Major tribes in Nigeria and their states of origin: detailed 2024 update

Major tribes in Nigeria and their states of origin: detailed 2024 update

Nigeria is a linguistically diverse country. English is the official language, and the people speak over 500 ethnic languages. People in rural areas use English less frequently, especially those with lower education levels. Find out how many tribes are in Nigeria and the major communities that greatly influence the country's culture, economic development, and politics.

tribes in nigeria
People playing traditional musical instruments. Photo: @Nigeria culture
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Nigeria is rich in culture and history. The county holds the largest population in Africa, with over 224.2 million people in 2024. Tribes in Nigeria prove to be unique through different traditions, expressions, and lifestyles.

How many tribes are in Nigeria?

Nigeria has 371 tribes, with Hausa and Yoruba being the two largest groups. On top of these two most populous tribes in Nigeria, hence they have the most influence on the country's political and economic developments.

The top 10 major tribes in Nigeria and their states

The diversity of tribes in Nigeria gives the country a unique identity and makes it a melting pot of different beliefs and traditions. Below are the top 10 most populated tribes in Nigeria, the states they occupy, and other details.

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1. Hausa

nigerian tribes
Hausa weddings. Photo: @AfricanaWeddingsRock, @Opheliaeventaffairs (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Hausa is the biggest tribe in Nigeria, with a population of about 65 million people. They make up around 29% of the country's population. Hausa people have a homogenized culture and are known for raising cattle, growing crops and trading.

Islam is the main religion of the Hausa tribe, and they live in Bauchi, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, Gombe, Plateau, Yobe, and Zamfara states of Nigeria. The tribe plays a significant role in the country's politics.

Most of them live in small villages. The Hausa language is a Chadic group language of the Afro-Asiatic type. The main city of Hausa is Daura in Katsina State. They consider this town as their tribe's spiritual center.

2. Yoruba

top 10 most populated tribe in nigeria
Yoruba couples wearing traditional attires. Photo: @IludioWeddings, @yorubaculturalcentre (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Yorubas make up around 21% of Nigeria's population. They are the second most influential tribe in Nigeria. Christianity and Islam are the dominant religions among the Yorubas.

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A few still practice their ancestors' religion. The tribe has a unique tonal language and preserves most of its traditions and art. Yoruba people live in the Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and the Oyo states of Nigeria.

Yoruba is historically known as Africa's most urbanized tribe. They lived in fortress cities for centuries. Ibadan (one of the main Yoruba cities) was one of the biggest cities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Lagos is considered the main Yoruba city, and Ile Ife city is the tribe's spiritual centre.

3. Igbo

major tribes in nigeria
Igbos couple in cultural wedding attire. Photo: @vanblaiz, @Igbo Traditional Weddings (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Igbo is the biggest ethnic group in eastern Nigeria. They occupy Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and the Rivers states. The Igbo tribe speaks several regional dialects and are farmers, craftsmen, and traders. Igbos' main religion is Christianity, and they have beautiful visual arts, dance styles, music, and attires.

The Igbo area is an integral part of oil trade in southeastern Nigeria. The 1967 war between the Nigerian government and Biafra happened in this region. The war frustrated the region's economy. Today, eastern Nigeria has a stable economy, and it attracts many business people, including billionaires.

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4. Fulani (Fulbe)

how many tribes are in nigeria
Fulani couples wearing traditional wedding outfits. Photo: @traditionalculturewordGuds, @Classique Imagery Studios (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Fulani and Hausa are intertwined because of intermarriages. The two tribes have a tremendous political influence in Nigeria. The Fulbe people adopted Islam as their primary religion. The main occupation of this semi-sedentary tribe is cattle rearing.

Fulani people are in northeastern Nigeria. They live in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara states.

5. Ibibio

tribes in nigeria and their states
Ibibio couples in cultural wedding attire. Photo: @Naijaweds247, @DembaqqTv (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Ibibio is a coastal tribe residing in southern Nigeria. They are related to the Efik people and share names and cultures with Annang, Efik, Ekid, Oron and Ibeno tribes. These communities also speak closely related dialects.

The Ibibios are in Akwa Ibom State. They share the state's government with the Anaangs, Eket and Oron but have massive control over Akwa Ibom's politics.

Most of the Ibibio people are Christians, and traditionalists worship the God of Heaven (Abasi Enyong), God of the Earth (Abasi Isong) and the Supreme Being (Abasi Ibom).

