Nigeria has the largest population on the continent and the third-largest manufacturing sector. For women, the loose-fitting blouse goes down a little below the waist. Nigerian food offers a rich blend of traditionally African carbohydrates such as yam and cassava as well as the vegetable soups with which they are often served. For instance, "How you dey" means "How are you". Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. However some of these states were conquered, taken over and re-established by the Fulani people which then led to the formation of a few other kingdoms such as Katagum, Hadejia and Gombe. T, HOW TO GET A LOCAL GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN IN NIGERIA, THE LARGEST SEAPORTS IN NIGERIA LISTS Things To Know About Them, PROBLEMS OF ETHNICITY IN NIGERIA AND SOLUTIONS. Nollywood movies are beginning to reach audiences in Europe and the United States, with cities such as Frankfurt, Los Angeles, and Toronto now hosting Nollywood film festivals. The Yoruba often use humour to prevent boredom during long meetings or serious discussions. 1. 'Odinana', on the contrary, is a code of life, handed down from Chukwu, God the Creator, to Eri, the patriarch of the Igbo race, to prevent chaos and confusion. Their traditional religion, Ifa, has been recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the oral tradition of Humanity. Igbo dominate in the south-central and southeastern parts of the country. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. with Jeremi Suri Never write on your business card. Prior to conducting business in a foreign country, understanding the countrys cultural landscape, people, beliefs, and cultural nuances are imperative. Tribal marks used to be widely popular amongst Yorubas but that culture is fast washing out amongst modern Yoruba descendants. They can also be found in large numbers in Cameroon and other African countries. You will gain an understanding of a number of key areas including: For those needing a more detailed and comprehensive overview of Nigeria we have published an expert Report on Nigerian Society, Culture & Business. 4) Lots of oil, little electricity. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. It is said that it was at Ife that the gods descended from heaven and created the world. Nigeria's vibrant popular culture reflects great changes in inherited traditions and adaptations of imported ones. Many use gestures when communicating. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Meat is also popular and Nigerian suyaa barbecue-like roasted meatis a well-known delicacy. We can say that culture as a whole determines the framework in which a person can and should act. The first wedding is traditional, the second one being in a court, while the third is in the church or the mosque. Nigerians are generally, enterprising, resilient, and enthusiastic people. You invest in security. It is used for commemoration. Michelle Gavin, Ebenezer Obadare, and other experts track political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa. Backed by a suite of sophisticated services and solutions, KPA brings in-depth insights, diverse experiences, and genuine care to every client engagement to deliver the results you need to exceed your set business goals. To rush a greeting is extremely rude; spend time inquiring about the other persons general well-being. In the pre-colonial period, they controlled a powerful empire. There is a large variety of linguistic and ethnic groups in the country. When a person becomes a member of the society, he accumulates knowledge about language, symbols, values, norms, customs and traditions of that environment. Families gather to celebrate births and weddings. Lagos is a bustling city that has become a melting pot of Nigerian tribes. The Yorubas are a diverse group of people bound together by language, history, culture and a common sense of origin. Nigeria is the most populous African country, and also amongst the top 10 most populous countries in the world with approximately 195 million people. These environmental regions greatly affect the cultures of the people who live there. Shared below is some helpful information about Nigerian culture. The cave, has about 10 inner chambers and several tunnels, some of which are interlinked. Fufu is so emblematic of Nigeria that it figures in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, for example. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. They are well known for their energetic dance steps, colourful attires, and masquerades. These figures are expected to confer subordinate titles upon men and women that are highly accomplished. Music and dance are integral to Nigerian culture, and each ethnic group has its own specialties. Igbos are overwhelming Christians of Catholic extraction although a minority of them practice other religions such as Islam, Judaism, and the traditional Igbo religion. Four Aboriginal spears taken by British explorer James Cook in 1770, thought to be some of the oldest surviving artifacts collected by any European from Australia, will be repatriated to By entering your email and clicking subscribe, you're agreeing to receive announcements from CFR about our products and services, as well as invitations to CFR events. The Yoruba culture emphasizes respect for elders which is why ladies kneel and men prostrate to greet their elders. The country also has the largest agricultural output and the highest number of cattle. Drinks include traditional brews like palm wine. The early mosques built by men of this tribe were bright and colourful often including intricate engravings and elaborate designs. Similarly a family's honour is influenced by the actions of its members. The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. In Nigeria, there are more than 500 languages that are spoken. The pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti, became internationally famous in the 1970s and 1980s and has inspired generations of Western artists, such as Talking Heads and Beyonc. Maize is another crop that is commonly grown in Nigeria. This is why gaining an understanding of Nigerian culture is so crucial to your business success in the Nigerian market. Click here to learn more about our customized cultural training. