What was the language spoken in Nigeria before colonization by British?

Nigeria is a country with over 500 languages, with English as the official language. Before British colonization, the area was inhabited by various ethnic groups, each with its own language. Some of the major languages spoken in Nigeria before colonization include:

1. Hausa: Hausa is the most widely spoken language in Nigeria and is primarily used in Northern Nigeria. It belongs to the Afro-Asiatic language family and is also spoken in parts of Cameroon, Niger, and Ghana.

2. Igbo: Igbo is spoken by the Igbo people predominantly in southeastern Nigeria. It belongs to the Niger-Congo language family and has several dialects.

3. Yoruba: Yoruba is spoken by the Yoruba people in southwestern Nigeria. It is also a Niger-Congo language and is widely spoken in Benin and Togo.

4. Fulani (Fula): Fulani, or Fula, is spoken by the Fulani people who are found throughout Nigeria and many other African countries. It belongs to the Niger-Congo language family.

5. Kanuri: Kanuri is spoken by the Kanuri people in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria. It belongs to the Nilo-Saharan language family and is also spoken in parts of Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

6. Ibibio: Ibibio is spoken by the Ibibio people in Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria. It belongs to the Niger-Congo language family and has several closely related languages.

7. Tiv: Tiv is spoken by the Tiv people in Benue State, central Nigeria. It is also a Niger-Congo language and has several dialects.

These languages, along with numerous others, were spoken in Nigeria before British colonization. English was introduced during colonial rule and eventually became the official language after Nigeria gained independence in 1960.