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6. Kanuri

largest tribe in nigeria
Kanuri couples wearing traditional wedding clothes. Photo: @Arewa Fashion Style, @Muslimbridesng (modified by author)
Source: UGC

The Kanuri people are in Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, Libya and Cameroon. They originate from the medieval Kanem-Bornu Empire and engage in farming, fishing, and trading. Islam is their main religion. The Kanuri tribe of Nigeria are predominantly in Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, and the Yobe states.

7. Tiv

10 major tribes in nigeria
Tiiv couples in traditional wedding outfits. Photo: @jpkajotargema, @Tivtraditionalmarriage (modified by author)
Source: UGC

The Tivoid ethnic group has over 5 million people living in Nigeria and Cameroon. Some of their traditional musical instruments are Kakaki, Ilyu, Adiguve, and Kolugh Ku Bua. The Tiv had no administrative divisions. Leadership was based on age, influence, and affluence.

Most Tiiv language speakers in Nigeria live in Benue State, Abuja FCT, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the Taraba states. Many members of the Tiv group are also in the United States and the United Kingdom.

8. Ijaw (Izon or Izon Otu)

tribes of nigeria
Ijaw couples in cultural clothes for weddings. Photo: @SugarWeddingsNigeria, @greenwishes1 (modified by author)
Source: UGC

The Ijaw tribe constitutes 10% of the Nigerian population. They live in the delta of the Niger River, which is extremely rich in oil and gas. The tribe is divided into 50 kinship clans, and most of them are fishermen and farmers. Additionally, the Ijaw people are primarily Christians.

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9. Nupe

tribes in nigeria
Nupe couples in wedding attires that represent their cultures. Photo: @lizabloomsevents, @asasyamtu (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Hausas call the Nupe tribe Nupawa, while Yorubas call them Tapa. They are the dominant ethnic group in Kogi, Kwara, and the Niger states. There are about 3.5 million Nupe speakers in Nigeria.

Nupe people often have tribal marks on their faces. Most of them are Muslims, and a few are Christians and traditionalists. The proximity of the Nupe tribe to the Yoruba-Oyo in the southwest and the Yoruba-Igbomina in the south led to intermarriages, trading, exchange of cultures and conflicts over the centuries.

10. Jukun (Njikum)

nigerian tribes
Jukun couples wearing wedding outfits that represent their traditions. Photo: @ajizentuajiduku, @adashusamuelgani (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Jukun people of Nigeria are in Bauchi, Benue, Plateau, and Taraba states. They are also found in various parts of northwestern Cameroon. Most of them were traditionalists until Christianity and Islam came to Africa.

The Jukun tribe is divided into two major groups; the Jukun Wapa and Jukun Wanu. Their language is divided into six dialects: Wukari, Donga, Kona, Gwana, Pindiga, Jibu, and Wase Tofa. The Kona, Gwana, and Pindiga dialects differ but are regarded as one because they are small.

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Tribes in Nigeria and their states

Below is a map of major tribes in Nigeria spread among the country's states:

nigerian tribes
A map showing major tribes in Nigeria and their states. Photo: @researchgate.net

How many tribes are there in Nigeria?

Nigeria has 371 ethnic groups, speaking over 500 languages in Nigeria. English is their official language because the country was a British colony.

What tribes are in Nigeria?

Below are tables of all ethnic groups in Nigeria and the states they live in:

Names of ethnic groups - State (s)

Names of ethnic groups - State (s)

1.

Abayon

- Cross River

2.

Abua (Odual) -Rivers

3.

Achipa (Achipawa) - Kebbi

4.

Adim - Cross River

5.

Adun - Cross River

6.

Affade - Yobe

7.

Afizere - Plateau

8.

Afo - Plateau

9.

Agbo - Cross River

10.

Akaju Ndem (Akajuk) - Cross River

11.

Akweya Yachi - Benue

12.

Alago (Arago) - Piateau

13.

Amo - Plateau

14.

Anaguta - Plateau

15.

Anang - Akwa lbom

16.

Andoni - Akwa lbom, Rivers

17.

Angas - Bauchi, Jigawa, Plateau

18.

Ankwei - Plateau

19.

Anyima - Cross River

20.

Attakar (ataka) - Kaduna

21.

Auyoka (Auyokawa) - Jigawa

22.

