Take it or leave it; there are many ethnic groups in Nigeria that you don’t know. Okay, if you think that I am lying let me ask you this:.
Do you know that there is an ethnic group in Nigeria that is called Nupe? Or do you know an ethnic group that is called the Urboho? Yes, they exist in this country.
I know that if I happen to meet you one-on-one and I happen to ask you, “How Many Ethnic Groups Do We Have in Nigeria? You will only mention 5 or thereabout. But permit me to shock you by saying that there are more than 14 major ethnic groups.
Nonetheless, here in this article, I will only list out 14 major ethnic groups in Nigeria that you need to know exist.
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What is an Ethnic Group?
For some of us who don’t know what the term “ETHNIC GROUP” means, according to Wikipedia, an ethnic group or ethnicity is a category of people who identify with each other, usually on the basis of presumed similarities such as a common language, ancestry, history, society, culture, nation, religion, race, or social treatment within their residing area.
However, the dictionary says that “an ethnic group is a community or population made up of people who share a common cultural background or descent.
In Nigeria, we have different ethnic groups whose members share the same cultural heritage, ancestry, origin myth, history, homeland, language or dialect, symbolic systems such as religion, mythology, and ritual, cuisine, dressing style, art, or physical appearance.
Howbeit, Ethnic groups often continue to speak related languages and share a similar gene pool. By way of language shift, acculturation, adoption, and religious conversion, it is sometimes possible for individuals or groups to leave one ethnic group and become part of another.
The social construct that ethnic groups share a similar gene pool has been contradicted within the scientific community as evidenced by data finding more genetic variation within ethnic groups.
List of the 14 Major Ethnic Groups in Nigeria
1. Hausa
2. Yoruba
3. Igbo
4. Fulani
5. TIV
6. Efik
7. Ijaw
8. Ibibio
9. Kanuri
10. Nupe
11. Igala
12. Idoma
13. Itsheki
14. Urboho
Analysis of the Major Ethnic Groups in Nigeria
Hausa
Hausa are the biggest ethnic group in Nigeria and Africa at large. The Hausas are geographically based mostly in the Sahal and Savanna areas of northern Nigeria and southern Niger. There are more than 60 million people who are indigenes of the Hausa community, and they can be found in West African countries like Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Chad, Togo, Gambia, Gabon, Senegal, and Ghana.
Hausas speak the Hausa language and are known for their love of horses, especially the Hausa aristocrats. The city of Daura is regarded as an area of cultural significance for the Hausas.
Yoruba
The number of Yoruba indigenes is estimated to be more than 40 million around the world. A large proportion of Yorubas reside in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. In fact, 21% of Nigeria’s population is Yoruba. The Yoruba language is spoken largely by the Yoruba people.
Igbo
Igbos or ‘Ndi-Igbos’ are mostly found in South eastern part of Nigeria. The igbo ethnic group is among Nigeria’s largest. The igbo language is spoken by the Igbo people. In villages and rural settings, the igbos are predominantly traders, farmers or craftsmen. The yam crop is the most cultural significant crop in Igboland.
Fulani
Fulani is one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups. They are said to be between 36 to 50 million Fulanis living in various parts of the world. 30% of Fulani indegenes are pastoralists who are known to graze livestock. A large number of the Fulanis are of the Islamic religion. Fulanis are politically influential in Africa, as a lot of political leaders in Western Africa have Fulani heritage. For instance, Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s president and Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo, the secretary general of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, are of Fulani descent.
Tiv
The population of Tivs indigenes in Nigeria are numbered up to 7 million, spanning from Cameroon and Nigeria. The Tiv language is one of Nigeria’s most popular ethnic language.
Efik
Members of the Efik ethnic group are found mostly in the southern part of Nigeria, especially in Cross River State. They speak the Efik language.
IjawÂ
The Ijaw ethnic group is one of the most popular in Nigeria. They are found in the Niger Delta areas, residing in places like Bayelsa, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Delta states. At the last count, Ijaws numbered more than 14 million people. Historically, most Ijaw people have taken fishing as their occupation.
Nupe
The Nupe Ethnic group is predominantly based in Niger, Kwara, Kogi states and the Federal Capital Territory. The population of Nupe indigenes is estimated to be more than 4 million. They speak the Nupe language.
Ibibio
The Ibibios are found in the riverine area of south-south Nigeria. They are the majority ethnicity in Akwa Ibom state. They are also found in Abia and Cross River states. The Ibibio tribe shares a relationship with the Efik, Oron, Ibibio, and Ibeno ethic groups as their languages are mutually intelligible. The Ibibios are known for the Ekpo secret society and masqurade. There are more than 9 million Ibibios around the world.
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Final Note
As of the time this publication was made, I believe that there are some people out there who are looking for this piece of information. So you can help them find it by sharing it with them on Facebook, X, or WhatsApp with just a click on any of your preferred share buttons below.
Also, keep in mind that there are other ethnic groups for which we have yet to list them here. But we will be adding them frequently.
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