Nigeria is a democratic country whose federal government resides in the countrys capital, Abuja, which is located in the middle of the country. A curation of original analyses, data visualizations, and commentaries, examining the debates and efforts to improve health worldwide. Some of their native clothing materials include Aso-oke or Ofi and Adire. Their logic is often contextual. The Yoruba often use humour to prevent boredom during long meetings or serious discussions. It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society. Here are a few commonly used saying in Nigeria that are worth noting: Nigeria is a very diverse and dynamic country. Age and position always demand great respect. At one time the Edo of the kingdom of Benin distinguished between urban music that was performed at the palace and less complex music that was played in rural areas. Nigerian traditions are wide and vary in the different cultures. In recent time, the styles have evolved to more contemporary designs. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. They shape and regulate his behavior. 3 Best Alternative Digital Banks in Nigeria for Online Transaction. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020). Age and position earns, even demands, respect. [51] The Yoruba people have always shared a common language called the Yoruba language and the same culture for hundreds of years now but they were less likely to be a single political unit. Bushmeat, meat from wild game like antelope and duikers, is also popular. Success, like in any other culture, is important to Nigerias citizens and is greatly revered in Nigerian culture. [5][6][7] Nigeria also has over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. [88] Hausa men wear barbarigas or kaftans (long flowing gowns) with tall decorated hats. Challenges that include a variety of issues, such as inconsistent electricity, bad roads, and low-quality public transportation. The Ijaws were originally known by this name (Oru); at least it was what their immediate neighbours assumed them to be. The women wear Iro and Buba and tie a complimentary headgear. [31] The Fulani practice the art of whipping a suitor before giving his bride to him as parts of their marriage obligation, this particular obligation has helped to increase the practice of monogamy among themselves and it is called sharo. Nigerians prefer to develop personal relationships prior to conducting business. In spite of all these different languages, English is widely spoken around the country. One way that Nigeria is unique is through its heritage. Stay up to date on the latest insights we have to offer. Things arent perfect, but Im grateful for what I have., Factors to be Aware of When Visiting Nigeria for Business. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. Although this group is found throughout the grasslands of West Africa, the bulk of the population is found in Northern Nigeria in states like Sokoto, Kano, and Katsina. The principal exports are palm oil and palm kernels. Retrieved from https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide. The Hausa and Fulani are in fact different tribes, but are often counted as one due to cultural similarity. 4) Lots of oil, little electricity. In other words, this is to say that, culture in its simple meaning can be the way of life . Kano Durbar. It is a good idea to include any advanced university degree on your business card. THANKS FOR READING OUR GUIDE TO NIGERIA. In the course of socialization the values, ideals, norms, patterns of behavior become a part of a person's self-awareness. Titles are important. This is one of the tools used by the government to create a more conducive and secured environment. On November 5, the New York Times ran on the first page of its business section a long piece on the emergence of luxury lifestyle publications in Nigeria. Culture helps to accumulates, control and organise the human experience. A company culture that prioritizes high employee satisfaction sets itself up for payoff in the form of higher employee motivation, lower turnover rates and . The Ijaw culture of the South has been influenced greatly by its location on the coast and the interaction with foreigners that it necessitated. At the same time, a harsh tone is considered unwelcoming and even hostile. The Hausa/Fulani people are known for their unique cultural practices most of which have stood the test of time. As a developing country, Nigeria faces challenges regarding its infrastructure. [citation needed] The first Igbo in the region may have moved onto the Awka-Orlu plateau between four and five thousand years ago. Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings. This port city is located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region and serves as the capital of Rivers State. The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Nigerian Culture, Customs, and Traditions, South African Culture, Customs, and Traditions. Women wear long flowing robes and headscarves made by local makers who dye and weave the fabric locally. Since the southern part of the country is closer to the coasts, the climate tends to be more humid and tropical, while the northern part of Nigeria tends to be more arid and dry. Presently, Nigerias religious landscape is generally dominated by Christianity in the South and Islam in the North. Although this was a very long time ago, the Ijaws have, however, kept the ancient language and culture of the Orus. Annual Lecture on China. 'Omenana' is man-made; it is easily changed and is adaptable. The Igbo political system isnt strong which explains why they are not a politically strong unit within the Nigerian system. It also explores some of the challenges faced (legal and extralegal) in the protection of cultural heritage and discloses recent legal developments. It is a good idea to maintain a polite and somewhat reserved manner until the person you are meeting drops some of his formality. Igbo, Hausa, Kanuri, Fulani, Yoruba, Ijaw, Ibibio, and Tiv are some of the major groups that make up the maximum population of Nigeria. This helped spread them to some countries around Nigeria. Nigerian literature and its emerging figures were themselves the subject of a Times piece in November 2017. 2. [84], Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups[85] and as a result, a wide variety of traditional clothing styles. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. Owing to the affinity they have with water, a significant number of the Ijaw people are discovered as migrant fishermen in camps that are as far west as Sierra Leone and as far east as Gabon. Apart from the speakers of standard English, a large portion of the population, roughly a third, speaks Nigerian pidgin, which has a primarily English lexicon. [86] The men wear buba (long shirt), sokoto (baggy trousers), agbada (flowing robe with wide sleeves) and fila (a hat). Culture creates favorable opportunities for acquiring knowledge and physical development. Many dishes are flavoured with onions, palm oil, and chilies. 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. Because of the movies, western influences such as music, casual dressing and methods of speaking are to be found all across Nigeria, even in the highly conservative north of the country.[72]. Trading, local crafts, and wage labour also are important in the Igbo economy, and a high literacy rate has helped many Igbo to become civil servants and business entrepreneurs in the decades after Nigeria gained independence. Nigerian literature is known throughout the world. Our culture determines the way we communicate with others. 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]. 