Nigerian People and Culture Vocabulary

Culture and Identity

Culture is the total way of life of a people, including their beliefs, values, norms, customs, traditions, language, arts, laws, religion, and material traits passed down through generations. Identity encompasses the qualities, beliefs, personality, appearance, and expressions that define an individual or group. Cultural identity is a sense of belonging to a specific group, expressed through language, religion, dress, food, traditions, and collective memory. In Nigeria, identity is strongly tied to ethnic, linguistic, religious, and regional affiliations.

Types and Forms of Culture

1. Material and Non-material Culture: Material culture includes physical objects like buildings, clothing, tools, and artworks. Non-material culture includes intangible aspects like values, norms, beliefs, customs, language, and traditions.

2. Popular and Folk Culture: Popular culture is mainstream, influenced by media and globalization (e.g., Nollywood films, Afrobeats music, urban fashion). Folk culture is traditional, localized, and passed down orally (e.g., indigenous music, oral literature, folklore, festivals).

3. High and Low Culture: High culture is associated with the elite, such as classical music, fine arts, and literature. Low culture includes more accessible forms like dance music, street art, and local crafts.

4. Subculture and Counterculture: Subcultures are groups within a larger culture with distinct values (e.g., youth groups, religious sects, occupational communities). Countercultures actively reject dominant cultural norms.

The Nigerian Cultural Context

Nigeria is culturally diverse, with over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages. The three dominant ethnic groups are the Hausa-Fulani in the North, the Yoruba in the Southwest, and the Igbo in the Southeast. Numerous minority ethnicities also exist.

• Hausa-Fulani Culture: Known for their Islamic heritage, respect for hierarchy, and traditional architecture. They maintain strong oral history and social norms based on Sharia and communal values.

• Yoruba Culture: Have a highly developed cultural system with deep roots in spiritual practices like Ifá divination, elaborate festivals like the Osun-Osogbo festival, and significant contributions to literature, theatre, and sculpture.

• Igbo Culture: Emphasizes republicanism, individual enterprise, and community cooperation. Their traditions are preserved through storytelling, masquerade festivals, and rites of passage.

Traditional Nigerian society values communal living, respect for elders, and extended family systems. These values are embodied in proverbs, songs, and moral tales.

Religion is central to Nigerian cultural identity. The North is predominantly Muslim, the South largely Christian, and many communities practice traditional African religions. Religious festivals such as Eid, Christmas, and the New Yam Festival are important.

Cultural expressions like music (Fuji, Highlife, Afrobeats), dress (agbada, buba, isiagu), cuisine (jollof rice, pounded yam, tuwo), and dance vary across ethnic groups but are unified in their richness.

Origin of the Name Nigeria

Nigeria gets its name from the Niger River. The name was coined by British journalist Flora Shaw, who later married Lord Frederick Lugard. The term "Niger" may have originated from the Tuareg phrase egerew n-igerewen.

General Information about Nigeria

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with over 150 million people. It operates a presidential system and has a dual economy fueled by natural resources, agriculture, and trade. The country is rich in oil, gas, and minerals.

Cultural Diversity, Geographical Location, and Physical Features

Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups and a wide variety of religions. Arts and cultural expressions are internationally recognized.

Located in the Gulf of Guinea on Africa’s west coast, Nigeria lies between latitudes 3°15’ to 13°30’ N and longitudes 2°59’ to 15°00’ E. It shares borders with Benin, Niger, Cameroon, and the Gulf of Guinea. Nigeria covers an area of 923,768 km^2, with 910,768 km^2 of land and 13,000 km^2 of water. It stretches 1,046 km from north to south and 1,127 km east to west.

Climate, Temperature and Humidity

Nigeria experiences a tropical climate with rainy and dry seasons. The southeast is hot and wet, while the southwest and interior are drier. The north has a savanna climate transitioning to steppe conditions with sparse rainfall. The rainy season is from March to November in the south and mid-May to September in the north. Annual rainfall varies from over 3,000 mm in the southeast to about 500 mm in the far north.

Temperatures in the south remain relatively stable year-round, averaging highs of 32–33°C and lows around 20–22°C. The north experiences wider temperature ranges, with Maiduguri exceeding 38°C during the hottest months. Humidity is generally high, dropping during the Harmattan wind period in the north.

Geological Composition, Relief and Landforms

Nigeria’s geology includes Pre-Cambrian, Cretaceous, Tertiary, Quaternary, and Volcanic rocks. The Pre-Cambrian Basement Complex covers nearly half the country and includes granite, gneiss, and schist. Cretaceous rocks host coal, lignite, and limestone deposits. Tertiary rocks feature clay and sandstone layers, while Quaternary deposits consist of sand and mud. Volcanic formations are localized in the Jos and Biu Plateaus.

