Major Ethnic Groups in Lagos: Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo Communities

Lagos, Nigeria's megacity (20M+), is a melting pot. The three largest groups:

1. Yoruba (Indigenous plurality)

• Native to SW Nigeria; Lagos is historically Yoruba land (Eko).
• Dominant in politics, civil service, culture, media.
• Language: Yoruba widely spoken; traditions (Oro, Egungun) shape city life.

2. Hausa (Northern migrants)

• From North Nigeria; large trading communities (e.g., Alaba, Balogun markets).
• Muslim; Hausa language serves as lingua franca in northern trade networks.
• Distinct architecture (mud-brick styles) in enclaves.

3. Igbo (Eastern migrants)

• From SE Nigeria; dominant in commerce, entrepreneurship, Nollywood, tech.
• Apprenticeship system (Igba Boi) fuels business formation.
• Christian (mostly); vibrant community associations.

Others

Efik, Ijaw, Nupe, Edo, Tiv, Fulani, and expatriates add to Lagos's super-diversity. No group holds an absolute majority.