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. If the information has changed, have new cards printed. Nigeria is the seventh-most populous country in the world, home to more than 200 million people. The culture of the country is diverse and tends to differ from north to south. Here are 10 interesting facts about Nigeria: 1. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. Investing in your people is an investment in a healthy culture, and so it follows that a lack of investment is one of the biggest cultural risk factors. Address people initially by their academic, professional or honorific title and their surname. This number includes 510 living languages, 2 second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages. The Igbo ethnic group most produce and trade in oil, cocoa and rubber. A complimentary cap called Fila may be added to the dressing. If you're looking for expert help and advice on how to work effectively with Nigerians, then this is what we do! Their religion, mode of dressing, food, marriage, and language are all unique. Nigeria has three main environmental regions: savanna, tropical forests, and coastal wetlands. In Nigeria, the common greeting, How are you doing? is frequently met with a hearty, Fine, thank God!. In fact, over 250 languages and dialects are used across Nigerias 36 states. The people of ancient Nigeria were able to make their own weapons. In addition, Nigeria is home to an influential music scene, notably Afrobeat, which combines West African music styles with American funk and jazz. The population of Nigeria makes up 1/8 of the inhabitants of the African continent. Nigeria has a rich artistic heritage, including both traditional and contemporary art forms. The Yoruba language has several versions of it spoken by different units within this ethnic group. Every culture in Nigeria has unique diets, mode of dressing, mode of production, language, greetings, marriage, mode of socialization, political systems that could be annexed for development. Meat is another delicacy that is prepared into something known as suya (a form of meat resembling barbecue meat) and wild meat (from giraffes and antelopes). Muslims observe Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and the two Eids. We are all different, but culture helps to unite us. Nigerian Food Culture and Customs: Three Yorb Sayings on It. Yorubas have a strong political system with the Oba at the helm of affairs. Food and eating food is a universal experience, an element of common ground in terms of . a powdered cassava grain that can be readily eaten as a meal and is quite inexpensive. Below are some of the most notable things about Nigerian culture. somethings gotta give I dont have what I need now, but I will have it eventually., I shouldnt complain because I should be grateful, Im fine. Age is believed to be the main wisdom of the nation. For example, the cassavas can be ground up and the flour used to make a delicious and inexpensive porridge. In outlook, education, dress and taste, the Hausa people and their counterparts the Fulani have become a significant part of the Islamic world, this said influence still remains until the current day. The climate also varies slightly depending on the region. You will frequently see colleagues gathering at a restaurant or local watering hole for after-work drinks to discuss the latest news in business, politics, or tabloid gossip. Seafood, beef, poultry, and goat are the primary sources of protein. The most common greeting is a handshake with a warm, welcoming smile. Things Fall Apart,[61] by Chinua Achebe, is an important book in African literature. With an increasingly cosmopolitan elite, Olanrewaju writes, luxury brands are eager to establish firmer footholds there. Although all of these magazines discuss the latest fashion trends, some also choose to take on taboo issues such as drug abuse and domestic violence. While many artists still work in these traditions, more-contemporary artists, who combine African and Western traditions, also abound. There is also a rich nightlife, complete with live music events, and celebrations around personal milestones such as birthdays and weddings, in Nigerias bustling cities. Nigeria is the most important country politically and economically in West Africa. [78], Traditional musicians use a number of diverse instruments, such as Gongon drums. It used for . When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head. Nigerians are a group of people who are so different but still united as one in the quest to achieve a common purpose of nation-building. January 31, 2022, How Tobacco Laws Could Help Close the Racial Gap on Cancer, Interactive Notable musicians include King Sunny Ade, who performed in a style called juju that combines the sounds of several guitars, vocals, and talking drums; and the politically charged Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, whose music is characterized