Awori - Lagos, Ogun

23.

Ayu - Kaduna

24.

Babur - Adamawa, Bomo, Taraba, Yobe

25.

Bachama - Adamawa

26.

Bachere - Cross River

27.

Bada - Plateau

28.

Bade - Yobe

29.

Bahumono - Cross River

30.

Bakulung - Taraba

31.

Bali - Taraba

32.

Bambora (Bambarawa) - Bauchi

33.

Bambuko - Taraba

34.

Banda (Bandawa) - Taraba

35.

Banka (Bankalawa) - Bauchi

36.

Banso (Panso) - Adamawa

37.

Bara (Barawa) - Bauchi

38.

Barke - Bauchi

39.

Baruba (Barba) - Niger

40.

Bashiri (Bashirawa) - Plateau

41.

Bassa - Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Plateau

42.

Batta - Adamawa

43.

Baushi - Niger

44.

Baya - Adamawa

45.

Bekwarra - Cross River

46.

Bele (Buli, Belewa) - Bauchi

47.

Betso (Bete) - Taraba

48.

Bette - Cross River

49.

Bilei - Adamawa

50.

Bille - Adamawa

51.

Bina (Binawa) - Kaduna

52.

Bini - Edo

53.

Birom - Plateau

54.

Bobua - Taraba

55.

Boki (Nki) - Cross River

56.

Bkkos - Plateau

57.

Boko (Bussawa, Bargawa) - Niger

58.

Bole (Bolewa) - Bauchi, Yobe

59.

Botlere - Adamawa

60.

Boma (Bomawa, Burmano) - Bauchi

61.

Bomboro - Bauchi

62.

Buduma - Borno, Niger

63.

Buji - Plateau

64.

Buli - Bauchi

65.

Bunu -Kogi

66.

Bura - Adamawa

67.

Burak - Bauchi

68.

Burma (Burmawa) - Plateau

69.

Buru - Yobe

70.

Buta (Butawa) - Bauchi

71.

Bwall - Plateau

72.

Bwatiye - Adamawa

73.

Bwazza - Adamawa

74.

Challa - Plateau

75.

Chama (Chamawa Fitilai) - Bauchi

76.

Chamba - Taraba

77.

Chamo - Bauchi

78.

Chibok (Chibbak) - Yobe

79.

Chinine - Borno

80.

Chip - Plateau

81.

Chokobo - Plateau

82.

Chukkol - Taraba

83.

Daba - Adamawa

84.

Dadiya - Bauchi

85.

Daka - Adamawa

86.

Dakarkari - Niger, Kebbi

87.

Danda (Dandawa) - Kebbi

88.

Dangsa - Taraba

89.

Daza (Dere, Derewa) - Bauchi

90.

Degema - Rivers

91.

Deno (Denawa) - Bauchi

92.

Dghwede - Bomo

93.

Diba - Taraba

94.

Doemak (Dumuk) - Plateau

95.

Ouguri - Bauchi

96.

Duka (Dukawa) - Kebbi

97.

Duma (Dumawa) - Bauchi

98.

Ebana (Ebani) - Rivers

99.

Ebirra (lgbirra) - Edo, Kogi, Ondo

100.

Ebu - Edo, Kogi

101.

Efik - Cross River

102.

Egbema - Rivers

103.

Egede (lgedde) - Benue

104.

Eggon - Plateau

105.

Egun (Gu) - Lagos,Ogun

106.

Ejagham - Cross River

107.

Ekajuk - Cross River

108.

Eket - Akwa Ibom

109.

Ekoi - Cross River

110.

Engenni (Ngene) -Rivers

111.

Epie -Rivers

112.

Esan (Ishan) - Edo

113.

Etche - Rivers

114.

Etolu (Etilo) - Benue

115.

Etsako - Edo

116.

Etung - Cross River

117.

Etuno - Edo

118.

Palli - Adamawa

119.

Pulani (Pulbe) - Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi , Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe

120.

Fyam (Fyem) - Plateau

121.

Fyer (Fer) - Plateau

122.

Ga’anda - Adamawa

123.

Gade - Niger

124.

Galambi - Bauchi

125.

Gamergu Mulgwa -Borno

126.

Qanawuri - Plateau

127.

Gavako - Borno

128.

Gbedde - Kogi

129.

Gengle - Taraba

130.