Nigeria's terrain includes plains in the north and south, interspersed with central plateaus and hills. Key plains include the Sokoto and Borno regions. The Jos Plateau stands out for its volcanic features. The southeastern border with Cameroon is Nigeria’s most mountainous area, hosting Chappal Waddi (2,419 m) and Mount Dimlang (2,042 m).

Drainage Systems, Soil Types, and Vegetation

Major drainage areas include the Niger-Benue Basin, the Lake Chad Basin, and the Gulf of Guinea Basin. The Niger and Benue are Nigeria’s primary rivers. Other important rivers include the Sokoto, Kaduna, Gongola, and those emptying into Lake Chad. River projects have created man-made lakes like Kainji and Bakolori. The Niger Delta is a vast, swampy region with oxbow lakes and mangrove swamps.

Nigeria’s soils vary by region. Northern soils are sandy and lateritic. Central savanna regions have reddish laterite soils, while the forest zone in the south features more fertile, humus-rich soils prone to leaching. Coastal and floodplain areas contain hydromorphic and organic soils.

Vegetation patterns reflect Nigeria’s rainfall zones. Forests dominate the south, including mangrove swamps in the Niger and Cross River Deltas. Northern areas transition into savannas (Guinea, Sudan, and Sahel), characterized by grasses and scattered trees. The Sahel in the far north has semi-desert vegetation. Historically, Nigeria was rich in wildlife, but many animals are now found in protected reserves.

Historical Development: Prehistoric and Early Civilizations

Nigeria's historical development includes the emergence of various civilizations, kingdoms, empires, and colonial influence, leading to the formation of the Nigerian nation-state in 1914 and its independence in 1960.

Archaeological findings indicate human settlement since the Paleolithic era (500,000-9,000 B.C.).

• Northern Nigeria: The Hausa, Kanuri, and Fulani played significant roles in state formation. The Kanuri people were associated with the Kanem Empire, which emerged in the 9th century around Lake Chad. The Sefawa dynasty rose to prominence in AD 774. The Hausa established two major groups of seven states. Political rivalry marked Hausa politics from the 15th century. Queen Amina of Zazzau led a brief unification in the 15th century. The Fulani Jihad of the 19th century led to the rise of the Sokoto Caliphate.

• Central Nigeria: Central Nigeria was ethnically diverse and largely decentralized. Powerful kingdoms like Kwararafa (Jukun), Igala, Nupe, Oyo (Yoruba), Borgu, and Edo emerged.

• Yoruba Kingdoms: Yoruba kingdoms date back to the 11th century, tracing their origins to Ife. The Oyo Kingdom built a dominant cavalry force. Internal conflict led to its decline by 1837.

• Benin Kingdom: The Edo-speaking Benin Kingdom emerged around the 13th century. Benin developed early kingship and sophisticated governance.

• Southern Nigeria: In the Delta, kingdoms like Aboh and Itsekiri existed. The Itsekiri kingdom developed by the 16th century. The Igbo maintained cohesive cosmological and social patterns. The Aro people established theocratic dominance in Eastern Nigeria through control of the Oracle.

External Influences Before 1861 and Colonial Conquests

Islamic merchants introduced Islam through trans-Saharan trade routes. The Atlantic Slave Trade (15th century onward) led to the enslavement of Africans. Post-abolition, legitimate trade in commodities spurred deeper European involvement in Nigeria.

Colonial conquest began with the British annexation of Lagos in 1861. Treaties and military campaigns expanded British control. By 1900, Sir Frederick Lugard declared the Sokoto Caliphate a British protectorate. The Salbourn Committee (1898) recommended amalgamation. In 1906, Lagos was joined with the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria. In 1914, Southern and Northern Protectorates were unified, creating Nigeria.

Cultural Heritage

• Nok Culture (900 B.C. - A.D. 200): Known for terracotta sculptures, stone tools, and iron artifacts.

• Daima Culture: Produced clay and bronze animal figures from the 6th century B.C.

• Ile-Ife: Created naturalistic brass and terracotta sculptures (AD 1110-1450).

• Benin: Renowned for bronze casting, ivory works, and historical bas-reliefs.

• Igbo-Ukwu: Featured ritual vessels and regalia with advanced metallurgy from the 9th century AD.

The Hausa Culture

The Hausa people predominantly inhabit the north-western region of Nigeria. Islam had taken root among them before the Sokoto Jihad of 1804. The Hausa trace their lineage to Bayajida (Abu Yazid), believed to be a royal refugee from Baghdad. His descendants are said to have founded the Hausa Bakwai (Seven True Hausa States).