by short songs and extended instrumental pieces. Several things go into greeting an elder in Nigeria, including ethnic background and gender. This is also an important political issue, as the Nigerian federalism tried to put together the achievements of the modern democratic West European state and the local cultural traditions. [5][6][7] Nigeria also has over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. In masculine countries people "live in order to work", managers are expected to be decisive and assertive, the emphasis is on equity, competition and . Having worked in North America and Europe, attended business excursions in China, and even worked in neighboring West African countries, it is safe to say that Nigeria definitely has a unique culture and way of life. They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. With so many different cultures and regions, food can vary greatly. February 22, 2023 Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. This article presents a high-level introduction to Nigeria's cultural heritage. The traditionally nomadic Fulani can be found all over West and Central Africa. with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach Adam Valavanis is a volunteer intern in the Africa program at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC. The significance of Ife culture in Nigerian history will be discussed below: The Origin of Ife Culture in Nigeria In Yoruba land, Ife is considered the place of creation. The region is well-known for its hospitality, cuisine and music. Even though most ethnic groups prefer to communicate in their own languages, English, being the official language, is widely used for education, business transactions and for official purposes. Cultural conflicts can arise within large communities as a result. Ekiti Yoruba dancers wear head masks so heavy that they can do only processional dances. In the Yoruba tradition, women wear an iro (wrapper), buba (loose shirt) and gele (head-wrap). The Efiks, Ibibios, Kanuris, Itsekiris, Ijaws, Igalas, Igedes, Idomas, Nupe etc all have beautiful cultures that stand them out and make them distinct and important in Nigeria. Igbo, Hausa, Kanuri, Fulani, Yoruba, Ijaw, Ibibio, and Tiv are some of the major groups that make up the maximum population of Nigeria. Nigeria is a democratic country whose federal government resides in the countrys capital, Abuja, which is located in the middle of the country. Nigerian food is mostly made up of meals that are high in carbohydrates, such as cassavas, rice, maize, yams, and plenty of vegetables. Wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Observant Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex. They are concentrated in the southwestern section of Nigeria, much smaller and scattered groups of Yoruba people live in Benin and northern Togo and they are numbered to be more than 20 million at the turn of the 21st century. Traditionally, cultures such as the Yoruba used to wear clothing such as gele (a cloth wrapped around the head by women), afbada (a robe for formal functions), and other forms of attire. Nigeria has two seasons: rainy season, which occurs in April until September, and dry season, which is referred to as Harmattan. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2022 All Rights Reserved. As mentioned above, Nigeria is the most populous African country, and also amongst the top 10 most populous countries in the world with approximately 195 million people. [63][64], Nigerian Nobel laureate[65] Wole Soyinka[66] described the work as "the first novel in English which spoke from the interior of the African character, rather than portraying the African as an exotic, as the white man would see him. Age and position earns, even demands, respect. They are fond of the expression, "When Nigeria sneezes, the rest of the African nations (with the exception of South Africa) catch cold.". They tend to examine behaviour in its total context, not merely what they have observed. Nigerias religious affiliations have recently made it into international news due to active, militant Islamic groups. Some of the most prominent ethnic groups include the likes of the Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Ijaw. The women wear wrappers and shirts and cover their heads with hijabs (veils).[89]. Their logic is often contextual. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. In fact, a businesss success as a new entrant in a market often hinges on the understanding of the cultural landscape of the country in question. The Great Wall of Benin was a great structural and architectural piece that was way ahead of time and stood to protect the ancient Benin kingdom. That the Igbos were prospering long before the colonial masters came The Igbo-Ukwu culture's place in Nigerian history also demonstrates that the indigenous inhabitants of Nigeria had a stable way of life and were prospering long before the arrival of the colonial rulers. The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. Many dishes are flavoured with onions, palm oil, and chilies. Helon Habila, Sefi Atta , Flora Nwapa, Iquo DianaAbasi Eke,[69] Zaynab Alkali and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,[70] among others, are notable Nigerian authors whose works are read widely within and outside the country.