Geji - Bauchi

131.

Gera (Gere, Gerawa) -Bauchi

132.

Geruma (Gerumawa) -Plateau

133.

Geruma (Gerumawa) -Bauchi

134.

Gingwak -Bauchi

135.

Gira -Adamawa

136.

Gizigz -Adamawa

137.

Goernai -Plateau

138.

Gokana (Kana) -Rivers

139.

Gombi -Adamawa

140.

Gornun (Gmun) -Taraba

141.

Gonia -Taraba

142.

Gubi (Gubawa) -Bauchi

143.

Gude - Adamawa

144.

Gudu - Adamawa

145.

Gure - Kaduna

146.

Gurmana - Niger

147.

Gururntum - Bauchi

148.

Gusu - Plateau

149.

Gwa (Gurawa) - Adamawa

150.

Gwamba - Adamawa

151.

Gwandara - Kaduna, Niger, Plateau

152.

Gwari (Gbari) -Kaduna, Niger, Abuja, Plateau

153.

Gwom - Taraba

154.

Gwoza (Waha) -Borno

155.

Gyem -Bauchi

156.

Hausa - Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kastina, Kebbi, Niger, Taraba, Sokoto, Zamfara

157.

Higi (Hig) - Borno, Adamawa

158.

Holma - Adamawa

159.

Hona - Adamawa

160.

Ibeno - Akwa lbom

161.

Ibibio - Akwa lbom

162.

Ichen - Adamawa

163.

Idoma - Benue, Taraba

164.

Igalla - Kogi

165.

lgbo -Abia, Anambra, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Rivers

166.

ljumu - Kogi

167.

Ikorn - Cross River

168.

Irigwe - Plateau

169.

Isoko - Delta

170.

lsekiri (Itsekiri) - Delta

171.

lyala (lyalla) - Cross River

172

. lzondjo -Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo, Rivers

173.

Jaba -Kaduna

174.

Jahuna (Jahunawa) -Taraba

175.

Jaku -Bauchi

176.

Jara (Jaar Jarawa Jarawa-Dutse) - Bauchi

177.

Jere (Jare, Jera, Jera, Jerawa) - Bauchi, Plateau

178.

Jero - Taraba

179.

Jibu - Adamawa

180.

Jidda Abu - Plateau

181.

Jimbin (Jimbinawa) - Bauchi

182.

Jirai - Adamawa

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Names of ethnic groups - State (s)

Names of ethnic groups - State (s)

183.

Jonjo (Jenjo) - Taraba

184.

Jukun - Bauchi, Benue, Taraba, Plateau

185.

Kaba (Kabawa) - Taraba

186.

Kadara - Taraba

187.

Kafanchan - Kaduna

188.

Kagoro - Kaduna

189.

Kaje (Kache) -Kaduna

190.

Kajuru (Kajurawa) - Kaduna

191.

Kaka - Adamawa

192.

Kamaku (Karnukawa) - Kaduna, Kebbi, Niger

193.

Kambari - Kebbi, Niger

194.

Kambu - Adamawa

195.

Kamo - Bauchi

196.

Kanakuru (Dera) - Adamawa, Borno

197.

Kanembu - Borno

198.

Kanikon -Kaduna

199.

Kantana -Plateau

200.

Kanuri - Kaduna, Adamawa, Borno, Kano, Niger, Jigawa, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe

201.

Karekare (Karaikarai) - Bauchi, Yobe

202.

Karimjo - Taraba

203.

Kariya - Bauchi

204.

Katab (Kataf) - Kaduna

205.

Kenern (Koenoem) - Plateau

206.

Kenton - Taraba

207.

Kiballo (Kiwollo) - Kaduna

208.

Kilba - Adamawa

209.

Kirfi (Kirfawa) - Bauchi

210.

Koma - Taraba

211.

Kona - Taraba

212.

Koro (Kwaro) - Kaduna, Niger

213.

Kubi (Kubawa) - Bauchi

214.

Kudachano (Kudawa) - Bauchi

215.

Kugama - Taraba

216.

Kulere (Kaler) - Plateau

217.

Kunini - Taraba

218.

Kurama - Jigawa, Kaduna, Niger, Plateau

219.

Kurdul - Adamawa

220.

Kushi - Bauchi

221.

Kuteb - Taraba

222.

Kutin - Taraba

223.

Kwalla - Plateau

224.