'Odinana', as the immutable customary rites and traditions of the Igbo world, is enduring and cuts across indigenous Igbo people, while 'omenana' is rather relative from one section of the Igbo to the other. The women wear wrappers and shirts and cover their heads with hijabs (veils).[89]. Several streams also flow into the caves . They tend to examine behaviour in its total context, not merely what they have observed. Nigeria is the most populous countries in Africa, and also amongst the top 20 most diverse countries in the world. Therefore, it is a good idea to observe the situation carefully before determining what behaviour is appropriate. With improved learning and health, increased tolerance, and opportunities to come together with others, culture enhances our quality of life and increases overall well-being for both individuals and communities. with Ivan Kanapathy, Bonny Lin and Stephen S. Roach, Nigerians Growing Cultural Influence Around the World, Conflict at the Root of Food Insecurity in Africa, Swift Response to Open Letter Alleging Gender-Based Corruption in Rwandan Cycling. Both concepts, each an aspect of a single whole, aspire to protect and preserve the purity, sanctity and sacredness of the land and the people therein. 3. Generally speaking, Nigerians are outgoing and friendly. However, none of the states in southern Nigeria allow this practice. It is used for keeping records of important events, history and culture. The rationale behind these weddings is that the union needs to be recognized by religion, the law, and by tradition. The region is well-known for its hospitality, cuisine and music. 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. In the southwest, where the people are from the Yoruba tribe, peoples communication employs proverbs, sayings and even songs to enrich the meaning of what they say. Simply change the country name depending on which guide you are referencing. Culture In Nigeria Essay. 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. 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. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. However, pidgin English and indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. In some of Nigeria's northern states, polygamy is legal and men may marry several wives. English serves as a common language, used mainly as a means to bridge the communication gaps stemming from the presence so many languages, as well as a way to reach out and connect with the global business community. We are all different, but culture helps to unite us. In return the most senior person has the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group. Commonly referred to as the giant of Africa, Nigeria is highly populated and unlike any other African country. [74] Praised by Nigerians for the strength it gives, garri is "the number one staple carbohydrate food item in Nigeria",[75] The Yoruba are predominantly of mixed Muslim and Christian backgrounds.The Yoruba make up about 21% of the country's population estimated to be over 225 million and about half of the Yoruba are Muslim, with the other half being Christian. Its an active process, a lifestyle of people which is constantly growing, evolving and mutating. The Igbo ethnic group most produce and trade in oil, cocoa and rubber. 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. The earth spirit, Ana, is 'odinana', as is the sacred role of yam in the Igbo world, the right of inheritance, and the place of the elder. When employees join a company, they are doing so in return for fair compensation, career development, and various benefits. The fact that the Times chose to profile the heads of Nigerias lifestyle magazines on the front page of its business section is even more notable, as it illustrates the growth of Nigerias international cultural influence. Nigerias religious affiliations have recently made it into international news due to active, militant Islamic groups. Other Nigerian writers with a worldwide audience include Chinua Achebe, Buchi Emecheta, Flora Nwapa, Amos Tutuola, Gabriel Okara, Kole Omotoso, John Pepper Clark, Ben Okri, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. While many artists still work in these traditions, more-contemporary artists, who combine African and Western traditions, also abound. The larger number of families is because a higher number of children improves the social standing of a man. Descending into the valley is a lengthy walkway of 317 steps, which were constructed by the state government. These are also important aspects of our culture. The Palm Wine Drinkard, a popular novel by Amos Tutuola, was written in it. If the information has changed, have new cards printed. The women wear a puffed sleeved blouse, two wrappers and a headwrap. The Lalli or henna paintings and drawings are a very popular and indispensable part of their makeup. Furthermore, Nigerians are known for their. Let's appreciate and preserve our culture and traditions and use them as vehicles towards our development, growth, and unity. In addition, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and Naija Invest Gateway, provide real-time information on the Nigerian business culture. Hotels and nightclubs are part of the landscape of the larger cities. Men from this tribe are known to wear large flowing gowns known as Babban Riga and also a robe-like dress called Jalabia or Juanni. In the Yoruba tradition, women wear an iro (wrapper), buba (loose shirt) and gele (head-wrap). 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. For this reason, newborns are regarded with joy and pride as they are the future. It is common to gaze at the forehead or shoulders of someone they do not know well. 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). 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. Sometimes even consumer products are marketed by focusing on a higher being. In return, most senior citizens have the responsibility to make various decisions on behalf of ethnic groups. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Since the southern part of the country is closer to the coasts, the climate tends to be more humid and tropical, while the northern part of Nigeria tends to be more arid and dry. Most people who are a part of this ethnic group are based in the southeastern part of Nigeria, they contribute to about 17 percent of the country's population. Daily life in Nigeria varies based on location, and whether you reside in the city or rural areas. It can be argued that the intellectual level of a society depends on how adequately that particular society can use its richest knowledge embedded in history and generations past. This policy document defined culture as " the totality of the way of life evolved by a people in their attempt to meet the challenges in their environment which gives order and meaning to their social, political, economic, aesthetic and religious . Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship. . Nigeria boasts of 300 or more different ethnic groups. Discover w. Pidgin English is a creolized form of the language. With nearly 200 million inhabitants, it also happens to be one of the world's largest countries by population. According to the FIFA World Rankings, Nigeria ranks 31st and holds the second-highest place among the African nations behind Senegal (20th). It's a complex system that transfers social experience from one generation to other and from era to era. 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. However, cultural differences should be perceived as wealth, not an obstacle. Violation of these laws will lead to certain sanctions that are established by the community and are supported by the power of public opinion.