Major Ethnic Groups (Tribes) Of Nigeria

SEASON 6, EPISODE 32

The ‘Giant of Africa’, Nigeria, is home to over 250 ethnic groups, with a population of over 200 million. These ethnic groups, such as the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo, are spread across Nigeria and have a significant influence in West Africa and the global diaspora. Their distinct languages, traditions, and cultural heritage contribute to Nigeria’s vibrant social and cultural landscape.

On today’s episode of Learn Africa, we’ll be diving into some of the major ethnic groups that can be found in Nigeria out of over the 250 ethnic groups that are present in the country.

Hausa

The Hausa ethnic group, primarily found in the northern region of Nigeria, is one of the country’s largest and most influential communities, comprising more than 25% of the total population.

Hausa People/Nigeria/Photo: © Jordi Zaragozà Anglès

The rich cultural heritage of the Hausa people includes a widespread use of the Hausa language, the major language spoken by the Hausa people, a predominantly Muslim faith, and a history of prominent city-states such as Kano and Katsina.

The Hausa people celebrate significant festivals such as the Durbar Festival, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Hawan Daushe, reflecting their vibrant culture, community spirit, and Islamic faith through grand parades, prayers, feasting, and ceremonial processions.

The Hausa economy thrives on agriculture and trade, with significant contributions to craftsmanship, including leatherwork, weaving, and metalwork. The society is hierarchical, with Emirs playing crucial roles in governance. Notable traditional rulers among the Hausa people include the Emir of Kano, the Emir of Zazzau, and the Emir of Katsina. Education style is both Islamic and formal and is highly valued. The influence of the Hausa extends beyond Nigeria, as they can be found in neighbouring West African countries like Cameroon, Ghana, Chad, Niger, Ivory Coast, etc.

Igbo

The Igbo ethnic group, primarily in southeastern Nigeria, is one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria. They make up more than 18% of the total population and are renowned for their entrepreneurial spirit, vibrant cultural heritage, and strong emphasis on education.

IGBO People/Nigeria/Photo: © Jordi Zaragozà Anglès

The Igbo people are predominantly Christian. They have a decentralised political structure with village groups and councils of elders. Their culture features colourful festivals, such as the New Yam Festival, traditional music, dance, and art. Historically, they are skilled in trade and craftsmanship, and also active in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.

Prominent traditional rulers among the Igbo people include the Obi of Onitsha, the Obi of Nnewi, and the Eze of Enugu. The Igbo people celebrate various festivals, such as the New Yam Festival (Iri-ji), Ogu Uzo, Adae, and Iriji-Nne, which showcase their cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs through traditional ceremonies, feasting, music, dance, and honouring of ancestors and women.

The Igbo people place high value on education, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s intellectual and professional fields. The major language of the Igbo ethnic group is the Igbo language with dialects in different communities. Their influence extends beyond Nigeria as they are distributed in countries such as Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, impacting global commerce and culture.

Yoruba

The Yoruba ethnic group, based in southwestern Nigeria, is one of the largest and most influential communities in Nigeria. The Yoruba ethnic group comprise over 21% of the total population.

The Yoruba people are known to have a rich cultural heritage, with vibrant arts, festivals, and traditional attire, including colourful fabrics and beads. The Yoruba practise diverse religions, including Christianity, Islam, and indigenous beliefs like Ifa, Esu and Orisha worship. Their political structure is often decentralised, with local kings (Obas) playing a key role. Some prominent Yoruba traditional rulers include the Ooni of Ife, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom.

Yoruba People/Nigeria/Photo: © Jordi Zaragozà Anglès

The Yoruba people celebrate a variety of vibrant festivals, such as the Olojo Festival, Eyo Festival, Yam Festival (Iri-ji), Egungun Festival, and Ogun Festival, each reflecting their spiritual beliefs and cultural heritage through ceremonies, music, dance, processions, and offerings to deities and ancestors. The major language of the Yoruba ethnic group is the Yoruba language with dialects in different communities.

Historically, the Yoruba have been active in various economic activities, including agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. Their influence extends beyond Nigeria, impacting the broader West African region where they can be found in countries like Benin Republic, Togo, Sierra Leone, and outside Africa like Brazil and Cuba.

Ijaw

The Ijaw ethnic group, hailing from Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, southern Nigeria. They make up about 10% of the total population and boast a rich cultural heritage and a strong bond with their natural environment, particularly through fishing and craftsmanship.

Their language, Ijaw language, is a member of the Niger-Congo family, and is widely spoken in the south-south region of Nigeria. The Ijaw predominantly practise Christianity and maintain traditional religious beliefs, focusing on ancestor worship and reverence for nature.

Ijaw culture is marked by vibrant festivals, such as the Efere Festival, which celebrates the beginning of the fishing season. Community leadership and the role of elders are fundamental in cultural preservation and governance. Additionally, the Ijaw people contribute significantly to the country’s economy, particularly in the oil and gas sector, and have a broader influence in the West African region.

Other ethnic groups that can be found in Nigeria include the Kanuri in the northeast, Nupe in central Nigeria, Gwari (Gbagyi) in the Federal Capital Territory, Tiv in Benue State, Fulani in the north, Ebira-Igala in Kogi, Edo in Edo, Ibibio-Efik in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, and many others.

Each ethnic group has a distinct cultural heritage, with traditions in agriculture, craftsmanship, music, dance, and religion.