10 Things You DON'T Know About Nigeria

Nigerian Independence

I remember the year 2006. It was the last time I visited my village Jones Creek, located in Delta State, Nigeria. Whenever I traveled home, I sneaked out of the family house with my sister. We dug trees to collect edible worms. We searched for snails in bushes and caught crabs in my uncle's net. We also collected earthworms to catch fishes. These are all fun memories! I believe it is the reason I will always find my way back home. Whether good or bad, I love my country! In this spirit, I would be writing a lot of articles about Nigeria. So, it'll be wise to prepare you for the journey ahead! Here are 10 things you DON'T know about Nigeria!

1. Population - It is common knowledge that with a population of about 200 million people, Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa. But are you aware we make up about 2.57% of the entire world population? Only the population of Lagos state is more than all of the eastern United States combined. 


According to current demographics, the major ethnic groups are Hausa-Fulani - 29%, Yoruba's 21%, Igbo's 19%, and the Ijaw's 18%. These tribes are mostly divided by regions with the Hausa’s Predominately in the North, the Yoruba’s in the West, Igbo’s in the East and Ijaws in the South. With an estimate of 36 million people, the Ijaw tribe is the 4th most populated in Nigeria. Inhabiting 5 states; Delta, Edo, River's, Ondo and Bayelsa. Surprisingly, many Nigerians know our last president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is from Bayelsa but are not aware he is from the Ijaw tribe.

It is important to note that there are more than 39 tribes in Northern Nigeria. So, not every Northerner is from the Hausa and/or Fulani Tribes. Also, Nigeria's population is projected to hit 444 million by 2050, surpassing the US and becoming the 4th largest country in the world! 

Fulani Attire

2. Religion - Nigerians are half Muslims, half Christians. Christians make up 48.3% of the population and Muslims 48.9%. 2.8% are followers of other traditional religions and unaffiliated. This may be the main reason we oppose same-sex marriage. It’s imperative to note that regardless of religious claims though, about 80% of Nigerians still maintain traditional beliefs. This means the majority of people who worship God also engage in traditional practices such as masquerade festivals.

3. Languages - Do you know that with 521 languages, Nigeria comes 4th in the most amount of languages spoken in a country? The sad news is that in less than 100 years, half of the languages will become extinct. 

This is a result of migration and technology advancement/civilization. 

Even though there are many languages, the common language remains Pidgin with the official British English from colonial Britain. So please Americans, don’t act surprised when you hear us speaking fluent English!

4. Wealth - with a net worth of $14.1bn, Nigeria's Aliko Dangote is the richest Black man in the world and the richest African. 

Nigerian pastors also make up the top 5 of the 10 richest pastors in the world. Their names are Pastor David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church popularly known as Winners' Chapel. Pastor E.A Adeboye of the Redeem Christian Church. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy. Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo of Kingsway International Christian Centre and, Pastor Temitope Balogun Joshua of Synagogue Church of all Nation.

This is shocking because Nigeria has the 4th highest number of poor living under a dollar. We really must be cheerful givers!

5.Education - Nigerians are the highest educated ethnic or racial group in America. It makes sense because we take education very seriously. Education causes empowerment and we love the respect knowledge brings. 

6. Lawyers - Nigeria has among the highest-paid legislatures in the entire world receiving an estimate of $136,024.56 beating other countries such as the US, New Zealand, Norway, and Canada. But why? Does this mean we get in trouble more than other countries? Are our lawyers more learned or is the country getting exploited by the law?

The Niger Delta Region

7.Petroleum - Nigeria is the highest largest producer of crude oil producing about 2.5million barrels per day. Oil accounts for 70% of all exports with Agriculture making about 30%. The petroleum accounts for around 85% of government revenue. The Niger Delta region produces about 70% of all oil exports but, remains impoverished regardless of its contribution to the Nigerian economy. 

8. Human Existence - According to evidence from archeological discoveries, Human existence in Nigeria has been dated back to as far as 9000BC. The Nok civilization is the earliest known which was in existence around 500BC-200AD.

9. West Africa’s longest River – The name Nigeria is from the river Niger which is the longest river in West Africa. The river covers a distance of about 2,600 miles (4,180 km).

  

Aneke Twins

10. Twins – Are you as fascinated by twins as I am? Then you would be interested in visiting Igbo-Ora, a little town in Oyo state. Need I say this is the ‘twin capital’ of the world with an average of 158 twins per 1000 births. You probably should get yourself a Yoruba demon if you want twins ;) 

For more about Nigeria, Check out the article on The Curse of the Niger Delta.