[71]. The mode of dressing of Yoruba males includes wearing Bubba and Sokoto and also a large flowing gown called Agbada. Nigeria As A Country In Africa; The country Nigeria never come into existence not until the British empire colonies Nigeria and a named for the country was named after the dominating Niger river as put forward in the year 1980s by a journalist from British whose name is Flora Shaw and later . Since the 1990s the Nigerian movie industry, sometimes called "Nollywood", has emerged as a fast-growing cultural force all over Africa. After reading this article you will find out why. [55] Oyo and the other kingdoms declined in the late 18th and 19th centuries owing to disputes among minor Yoruba rulers and invasions by the Fon of Dahomey (now Benin) and the Muslim Fulani. Native religions in which people believe in deities, spirits and ancestor worship, are spread throughout the country. [53] They eventually became the most urbanized Africans of precolonial times. [26][27] They are an ethnic group that is primarily found in Edo State, and spread across the Delta, Ondo, and Rivers states of Nigeria in smaller concentrations. Try to avoid using hyperbole or making exaggerated claims when presenting a business case as Nigerians are naturally suspicious of a deal that sounds too good to be true. Ethnically, the population of the country is estimated to be made up of 29% Hausa/Fulani, the Yorubas make up 21% while the Igbos are believed to be about 18% of the entire population. Culture In Nigeria Essay. Nigeria scores 60 on this dimension and is thus a masculine society. 5 importance of culture in nigeria food . Art is created serve many purposes, among these are: 1. This group is predominantly Muslim as Islam was introduced into Nigeria by the Fulanis. [56], Ever since the country's earliest centralization - under the Nokites at a time contemporaneous to the birth of Jesus Christ - Nigeria has been ruled by a class of titled potentates that are known as chiefs. Quiz. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Expect the first few meetings to be somewhat formal as your Nigerian counterparts continue to become comfortable with you as a person. The Hausa group (majority of them are Muslims) prevail in the northern region of Nigeria. The women wear their hair in native styles such as Suku. The app is highly secured, licensed by CBN and insured by NDIC which makes your money safe even if anything goes wrong. In literature, Chinua Achebe, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and, more recently, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have significant readership in the United States. Titles are important. [62] With over eight million copies sold worldwide, it has been translated into 50 languages, making Achebe the most translated African writer of all time. [82] Perhaps the most popular fabric used in Nigerian fashion is Dutch wax print, produced in the Netherlands. Culture creates favorable opportunities for acquiring knowledge and physical development. 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. Friends may address each other in a variety of ways: the title and the first name, the first name alone, the surname alone, or a nickname. In Nigeria,majority of parents are stack illiterates .They neither attend religious schools nor western type of institutions. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. The most popular Yoruba manifestations of this custom are the Gelede masquerades.[80]. Perhaps that is happening first with respect to art and culture, rather than by the more conventional political and security means. by Lindsay Maizland They have a strong culture of colourful masquerades that entertain people during festivals and other important functions. Present and receive business cards with two hands or the right hand, never with the left. Accelerate your innovation and transformation with a fully integrated suite of capabilities that puts digital at the heart of everything. Presently, Nigerias religious landscape is generally dominated by Christianity in the South and Islam in the North. The Hausa/Fulani people are known for their unique cultural practices most of which have stood the test of time. It is common to gaze at the forehead or shoulders of someone they do not know well. In the southern areas a variety of soups containing a base of tomatoes, onions, red pepper, and palm oil are prepared with vegetables such as okra and meat or fish. Along with South Africa, Nigeria is considered a super-power in the African continent and consequently Nigerians are generally proud of their country. Nigerians are a group of people who are so different but still united as one in the quest to achieve a common purpose of nation-building. In return, most senior citizens have the responsibility to make various decisions on behalf of ethnic groups. Nigeria culture plays an important role in lives of separate individuals and the society as the whole. Nigeria is the most populous countries in Africa, and also amongst the top 20 most diverse countries in the world according to this 2013 Pew Research study. Stay up to date on the latest insights we have to offer. Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour. The Lalli or henna paintings and drawings are a very popular and indispensable part of their makeup. . Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. Culture is defined as the way of life of a group of people. www.commisceo-global.com. [74] Praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives, garri is "the number one staple carbohydrate food item in Nigeria",[75] You will frequently see colleagues gathering at a restaurant or local watering hole for after-work drinks to discuss the latest news in business, politics, or tabloid gossip. Warning Sign 1: Little Investment Into People. 