Kwami (Kwom) - Bauchi

225.

Kwanchi - Taraba

226.

Kwanka (Kwankwa) - Bauchi, Plateau

227.

Kwaro - Plateau

228.

Kwato - Plateau

229.

Kyenga (Kengawa) - Sokoto

230.

Laaru (Larawa) - Niger

231.

Lakka - Adamawa

232.

Lala - Adamawa

233.

Lama - Taraba

234.

Lamja - Taraba

235.

Lau - Taraba

236.

Ubbo - Adamawa

237.

Limono - Bauchi, Plateau

238.

Lopa (Lupa, Lopawa) - Niger

239.

Longuda (Lunguda) - Adamawa, Bauchi

240.

Mabo - Plateau

241.

Mada - Kaduna, Plateau

242.

Mama - Plateau

243.

Mambilla - Adamawa

244.

Manchok - Kaduna

245.

Mandara (Wandala) - Borno

246.

Manga (Mangawa) - Yobe

247.

Margi (Marghi) - Adamawa, Borno

248.

Matakarn - Adamawa

249.

Mbembe - Cross River, Enugu

250.

Mbol - Adamawa

251.

Mbube - Cross River

252.

Mbula - Adamawa

253.

Mbum - Taraba

254.

Memyang (Meryan) - Plateau

255.

Miango - Plateau

256.

Miligili (Migili) - Plateau

257.

Miya (Miyawa) - Bauchi

258.

Mobber - Borno

259.

Montol - Plateau

260.

Moruwa (Moro’a, Morwa) - Kaduna

261.

Muchaila - Adamawa

262.

Mumuye - Taraba

263.

Mundang - Adamawa

264.

Munga (Mupang) - Plateau

265.

Mushere - Plateau

266.

Mwahavul (Mwaghavul) - Plateau

267.

Ndoro - Taraba

268.

Ngamo - Bauchi, Yobe

269.

Ngizim - Yobe

270.

Ngweshe (Ndhang.Ngoshe-Ndhang) - Adamawa, Borno

271.

Ningi (Ningawa) -Bauchi

272.

Ninzam (Ninzo) -Kaduna, Plateau

273.

Njayi -Adamawa

274.

Nkim -Cross River

275.

Nkum -Cross River

276.

Nokere (Nakere) -Plateau

277.

Nunku -Kaduna, Plateau

278.

Nupe -Niger

279.

Nyandang -Taraba

280.

Ododop Cross River

281.

Ogori -Kwara

282.

Okobo (Okkobor) -Akwa lbom

283.

Okpamheri -Edo

284.

Olulumo -Cross River

285.

Oron -Akwa lbom

286.

Owan -Edo

287.

Owe -Kwara

288.

Oworo -Kwara

289.

Pa’a (Pa’awa Afawa) -Bauchi

290.

Pai -Plateau

291.

Panyam -Taraba

292.

Pero -Bauchi

293.

Pire -Adamawa

294.

Pkanzom -Taraba

295.

Poll -Taraba

296.

Polchi Habe -Bauchi

297.

Pongo (Pongu) -Niger

298.

Potopo -Taraba

299.

Pyapun (Piapung) -Plateau

300.

Qua -Cross River

301.

Rebina (Rebinawa) -Bauchi

302.

Reshe -Kebbi, Niger

303.

Rindire (Rendre) -Plateau

304.

Rishuwa -Kaduna

305.

Ron -Plateau

306.

Rubu -Niger

307.

Rukuba -Plateau

308.

Rumada -Kaduna

309.

Rumaya -Kaduna

310.

Sakbe -Taraba

311.

Sanga -Bauchi

312.

Sate -Taraba

313.

Saya (Sayawa Za’ar) -Bauchi

314.

Segidi (Sigidawa) -Bauchi

315.

Shanga (Shangawa) -Sokoto

316.

Shangawa (Shangau) -Plateau

317.

Shan-Shan -Plateau

318.

Shira (Shirawa) -Kano

319.

Shomo -Taraba

320.

Shuwa -Adamawa, Borno

321.

Sikdi -Plateau

322.

Siri (Sirawa) -Bauchi

323.

Srubu (Surubu) -Kaduna

324.

Sukur -Adamawa

325.

Sura -Plateau

326.

Tangale -Bauchi

327.

Tarok -Plateau, Taraba

328.

