Culture of Nigeria

The culture of Nigeria comprises the languages, religions, traditions, arts, cuisines, and social practices of its many peoples, shaped by regional histories and exchange.

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Languages of Nigeria: The languages spoken in Nigeria, including hundreds of Indigenous languages alongside English and Nigerian Pidgin. Language communities carry distinct oral traditions and shape everyday communication across the country.
Nigerian cuisine: The regional foods and cooking traditions of Nigeria, including dishes made with yam, cassava, rice, and peppers. Shared staples and local variations express regional identities and hospitality.
Nok culture: An archaeological culture in central Nigeria known for terracotta sculptures and early ironworking. Its sculptures are among the region’s best-known early artistic traditions.
West African culture: The cultural traditions and exchanges of the peoples of West Africa, a region spanning multiple countries. Trade, migration, and shared histories connect Nigerian cultures with neighboring societies.
Ethnic groups in Nigeria: The many peoples of Nigeria, including the Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani, and numerous smaller communities. Ethnic identities shape regional customs, political histories, and cultural expression.
Music of Nigeria: The musical traditions of Nigeria, spanning Indigenous forms, popular genres, and contemporary styles. Music carries social commentary and connects local traditions with global audiences.
Benin Empire: A West African kingdom centered in present-day southern Nigeria, renowned for its court art and political institutions. Its bronze and ivory works remain central to Nigerian cultural heritage and debates over restitution.
African popular culture: Contemporary cultural forms produced and circulated across African societies, including music, film, fashion, and media. Nigerian popular arts are influential participants in continent-wide cultural exchange.
Religion in Nigeria: The religious landscape of Nigeria, where Islam, Christianity, and Indigenous traditions are practiced. Religious communities influence festivals, education, family life, and public debate.
Nigerian literature: Literature written by Nigerian authors in English and Nigerian languages, across oral and written forms. Writers have rendered the country’s histories, conflicts, and changing identities in many voices.