All Ethnic groups in Nigeria (Full List)

Nigeria is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, it is home to about 371 ethnic groups and over 500 languages. 

English may be the official language because of colonial influence, but most Nigerians still speak their local languages first.

With a population of more than 223 million people, this huge mix of cultures remains one of the nation’s greatest strengths.

The three largest ethnic groups are the Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo. Each group carries its own unique traditions, beliefs and ways of life.

The Hausa-Fulani dominate the northern region and are known for their strong Islamic heritage and traditional emirate structure.

In the southwest, the Yoruba are recognised for their festivals, deep community values and artistic culture.

The Igbo in the southeast are respected for their business skills, innovation and solid cultural identity.

Although Nigeria’s diversity adds beauty and depth to national life, it has also contributed to disagreements and tension at different points in history.

Ethnic rivalries and political differences have sometimes created conflict. Even so, this same diversity continues to shape the Nigerian identity and encourage unity among the people.

For Nigeria to move forward, it is important to embrace its multicultural nature and promote peace, tolerance and understanding among all groups. Celebrating this heritage helps to build a fairer and more united country.

Below is a breakdown of Nigeria’s major ethnic groups and how they spread across the country:

Hausa – 27.8%

Yoruba – 14.4%

Igbo – 14.1%

Ijaw – 8.15%

Urhobo – 7.22%

Tiv – 2.22%

Kanuri – 2.22%

Fulani – 0.93%

Others – 23.1%

Across the 36 states and the FCT, these ethnic groups appear in different proportions.

The Igbo dominate Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states; the Yoruba are the majority in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo; the Hausa-Fulani occupy northern states such as Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Jigawa; while the Ijaw are mainly found in Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta.

From the Kalabari in Rivers to the Tiv in Benue, the Ibibio in Akwa Ibom, the Kanuri in Borno, the Nupe in Niger and the Jukun in Taraba, every group adds its own colour to Nigeria’s cultural map.

Below is a full list of the major ethnic groups across the 36 states in Nigeria;

1. Abia

Igbo, Nkoro, Asa

2. Adamawa

Fulani, Bachama, Batta, Margi, Hausa, Kilba, Higgi, Yungur, Chamba, Kanakuru

3. Akwa Ibom

Ibibio, Annang, Óró, Obolo (Andoni), Ekid

4. Anambra

Igbo

5. Bauchi

Hausa, Fulani, Gerawa, Jarawa, Sayawa (Zaar), Warji, Tangale, Dass, Bolewa

6. Bayelsa

Izon (Ijaw), Nembe, Ogbia, Epie-Atissa

7. Benue

Tiv, Idoma, Igede

8. Borno

Kanuri, Shuwa Arabs, Babur, Bura, Marghi, Fulani

9. Cross River

Efik, Ejagham, Bekwara, Yala, Boki, Mbembe, Yakurr

10. Delta

Urhobo, Isoko, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Anioma (Igbo-speaking)

11. Ebonyi

Igbo, Ezaa, Ikwo, Izzi, Afikpo (Ehugbo)

12. Edo

Bini (Edo), Esan, Afemai (Etsako, Owan, Akoko-Edo), Ijaw (riverine areas)

13. Ekiti

Yoruba (Ekiti)

14. Enugu

Igbo

15. Gombe

Fulani, Tangale, Tera, Hausa, Waja, Cham, Bolewa

16. Imo

Igbo

17. Jigawa

Hausa, Fulani, Mangawa, Kanuri (some areas)

18. Kaduna

Hausa, Fulani, Gbagyi, Adara, Bajju, Ham, Atyap (Kataf), Jaba

19. Kano

Hausa, Fulani

20. Katsina

Hausa, Fulani

21. Kebbi

Hausa, Fulani, Dakarkari (Zuru), Kambari, Lopa, Dendi

22. Kogi

Igala, Ebira, Okun (Yoruba), Bassa Nge, Bassa Komu

23. Kwara

Yoruba, Nupe, Baruba, Fulani

24. Lagos

Yoruba (Awori, Eko), Egun, plus other Nigerian ethnic groups living as residents

25. Nasarawa

Alago, Eggon, Mada, Gbagyi, Fulani, Migili

26. Niger

Nupe, Gbagyi, Hausa, Kambari, Dukawa

27. Ogun

Yoruba (Egba, Ijebu, Yewa, Remo)

28. Ondo

Yoruba (Akure, Ondo, Ikale, Ilaje), Ijaw (Apoi & Arogbo)

29. Osun

Yoruba (Ife, Ijesa, Oyo, Osun)

30. Oyo

Yoruba (Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso)

31. Plateau

Berom, Tarok, Ngas, Mwaghavul, Birom, Goemai, Afizere (Jarawa), Ron (Challa)

32. Rivers

Ikwerre, Ogoni, Kalabari, Okrika, Ibani, Etche, Ekpeye, Ogba

33. Sokoto

Hausa, Fulani, Zabarmawa

34. Taraba

Jukun, Tiv, Kuteb, Mumuye, Fulani, Chamba, Wurkum

35. Yobe

Kanuri, Fulani, Bolewa, Ngizim, Bade

36. Zamfara

Hausa, Fulani

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