The pagan Hausa lived in kin-based villages and practiced animism. The Muslim Hausa developed more centralized systems and had advanced technologies and a thriving economy. Islam influenced political structures, introducing new titles and roles such as Galadima, Madawaki, Magaji, Dogari, and Zagi. The judicial and fiscal systems adopted Islamic practices.

The Fulani Culture

The Fulani are traditionally nomadic and are believed to have originated from the Futa Jalon highlands in modern-day Guinea. They are predominantly Muslim. Their main occupations are cattle herding for men and dairy processing for women. There are two major Fulani groups: Fulanin Daji (nomadic Fulani) and Fulanin Gida (settled Fulani). The pastoral Fulani uphold a cultural code known as Pulaaku. They were instrumental in Shehu Usman Dan Fodio’s Islamic reform movement.

The Kanuri Culture

The Kanuri people primarily inhabit northeastern Nigeria and are historically linked to the Kanem-Borno Empire. Kanuri society was highly organized with the Mai (king) as the supreme authority. The Magira (Mai's mother) and Mogaram (Mai’s sister) also held significant political influence. A twelve-member advisory council, the Nokena, assisted the Mai.

The Nupe Culture

The Nupe people reside in central Nigeria. Nupe oral tradition identifies Edegi as their founder and Tsoede as the one who secured Nupe independence and declared himself Etsu Nupe (king). By the 18th century, the Nupe had formed a powerful Islamic kingdom. The Nupe administration was both centralized and provincial.

The Yoruba Culture

The Yoruba are indigenous to Southwest Nigeria. The Transatlantic Slave Trade spread Yoruba culture to the Americas. Ile-Ife was their first political and cultural hub, succeeded by Oyo. The Yoruba political system is sophisticated. The Oba (king) is a divine ruler but is held in check by advisory councils. Women have formal representation in the leadership structure.

The Igbo Culture

The Igbo people thrived in the Igbo-Ukwu culture while they cherished Arochukwu in the spiritual realm. Birth, marriage, and burial are considered the three most important family events. The wedding ceremony varies from village to village. The objects found at Igbo-Ukwu were used for both ritual and secular purposes. The Igbo political system is a segmentary system of governance with a hierarchy of power to special titles.

The Bini Culture

The leadership of the Bini people is based on a segmentary system where authority is exercised from the family upward. There are three types of families: nuclear, joint, and extended. Each is headed by an elder who oversees discipline. Elders also form part of a village-based authority structure.

The Itsekiri Culture

The socio-political organization of the Itsekiri was closely related to the Bini system. While the Bini were ruled by an Oba, the Itsekiri were ruled by the Olu, who presided over a council known as Ojoye, comprising seven nobles. The Olu combined both spiritual and temporal powers.

The Ijaw Culture

The Ijaw ethnic group accounts for a sizeable portion of Nigeria’s population and are located along the coastal belts of Southern Nigeria. Adult males participate in age-grade assemblies for legislative and judicial functions, presided over by an Amanyanabo (village head). In Ijaw cosmology, a High God (Tamuno) is recognized. Their livelihoods include fishing, canoe building, salt production, and trade.

Cultural Areas of Nigeria and Their Characteristics

Nigeria's population stood at approximately 167 million. Within Nigeria’s borders are over 500 ethnic groups, each speaking its own language. Recognized ethnic groups include the Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani, Kanuri, Efik, Ibibio, Tiv, Izon (Ijaw), and Edo.

Linguistic Classifications

Nigeria is widely acknowledged as one of Africa’s principal linguistic crossroads. J.H. Greenberg’s classification identifies four major phyla: Afro-Asiatic, Khoisan, Niger-Congo, and Nilo-Saharan. The majority of languages belong to the Niger-Congo phylum. At the same time, efforts continue toward developing a national language through educational policies.

Northern Zone

The Northern Zone is less culturally diverse compared to the Central Zone. The Kanuri and the Hausa constitute the notable cultural groups of the zone. The Hausa are the largest cultural group in Nigeria. Farming, industry, and commerce are the pillars of the Hausa economy. The Wolof call them “Peul” and the Bambara “Fula.”

Central Zone

The Central Zone includes regions from the Idoma, Ebira and Igala axis in the south to southern Zaria in the north and is home to a large number of Nigeria’s cultural and ethnic groups. The main economic activity is farming. Land ownership is communal. The Niger and Benue Rivers and their tributaries flow through this zone. The zone contrasts with the centralized empires of the rainforest zones.

Western Zone

This zone is home to major Nigerian ethnic groups such as the Yoruba, Ndoki, Oduel, Urhobo, Bini, Itsekiri, and Isoko. The Yoruba dominate. Fishing and root crop farming are the main occupations. Political organization revolves around clans or village groups. Religious beliefs center on a Supreme God.