Teme -Adamawa

329.

Tera (Terawa) -Bauchi, Bomo

330.

Teshena (Teshenawa) -Kano

331.

Tigon -Adamawa

332.

Tikar -Taraba

333.

Tiv -Benue, Plateau, Taraba and Nasarawa

334.

Tula -Bauchi

335.

Tur -Adamawa

336.

Ufia -Benue

337.

Ukelle -Cross River

338.

Ukwani (Kwale) -Delta

339.

Uncinda -Kaduna, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto

340.

Uneme (Ineme) -Edo

341.

Ura (Ula) -Niger

342.

Urhobo -Delta

343.

Utonkong -Benue

344.

Uyanga -Cross River

345.

Vemgo -Adamawa

346.

Verre -Adamawa

347.

Vommi -Taraba

348.

Wagga -Adamawa

349.

Waja -Bauchi

350.

Waka -Taraba

351.

Warja (Warja) -Jigawa

352.

Warji -Bauchi

353.

Wula -Adamawa

354.

Wurbo -Adamawa

355.

Wurkun -Taraba

356.

Yache -Cross River

357.

Yagba -Kwara

358.

Yakurr (Yako) -Cross River

359.

Yalla -Benue

360.

Yandang -Taraba

361.

Yergan (Yergum) -Plateau

362.

Yoruba - Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kogi)

363.

Yott -Taraba

364.

Yumu -Niger

365.

Yungur -Adamawa

366.

Yuom -Plateau

367.

Zabara -Niger

368.

Zaranda -Bauchi

369.

Zarma (Zarmawa) -Kebbi

370.

Zayam (Zeam) -Bauchi

371.

Zul (Zulawa) –Bauchi

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What are the three major tribes in Nigeria?

Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo and the three largest tribes in Nigeria. These tribes make up nearly 70% of the country's population.

What are the largest tribes in Nigeria?

Major tribes in Nigeria and their percentage in the country's population are:

  • Hausa-Fulani - 29%
  • Yoruba - 21%
  • Igbo (Ibo) - 18%
  • Ijaw - 10%
  • Kanuri - 4%
  • Ibibio - 3.5%
  • Tiv - 2.5%

What are the top 10 oldest tribes in Nigeria?

The ten ancient tribes existed before the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914. Moreover, each has their own culture, religious practices, and form of government. These tribes are:

  • Ijaw
  • Ebira
  • Ibibio-Efik
  • Igbo (Ibo)
  • Hausa-Fulani
  • Kanuri
  • Yoruba
  • Igala
  • Benin
  • Gbagyi

Which tribe was the first to emerge in Nigeria?

The Ijaw is the oldest tribe in Nigeria because studies show the Ijo language existed 5,000 years before language groups neighboring them. These earliest inhabitants of Nigeria can be traced to 13,000 BC before modern Nigeria existed in the 1500s. The Ijaw ancestors were the ancient ORU or (H)ORU people. These nomadic people migrated from Lake Chad and the Sudanic Nile Valley to the southwestern delta of the Niger River.

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Which tribe has the highest population in Nigeria?

Hausa is the largest tribe in Nigeria, making up approximately 29% of the country's population.

Which is the richest tribe in Africa?

Yoruba is the wealthiest ethnic group in the south of the Sahara Desert. They mainly inhabit part of Nigeria and can also be found in Benin and Togo. Yorubas are rich because they value education and have the highest number of professionals on the continent. Most are into politics, business, and entrepreneurship.

What is the largest single tribe in Africa?

Hausa is the largest single tribe in Africa, with about 78 million people. They are primarily in northwestern Nigeria and southern Niger but can also be found in Cameroon, Togo, Chad, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Ghana.

Knowing how many tribes are in Nigeria and their states help one understand the nation better. The major tribes in Nigeria have a massive say in the country's politics because they have the most population and voters. This does not mean that there is no democracy in the country. The federal government of Nigeria upholds equality for all.

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Legit.ng also shared an insightful article about geopolitical zones in Nigeria and their states. Nigeria is divided into six regions called geopolitical zones.

General Sani Abacha's regime created these administrative regions to determine the distribution of economic, educational, and political resources among the people.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Peris Walubengo avatar

Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo has vast experience in search engine optimization through digital content generation, research, editing, and proofreading. She joined Legit.ng in April 2022 and completed the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.

Adrianna Simwa avatar

Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com