PEOPLE
Nigeria has a rich and diverse history that extends back to at least 500 BC, when the Nok people inhabited the area. Various empires flourished in different regions for centuries. The Hausa, who live in the north, converted to Islam in the 14th century and established a feudal system that was consolidated over time. The Fulani built a great empire in the 1800s. In the southwest, the Yoruba established the Kingdom of Oyo and extended its influence as far as modern Togo. The Ibo, located in the southeast, remained isolated.
Populous Nigeria is home to more than 250 ethnic groups. The largest groups include the Hausa and Fulani in the north, the Yoruba in the southwest, and the Ibo in the southeast. Other smaller groups make up one-third of the population. Each ethnic group has its own distinct cultural heritage. There is some ethnic tension between the Yoruba and Hausa groups, but these tensions are not as high as in the 1960s, and most Nigerians are more united than in the past.
Language
English is the official language in Nigeria, although less than half the population is fluent in it. Many Nigerians consider English a foreign language, but pidgin English is often used in casual conversation. Hausa, Yoruba, and Ibo are widely spoken, and each ethnic group also has its own distinct language. Educated Nigerians are often fluent in several languages.
Nigeria is divided between the predominantly Muslim north and the Christian south. Nigerian groups following traditional African belief systems are spread throughout the country. Many Christians and Muslims also incorporate some traditional worship practices and beliefs into their daily lives (the Triple Heritage at work!).
Marriage and Family
Marriage customs vary, but the payment of a bridal token or dowry is common throughout the country. The groom is expected to give money, property, or service to the family of the bride. Western-style dating is not common in rural areas, but it is practiced by some young people in urban areas. Women usually marry by the time they are 20 and men marry when they are in their mid-20s. Living together without a formal marriage ceremony is common. Many couples simply find a wedding to be too expensive.
Although specific details of the family structure vary from one ethnic group to another, Nigerian families are generally male dominated. The practice of polygamy is not uncommon because it is allowed by Islamic law. A Muslim male can have up to four wives with the consent of the others. Islamic law requires him to provide for each wife equally.
While the status of Muslim women in Nigeria is similar to that in other Islamic countries, most non-Muslim women enjoy a great degree of freedom-they influence family decisions, engage in open trade at the marketplace, and account for about a third of the labor force. Large families traditionally share the workload at home. Nigerians have deep respect for their elders. Children are brought up to be quiet, respectful, and unassertive in their relations with adults.
The mainstays of the Nigerian diet are yams, cassava, and rice, and the people are fond of hot, spicy food. Meals are normally accompanied by a pepper sauce made with fish, meat, or chicken. A wide selection of fruit and vegetables supplements the diet. Because of the tsetse fly, which carries a disease fatal to cattle, dairy cattle are scarce in the coastal regions, but canned margarine, cheese, and powdered milk are used.
Eating habits vary among ethnic groups. Some people eat with the right hand, while others use utensils. Hands are generally kept above the table.
Socializing
In Nigeria, greetings are highly valued and neglecting to greet another is a sign of disrespect. Because of the diversity of cultures, customs, and dialects in Nigeria, English is widely used throughout the country for exchanging greetings. "Hello" is the most common greeting, while "Good morning," "Good afternoon," and "Good evening" are also appropriate. Personal space between members of the same sex is small, and persons conversing with one another may stand or sit very close. Objects are passed with the right hand or both hands, but not with the left hand alone.
It is common to visit relatives frequently. Unexpected guests are welcome, because planning ahead is not possible in many areas where telephones are not widely available. Hosts endeavor to make guests feel comfortable and usually offer them some refreshments. Invited guests are not expected to bring gifts, but small gifts are appreciated. For social engagements or other planned activities, a starting time may be indicated, but late guests are anticipated and they do not disrupt the event.
Recreation
The Nigerian Soccer Team
Nigerians enjoy many different sports, both as participants and spectators. Soccer and boxing are the most popular, followed by wrestling, polo, tennis, and swimming. Nigerians also enjoy going to the cinema, and English-language films are shown in many cities. Watching television is also a popular leisure activity, and live theater and art exhibits are well attended.
Holidays and Celebrations
National holidays include New Year's Day (January 1st), Labor Day (May 1st), and National Day (October 1st). In addition, both Christian and Muslim holy days are celebrated by the entire country. Muslim holidays vary according to the lunar calendar and include Maulid an-Nabi, which is Muhammad's birthday, usually celebrated in September or October; Idul Fitr, a three-day feast that ends the month-long fast of Ramadan; and Idul Adha, a feast that commemorates the faith and obedience of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his own son. Idul Adha is usually held in June or July. Christian holidays include Easter (Good Friday through Easter Monday), Christmas Day (December 25th), and Boxing Day (December 16th). Boxing Day is a day for visiting; it comes from an old British tradition in which servants and tradespeople collected tips and bonuses in small earthenware boxes on the day after Christmas.