By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Nigeria, a nation of vast cultural wealth, is home to over 300 ethnic groups, each with distinct traditions, languages, and histories. This diversity influences every aspect of national life, from politics and economy to art and social interactions.
Nigeria’s ethnic landscape is characterised by three dominant groups: the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo. Each of these groups has its distinct language, customs, and traditions, which have evolved over centuries. The Hausa-Fulani, predominantly found in the northern region, are known for their rich Islamic heritage and complex system of emirates.
The Yoruba, inhabiting the southwestern region, boast a vibrant cultural tradition, marked by elaborate festivals and a strong emphasis on community. The Igbo, predominantly found in the southeastern region, are renowned for their entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and strong cultural identity.
Despite the richness of Nigeria’s ethnic diversity, it has also been a source of tension and conflict. The country’s history is marked by ethnic and regional tensions, which have often led to violence and instability. However, it is also this diversity that has shaped Nigeria’s national identity, fostering a sense of shared citizenship and collective purpose.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of its ethnic landscape, it is essential to recognise the value of diversity and promote greater understanding, tolerance, and inclusion among the country’s many ethnic groups.
By embracing its rich cultural heritage and celebrating its diversity, Nigeria can build a more united, equitable, and prosperous society for all its citizens.
Here is a breakdown of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria:
These 371 ethnic groups are spread across its 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Ethnicity in Nigeria
Hausa 30 (27.8%)
Yoruba 15.5 (14.4%)
Igbo 15.2 (14.1%)
Fulani 1 (0.93%)
Urhobo 7.8 (7.22%)
Tiv 2.4 (2.22%)
Kanuri 2.4 (2.22%)
Ijaw 8.8 (8.15%)
Others 24.9 (23.1%)
Ethnic Groups in Nigeria by State
Abia State
Igbo
Ngwa
Ohafia
Aro
Umuahia
Bende
Ikwuano
Adamawa State
Bata
Bolewa
Chamba
Fulani
Gwandara
Higi
Jimbin
Koma
Mboi
Piti
Tula
Waja
Yungur
Akwa Ibom State
Annang
Ibibio
Ibeno
Itu
Mkpat
Enin
Oron
Ukpom
Efik
Anambra State
Igbo
Aguleri
Awka
Nnewi
Onitsha
Ekwulobia
Igboukwu
Umunze
Ichi
Umuleri
Bauchi State
Hausa
Ngas (Angas)
Jarawa
Sayawa
Mumuye
Tera
Bolewa
Ganawuri
Karai-Karai
Fulani
Kanuri
Bayelsa State
Ijaw
Nembe
Ogbia
Epie-Atissa
Ijaw (Ogbia subgroup)
Apoi
Engenni
Biseni
Benue State
Tiv
Idoma
Igede
Etulo
Abakwa
Udam
Akweya
Nyifon
Borno State
Kanuri
Shuwa Arab
Babur
Marghi
Ngizim
Bura
Kilba
Mandara
Waha
Daurama
Tangale
Mbum
Cross River State
Efik
Ejagham (Ekoi)
Bekwarra
Boki
Quas
Yala
Ikom
Usung
Ogoja
Mkpani
Delta State
Urhobo
Isoko
Ijaw
Itsekiri
Ndokwa
Ukwuani
Aniocha Ibo (Igbo)
Okpe
Asaba
Ebonyi State
Igbo
Ezza
Ikwo
Abakaliki
Effium
Izzi
Ohaukwu
Inyimagu
Edo State
Bini (Benin)
Esan (Ishan)
Afemai (Afenmai)
Akoko Edo
Owan
Ekiti State
Yoruba
Ekiti
Enugu State
Igbo
Nsukka
Agbaja
Nkanu
Awgu
Gombe State
Fulani
Tangale
Tera
Waja
Bolewa
Tula
Kanuri
Hausa
Cham
Dadiya
Jara
Kamo
Pero
Lunguda
Imo State
Igbo
Ikeduru
Ngwa
Mbaise
Okigwe
Orlu
Jigawa State
Hausa
Fulani
Kanuri
Tuareg
Badawi
Kaje
Kaduna State
Hausa
Fulani
Gwari
Kaje
Jaba
Atyap
Bajju
Katab
Ninzom
Gwandara
Jabo
Kano State
Hausa
Fulani
Kanuri
Badawa
Nupé
Zarma
Tera
Ngu
Ngas
Katsina State
Hausa
Fulani
Kanuri
Tera
Zarma
Nupé
Ngas
Kebbi State
Hausa
Fulani
Zarma
Kanuri
Tera
Kambari
Bassa
Dakarkari
Kogi State
Ebira
Okun (Yoruba)
Igala
Bassa
Gwandara
Koto
Kanuri
Kakanda
Kwara State
Yoruba
Nupe
Baruba
Shuwa Arabs
Piti
Hausa
Fulani
Kambari
Maba
Lagos State
Yoruba
Awori
Egun
Egun-Mina
Nasarawa State
Gwari
Eggon
Hausa
Alago
Mada
Koro
Gwandara
Niger State
Nupe
Gwari
Hausa
Kambari
Dakarkari
Ogun State
Yoruba
Egba
Egbado
Ikale
Ilaje
Awori
Remo
Ondo State
Yoruba
Ikale
Ilaje
Apoi
Arogbo
Akoko
Akure
Ondo
Owo
Osun State
Yoruba
Ife
Ijesha
Osogbo
Ibolo
Oyo State
Yoruba
Ogbomoso
Ibadan
Oke-Ogun
Plateau State
Berom
Tarok
Ngas
Mwaghavul
Goemai
Ron
Afizere
Afo
Alago (Arago)
Amo
Anaguta
Angas
Ankwei
Rivers State
Ijaw
Ikwerre
Kalabari
Andoni
Ogoni
Eleme
Abua (Odual)
Sokoto State
Hausa
Fulani
Zabarmawa
Gobirawa
Taraba State
Jukun
Tiv
Mumuye
Wurkum
Kuteb
Fulani
Yobe State
Kanuri
Hausa
Fulani
Bade
Ngizim
Affade
Zamfara State
Hausa
Fulani
Gobirawa
Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)
Gwari
Amwamwa
Gade
Ebira
Ganagana
Gwandara
Koro
Bassa