Ethnic Composition of Nigeria: A Diverse Mosaic

Nigeria's Rich Ethnic Tapestry

Nigeria is one of Africa's most ethnically diverse nations, home to over 250 distinct ethnic groups. The following breakdown highlights the largest groups by population percentage, based on widely cited estimates:

Major Ethnic Groups

• Yoruba (25%) – Includes subgroups such as Owo and Igbomina; excludes Ijebu.
• Hausa and Fulani (21%) – Includes Kanuri; excludes Fulanis in Adamawa and Taraba states.
• Igbo (18%) – Includes Ikwerre.
• Ijaw (9%) – Includes Kalabari and Izon; excludes Nembe and Opobo.
• Kanuri (7%) – Includes Shuwa Arab.
• Ibibio (4%) – Includes Annang and Efik.
• Tiv (3%) – Includes Munshi, Idoma, and other Benue-Congo peoples.

Other Significant Groups

• Igala (2%)
• Ebira (2%) – Includes Bassa Nge and Igu.
• Nupe (2%)
• Urhobo (2%)
• Itsekiri (2%)
• Edo (2%)
• Igede (1%) – Includes Yala.

These groups contribute to Nigeria's vibrant cultural landscape, each with its own languages, traditions, and historical trajectories. While percentages vary by source, the overall picture underscores the country's remarkable pluralism.