Top 20 Largest Tribes In Nigeria

Nigeria, a country rich in cultural diversity, is home to over 250 ethnic groups, each with its own unique language, traditions, and histories. Understanding the largest tribes in Nigeria is essential for grasping the country’s social fabric and cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore the top 20 largest tribes in Nigeria, their characteristics, and their contributions to the nation’s identity.

With a population exceeding 200 million, Nigeria stands as the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous in the world. The tribes in Nigeria play a significant role in shaping the country’s politics, economy, and culture. From the Hausa in the north to the Yoruba in the southwest and the Igbo in the southeast, each tribe contributes to the rich tapestry of Nigerian society.

This article aims to shed light on the largest tribes in Nigeria, emphasizing their cultural significance, population estimates, and geographical distribution. We will delve into their traditions, languages, and the challenges they face in modern Nigeria, providing a comprehensive overview that highlights the importance of cultural preservation in a rapidly changing world.

Table of Contents

• 1. Hausa
• 2. Yoruba
• 3. Igbo
• 4. Fulani
• 5. Kanuri
• 6. Ibibio
• 7. Tiv
• 8. Ijaw
• 9. Edo
• 10. Efik
• 11. Gwari
• 12. Nupe
• 13. Jukun
• 14. Itsekiri
• 15. Urhobo
• 16. Idoma
• 17. Anang
• 18. Ngas
• 19. Bini
• 20. Mumuye

1. Hausa

The Hausa tribe is one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria and West Africa, with an estimated population of over 30 million. Predominantly found in the northern region, the Hausa people are known for their rich cultural heritage, which includes traditional music, clothing, and crafts. The Hausa language, a member of the Chadic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family, serves as a lingua franca in northern Nigeria and is widely spoken across the region.

2. Yoruba

With an estimated population of about 45 million, the Yoruba tribe is primarily located in the southwestern region of Nigeria. The Yoruba people are known for their intricate art, music, and festivals, including the famous Osun-Osogbo Festival. The Yoruba language, a member of the Niger-Congo family, is spoken by millions and has several dialects. The tribe’s rich history includes the Kingdom of Ife, which is considered the cradle of Yoruba civilization.

3. Igbo

The Igbo tribe, with a population of approximately 30 million, is predominantly found in the southeastern region of Nigeria. The Igbo people have a vibrant culture characterized by their unique traditions, festivals, and crafts. The Igbo language has numerous dialects and is part of the Niger-Congo language family. The tribe is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy.

4. Fulani

The Fulani tribe is a nomadic ethnic group with a population of around 20 million in Nigeria. They are primarily found in the northern regions and are known for their pastoral lifestyle, herding cattle across vast landscapes. The Fulani people have a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and attire. The Fulfulde language is widely spoken among the Fulani, and they have a significant influence on the socio-political landscape of northern Nigeria.

5. Kanuri

The Kanuri tribe, with a population of approximately 10 million, is primarily located in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno State. The Kanuri people have a rich history, having established powerful kingdoms such as the Kanem-Bornu Empire. The Kanuri language, a member of the Nilo-Saharan family, is spoken by millions and serves as an important cultural marker for the tribe.

6. Ibibio

The Ibibio tribe, with an estimated population of around 5 million, is predominantly found in the southeastern region of Nigeria, particularly in Akwa Ibom State. The Ibibio people are known for their rich traditions, music, and colorful festivals. The Ibibio language is part of the Niger-Congo family and has several dialects, reflecting the tribe’s diverse cultural heritage.

7. Tiv

The Tiv tribe, with a population of approximately 6 million, is primarily located in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria. The Tiv people are known for their agricultural practices and vibrant cultural expressions, including traditional music and dance. The Tiv language, which belongs to the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo family, is widely spoken among the tribe.

8. Ijaw

The Ijaw tribe, with an estimated population of around 10 million, is predominantly found in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The Ijaw people have a rich cultural heritage, including traditional fishing practices and unique art forms. The Ijaw language has several dialects and is part of the Niger-Congo language family.

9. Edo

The Edo tribe, with a population of approximately 4 million, is primarily located in Edo State in southern Nigeria. The Edo people are known for their rich cultural history, including the famous Benin Kingdom. The Edo language, which is part of the Niger-Congo family, is widely spoken among the tribe and serves as an important cultural identifier.

10. Efik

The Efik tribe, with an estimated population of around 1 million, is found in Cross River State. The Efik people are known for their unique culinary traditions, particularly their famous Jollof rice and Efik soup. The Efik language is part of the Niger-Congo language family and is an important aspect of the tribe’s identity.

11. Gwari

The Gwari tribe, with a population of approximately 2 million, is primarily located in the Central region of Nigeria. The Gwari people are known for their agricultural practices and traditional crafts. The Gwari language is part of the Nilo-Saharan family and is an important aspect of the tribe’s cultural heritage.

12. Nupe

The Nupe tribe, with an estimated population of around 3 million, is found in the central region of Nigeria. The Nupe people are known for their rich cultural traditions, including music, dance, and traditional crafts. The Nupe language is part of the Nilo-Saharan family and serves as an important cultural marker for the tribe.

13. Jukun

The Jukun tribe, with a population of approximately 2 million, is primarily located in Taraba State. The Jukun people have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their traditional music and dance. The Jukun language is part of the Niger-Congo family and is an important aspect of the tribe’s identity.

14. Itsekiri

The Itsekiri tribe, with an estimated population of around 1 million, is found in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The Itsekiri people are known for their rich culture, particularly their unique festivals and traditional dress. The Itsekiri language is part of the Niger-Congo language family and serves as a vital cultural identifier for the tribe.

15. Urhobo

The Urhobo tribe, with a population of approximately 2 million, is predominantly located in Delta State. The Urhobo people are known for their vibrant cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and festivals. The Urhobo language is part of the Niger-Congo family and is an integral part of the tribe’s identity.

16. Idoma

The Idoma tribe, with an estimated population of around 1.5 million, is primarily located in Benue State. The Idoma people are known for their rich traditions, including music and dance