the tradition of feeding guests is apart of the hosts responsibility. In addition to gestures, Nigerians pass objects with the right hand or both hands but not with the left.

A wink at their children in the company of adults signifies that the child should leave the room. Visiting is also important as it helps maintain family and friendship ties. Guests may show up at someone's home unannounced yet still be welcomed.

Eating habits varies in Nigerian culture. Some people eat meals using their hands while others use utensils. Example, while eating in the company of Nigerians one may observe that they do not utilize the dinner knife but rather would use a fork and a spoon. Yams, cassava (a starchy root) and rice are the mainstays of the Nigerian diet. Nigerian foods are hot and spicy. A normal meal would be a pepper sauce with meat, fish or chicken.

Nigerians primarily enjoy soccer. The rich enjoy wrestling, polo cricket and swimming.  Nigerians are truly an ambitious people as their educational policies emphasize two goals. The first goal is to produce well-rounded patriotic and innovative citizens, secondly, to provide a highly educated work force to quickly develop the nation.

Each Nigerian state provides primary and secondary education and some higher education. About 70% of school-age children are enrolled in primary school and about 20% in secondary school. A large number of Nigerians attend universities around the world, often on scholarship from the Nigerian government. The country is known for it's well educated work force even though the adult literacy rate is 56%; 44% for women.