Eastern Zone

The Eastern Zone includes ethnic groups such as the Igbo, Ijaw, Ibibio and Efik. Historically, governance was democratic. Kingdoms like Akwa Akpa (Calabar), the Aro Confederacy, and Opobo were influential. Artistic traditions are rich. The belief in a Supreme God is widespread.

The Evolution of Nigeria

This study session aims to familiarize you with the historical events and processes that led to the creation of Nigeria as a nation-state. These included powerful northern states such as the Sokoto Caliphate, Borno Empire, the Hausa city-states, and Nupe, alongside the southern powers like the Oyo and Benin Empires.

The Amalgamation Process

The name “Nigeria” was coined by Flora Shaw in an 1899 article. In 1900, the British government assumed direct control and appointed Frederick Lugard as High Commissioner, officially creating the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria.

The unification of Nigeria occurred in several stages:

• In 1900, the Niger Coast Protectorate and the Colony of Lagos were merged to create the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria.

• In 1906, the Colony of Lagos was further merged with the Southern Protectorate to form the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria.

• Finally, on January 1, 1914, the Southern and Northern Protectorates were amalgamated into one single political entity: the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

Reasons for the 1914 Amalgamation

The primary motivation for amalgamating Nigeria was to advance British imperial interests. The key reasons included:

1. Access to inexpensive and steady supplies of raw materials for British industries.

2. Expansion of markets for British-manufactured goods.

3. Generation of surplus capital to support the British economy and reinforce the strength of the pound sterling.

4. Availability of a labor force for both military and administrative needs.

5. Integration of infrastructure ports, rivers, railways, and communication networks for more efficient governance and trade.

Colonial Rule and Indirect Administration in Nigeria

The British sought the most cost-effective method of administration. Lord Lugard recommended a method that would involve minimal interference. This approach led to the implementation of Indirect Rule by British colonial officers.

• The Success of Indirect Rule in Northern Nigeria: Northern Nigeria was particularly suited to the system of Indirect Rule.

• Challenges in the Western and Eastern Regions: The British faced significant challenges when attempting to apply Indirect Rule in the Southern regions of Nigeria.

Constitutional Developments in Nigeria

A constitution is essentially a foundational legal document that establishes the structure of government and defines the relationship between the rulers and the governed. Constitutionalism in Nigeria dates back to the 1860s. The establishment of constitutional governance in Nigeria began in earnest following the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorates in 1914.

These constitutions include:

1. The Clifford Constitution (1922): Provided limited representation, with only a few Nigerians allowed to participate in decision-making processes.

2. The Richard Constitution (1946): Introduced regionalism in Nigeria.

3. The Macpherson Constitution (1951): Introduced a quasi-federal system of government.

4. The Lyttleton Constitution (1954): The first constitution to introduce a true federal system in Nigeria.

The Economy and National Development in Nigeria

Historically, Nigeria’s economy was heavily reliant on agriculture. Agriculture was the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. Major agricultural products included Cocoa, rubber, palm oil, cassava, yams, groundnuts, cotton, and millet.

After independence, Nigeria initially enjoyed substantial economic growth. The oil boom created a new source of wealth, but it also made Nigeria highly dependent on oil exports. The country was not able to develop its industrial base or improve its infrastructure sufficiently to become less reliant on oil. Currently, Nigeria faces several obstacles in achieving economic self-sufficiency.

Citizenship Education

Citizens of a country are entitled to specific rights known as Fundamental Human Rights. A right is a legally recognized privilege, and when enshrined in a nation’s constitution, it becomes a civil right. Duties refer to the responsibilities every citizen is expected to fulfill toward their country and fellow citizens. Obligations are civic and political responsibilities that contribute to the effective functioning of the government and society.

Modes of Acquiring Citizenship

1. Citizenship by Birth

2. Citizenship by Registration

3. Citizenship by Naturalization

4. Honorary Citizenship

Negative attitudes among Nigerian youths have derailed from positive values by engaging in harmful activities. Two major vices plaguing the Nigerian system are bribery and corruption.

Environmental Issues in Nigeria

The environment is essential to life and human survival. Increasing exploitation by man has led to severe environmental degradation. Major Components of the Natural Environment include:

1. Atmosphere

2. Hydrosphere

3. Lithosphere

4. Biosphere

The social or man-made environment comprises systems, institutions, and structures developed by humans to meet their needs.

Environmental Problems in Nigeria include:

Pollution

Poor Drainage Systems

Deforestation

Improper Waste Disposal

Ecological Challenges