There are three major ethnic groups in Nigeria; they make up nearly about 70% of the country’s population and ethnic nationality, namely; the Yorubas, the Hausas, and the Igbos. These major ethnic groups, however have several other minor and major sub-tribes that collectively make up the tribes in Nigeria.
In case you are ever asked how many tribes in nigeria, now you have the answer on nigerian tribes and languages.
Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups and tribes, each with their own culture and traditions, including different languages. These tribes contribute to the vast cultural diversity of the country. These are nigerian tribes facts; 3 major tribes in nigeria.
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The Hausa-Fulani Tribe
The Hausa-Fulani tribe is located mostly in northern Nigeria. Through marriages, religion, and adoption of the Hausa language by the Fulani, the two tribes became one. It’s the largest of the ethnic groups in Nigeria and has been the political dominator since 1960, when Nigeria asserted its independence from Britain. Islam is the major religion of the group, and this plays a major role in their influence on politics and society. The Hausa-Fulani adopted the Islamic system of law, called Sharia. This system is based on the teachings of the Koran, and includes religious and secular duties. It also provides penalties for law breaking.
Music and art are part of the Hausa-Fulani traditions. From a young age, children participate in songs and dances, which are held in local meeting places. The Hausa-Fulani people also engage in work songs in the rural and marketplace areas. They often participate in story-telling, music performances, and local dramas as a form of entertainment.
The Igbo Tribe
The Igbo tribe comes from southeastern Nigeria. They’re a smaller group than the Hausa-Fulani. Most Igbo people are of the Christian faith and are opponents of Sharia law. At one time, the Igbo people served in many government and military roles. They also played a large part in the independence of Nigeria from British rule. However, in 1967, the start of a 30-month war with the Nigerian government, known as the Biafran War, led to many Igbo people starving to death and becoming less of a force in Nigerian society. Today, the Igbo people still play a role in the Nigerian oil trade, but their political influence has diminished.
Many Igbo people are subsistence farmers, with staple crops being yams, corn, pumpkins, melons, and beans. Harvest time is a time of celebration, and the Igbo people love to engage in music. They play the flute and drums, as well as other traditional instruments. One popular form of music in Igbo culture is called Highlife, which is a combination of jazz and traditional music.
The Yoruba Tribe
The Yoruba tribe is found in urban areas, especially the city of Lagos, which is the second most populous city in Africa. Yoruba people have accepted both the Islam and Christian faiths, and both are practiced within the group. Like the Igbo group, the Yoruba used to play a large role in both politics and military life, but have been overshadowed by the larger Hausa-Fulani tribe in recent decades.
For a list of the tribes per state, click here
List of Tribes in Nigeria Starting with the letter A
- Abana
- Abayon
- Abua
- Achipa
- Adim
- Adun
- Affade
- Afizere
- Afo
- Agbo
- Akaju-Ndem
- Akweya yachi
- Alago
- Amo
- Anaguta
- Anang
- Andoni
- Angas
- Ankwei
- Anyima
- Attakar
- Auyoka
- Awori
- Ayu
List of Tribes in Nigeria Starting with the letter B
- Babur
- Bachama
- Bachere
- Bada
- Bade
- Bahumono
- Bakuluing
- Bali
- Bambora
- Bambuko
- Banada
- Banka
- Banso
- Bara
- Barke
- Baruba
- Bashiri
- Bassa
- Batta
- Baushi
- Baya
- Bekwarra
- Bele
- Benin
- Betso
- Bilei
- Bille
- Bina
- Bini
- Birom
- Bkkos
- Bobua
- Boki
- Boko
- Bole
- Boma
- Bomboro
- Botlere
- Buduma
- Buji
- Buli
- Bunu
- Bura
- Burak
- Burma
- Buru
- Buta
- Bwall
- Bwatiye
- Bwazza
List of Tribess in Nigeria Starting with the letter C
- Challa
- Chamba
- Chamo
- Chibok
List of Tribes in Nigeria Starting with the letter D
- Daba
- Dadiye
- Dajka
- Dakarkari
- Danda
- Dangsa
- Daza
- Degema
- Dghwede
- Diba
- Doemak
List of Tribes in Nigeria Starting with the letter E
- Ebu
- Ebuira
- Efik
- Egbema
- Egede
- Eggon
- Eket
- Ekoi
- Epie
- Esan
- Etche
- Etsako
- Etung
List of Tribes in Nigeria Starting with the letter F
Fulani
List of Tribes in Nigeria Starting with the letter G
- Geruma
- Gira
- Gombi
- Gude
- Gwari
- Gwoza
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter H
Hausa
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter I
- Ibibio
- Idoma
- Igala
- Igbo
- Ijumu
- Ika
- Ikwerre
- Isekiri
- Isoko
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter J
Jukun
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter K
Kafanchan
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter L
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter M
- Mambilla
- Mobber
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter N
Nupe
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter O
- Ogu
- Opwan
- Oron
- Ouguri
- Oworo
- Oza
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter P
- Palli
- Poll
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter Q
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter R
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter S
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter T
- Tiv
- Tula
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter U
- Urhobo
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter V
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter W
List of Tribe in Nigeria Starting with the letter Y
- Yagba
- Yoruba