3 Best Alternative Digital Banks in Nigeria for Online Transaction. February 1, 2023 Another major Nigerian city is Port Harcourt. As its name indicates, Port Harcourt is another port city that also hosts an international airport. Four full-color images cover the page, each of the creators and editors of influential culture and fashion magazines based in Lagos. Renewing America, Backgrounder Establishments serving alcoholic beverages are found everywhere except where Islamic laws prohibit them. Successful Nigerians, such as businessmen and the said politicians, typically themselves aspire to the holding of chieftaincies, and the monarchs' control of the honours system that provides them to them serves as an important royal asset. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. Nigerian playwright and musician Hubert Ogunde, founder of Nigerias first professional theatrical company (the Ogunde Concert Party), incorporated traditional instruments into his musical dramas of the 1940s in an effort to revive interest in indigenous culture. While that may be a lot of people, population . [87] In the Igbo tradition, the men's cultural attire is Isiagu (a patterned shirt), which is worn with trousers and the traditional Igbo men's hat called Okpu Agwu. At the time of independence, many hoped that as a huge, democratic country, Nigeria would provide Africa with a seat at the table among the traditional international powers. The larger number of families is because a higher number of children improves the social standing of a man. People in urban regions of Nigeria dress in western style, the youth mainly wearing jeans and T-shirts. Annual Lecture on China. The highest position Nigeria ever reached on the ranking was 5th, in April 1994. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten. Although Lagos is located in the southwest region of Nigeria, Lagos is a port city with an International Airport and is considered to be Nigerias center of commerce. Middle Eastern culture: Middle Eastern culture is a fascinating mixture of religious and traditional beliefs. This is due to the large number of ethnic groups that exist in the country. Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. The Great Wall of Benin was a great structural and architectural piece that was way ahead of time and stood to protect the ancient Benin kingdom. In Nigeria, social etiquette transcends common pleasantries and is actually a statement of respect and upbringing. Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi on Unsplash, Catching a ride for the morning commute into work in Lagos. You are also agreeing to our. Some of their native clothing materials include Aso-oke or Ofi and Adire. Each tribe has different dishes that are unique to their culture. A curation of original analyses, data visualizations, and commentaries, examining the debates and efforts to improve health worldwide. This overview of Nigerian culture has, hopefully, provided you with the insight you need to ensure the successful expansion of your business, as a new entrant in the Nigerian market. Igbos are mostly farmers, traders, and craftsmen. Artefacts stolen from Benin sit on shelves of many foreign museums and in the private homes of foreigners. Nigerias culture rooted in fashion, film, music, and literature translates into enhanced international prestige. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. A company culture that prioritizes high employee satisfaction sets itself up for payoff in the form of higher employee motivation, lower turnover rates and . Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. The women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. The Oshogbo movement, founded in the early 1960s, includes the artists Muraina Oyelami, Twins Seven-Seven (Prince Taiwo Osuntoki), Bisi Fabunmi, Tijani Mayakiri, Rufus Ogundele, and Ademola Onibonokuta. For men their traditional cap is called fila. Nigeria is a multiethnic country in Northern Africa. While Nigeria has always been politically and culturally influential on the African continent thanks to its large population and enormous oil wealth, the Times coverage is the latest example of growing Western interest in Nigerian culture. Nigerian beans, quite different from green peas, are widely popular. Most weekdays. Apart from culture, society does not have any other mechanisms with which to concentrate and gather the wealth of the experience that has been accumulated by previous generations. It is richer than all other West African nations and holds considerable power. You may also find their tone slightly louder than elsewhere. November 4, 2022 Nigeria is a hierarchical society. PLEASE SHARE IT IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL! The terra-cotta figurines of the Nok are some of the earliest statues in existence from sub-Saharan Africa. They are extremely tolerant of the languages of other people around them, leading to the suppression of theirs - especially in northern Nigeria by Hausa. Fashion is diverse and varies depending on the ethnic groups, culture, and religion. Culture is that complex as it consists of belief, knowledge, art, law, morals, customs, traditions and any other capabilities and habits which is acquired by man as a member of the society (Edward B. Tylor 1871). It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society. Clearly, the system of culture is not only complex and diverse, but also very mobile. These are the three main tribes in Nigeria, followed closely by the Edo people (southwest region), tribes in the Delta region (southernmost region), and the Benue State (Middle Belt region). This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system.