Full List of Nigerian Tribes and Their Origin

Nigeria is a country with over 371 tribes, each with its own unique culture, language, and history. It has a complex and fascinating history that can be traced back to its colonization by the British in 1901. It was split into two protectorates: the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and Northern Nigeria Protectorate. The Yoruba tribe, descended from the Oyo Empire, dominates the southwest, while the Igbo people from the Nri Kingdom dominate the southeast. The Hausa and Fulani people, both descendants of various empires, populate most of the north. Although these three tribes are the most prominent, there are over 520 other indigenous groups with their distinct languages and cultures in Nigeria. With a population of approximately 197 million people, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and has an impressive array of diverse cultures and tribes.

To explore the Nigerian tribe’s cultural diversity fully, it’s essential to explore a full list of the over 371 tribes that make up Nigeria’s rich history, which has contributed to its vibrant and unique identity. This blog post aims to provide an inclusive list of these tribes, shedding light on their origins and contributing to a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Starting with the most prominent:

1. The Igbo Tribe

Origin: The Igbo people are the southeastern settlers of the Nigeria tribe, with a history deeply rooted in agriculture, trade, and a communal lifestyle. Igbo culture is characterized by vibrant masquerades, rich folklore, and a strong sense of community.

The Igbo people constitute a significant ethnic group in Nigeria, primarily residing in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. As one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa, they possess a distinct cultural identity and a history marked by political and cultural challenges. The Igbo language, belonging to the Niger-Congo language family, includes regional dialects that exhibit mutual intelligibility within the broader “Igboid” cluster.

Before British colonial rule in the 20th century, the Igbo experienced political fragmentation under centralized chiefdoms such as Nri, Aro Confederacy, Agbor, and Onitsha. The colonial era saw widespread Christianization of the Igbo people through missionary activities, significantly shaping their religious landscape. Post-colonization and the subsequent decolonization period fostered a strengthened sense of Igbo ethnic identity.

The aftermath of Nigeria’s independence in 1960 witnessed ethnic tensions, leading to the secession of the predominantly Igbo region from Nigeria in an attempt to establish the independent state of Biafra. This move triggered the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). During the conflict, millions of Biafran civilians faced starvation due to a Nigerian military blockade, an event portrayed by international media as a humanitarian crisis and alleged genocide. Ultimately, Biafra was defeated and reintegrated into Nigeria.

In the post-1999 era, two sectarian organizations, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra and the Indigenous People of Biafra, emerged. These groups advocate for an independent Igbo state through non-violent means, continuing the historical struggle for self-determination.

2. The Yoruba Tribe

Origin: The Yoruba people trace their roots to the ancient city of Ile-Ife, believed to be the cradle of Yoruba civilization. Rich in history and mythology, the Yoruba have a significant impact on Nigeria’s cultural development.

The Yoruba, an ethnic group primarily situated in southwestern Nigeria and extending into parts of Benin, Togo, and other West African nations, are among Nigeria’s largest and most influential ethnic communities, alongside the Hausa and Igbo. The Yoruba population is estimated at around 40 million, with some residing in the Caribbean and Brazil. Possessing a diverse culture, language, and history, the Yoruba people commemorate various festivals and events.

The Yoruba religion encompasses the traditional spiritual beliefs and practices of this ethnic group, rooted in Southwestern Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, collectively known as Yorubaland. Initially an oral tradition, Yoruba culture is expressed through their native language, spoken by approximately 30 million people as of 2010.

Internationally recognized for their trade interactions with the Portuguese, who exchanged guns with them, the Yoruba people gained prominence. In the early 1800s, they faced invasion by the Fulani, prompting a southward migration. Towards the end of the 19th century, a treaty was established between the Yoruba and the British Empire, leading to British colonization starting in 1901.

4. The Hausa Tribe

Origin: The Hausa people predominantly inhabit the northern regions of Nigeria. With a history dating back to ancient kingdoms, the Hausa have a rich cultural heritage, including intricate architecture and traditional arts.

The Hausa people, one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, predominantly inhabit the northwestern region of Nigeria and southern Niger. Their language, Hausa, belongs to the Chadic group of the Afro-Asiatic family and reflects significant Arabic influence due to Islamic expansion during the late 14th century, shaping Hausa beliefs and customs. The Hausa society historically operated on a feudal structure, with emirs governing states and surrounded by titled officeholders managing villages as fiefs.

During the pre-colonial era, the Hausa political system was centralized, with emirs holding substantial power. This centralized structure facilitated the success of the Indirect Rule System during the British colonial period in Northern Nigeria. The economy thrived on intensive cultivation of crops like sorghum, maize, and millet, supported by Fulani cattle manure. Craft specializations such as leatherworking, weaving, and silversmithing emerged, contributing to a diverse range of products traded extensively in local markets.

The colonial era saw the establishment of the Northern Nigeria Protectorate in 1900, encompassing the Hausa states. The British introduced the Indirect Rule System, allowing emirs to retain authority while providing protection and collecting taxes. Post-independence, the Hausa people have remained influential in Nigerian politics and society.

5. Niger Delta Tribes

a. Ijaw

Origin: The Ijaw people are indigenous to the Niger Delta region, known for their fishing and trading prowess. The Ijaw have a unique cultural identity, expressed through traditional festivals and ceremonies.

b. Ogoni

Origin: The Ogoni people reside in the Niger Delta and have a rich cultural heritage. They are recognized for their environmental activism and commitment to preserving their natural resources.

6. Middle Belt Tribes

a. Tiv

Origin: The Tiv people are prominent in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria. Renowned for their agricultural practices, the Tiv have a strong sense of community and cultural pride.

b. Nupe

Origin: The Nupe people, situated in the Middle Belt, have a history shaped by trade and commerce. Known for their traditional wrestling festivals, the Nupe celebrate their cultural identity with vibrant ceremonies.

Full List of 371 Tribes and Their Origins

Number	Name of Ethnic Group	State(s)
1	Abayon	Cross River State
2	Abua (Odual)	Rivers State
3	Achipa (Achipawa)	Kebbi State
4	Adara (Kadara)	Kaduna State, Niger State
5	Affade	Yobe State
6	Afizere	Plateau State
7	Afo (Eloyi)	Nasarawa State
8	Agbo	Cross River State
9	Akaju-Ndem (Akajuk)	Cross River State
10	Akweya-Yachi	Benue State
11	Alago (Arago)	Nasarawa State
12	Amo	Plateau State
13	Anaguta	Plateau State
14	Anang	Akwa Ibom State, Cross River State
15	Andoni	Akwa Ibom State, Rivers State
16	Ankwei	Plateau State
17	Anyima	Cross River State
18	Atyap (Kataf/Katab, Attakar, Kagoro, Kafanchan, Marwa/Manchok)	Kaduna State
19	Auyoka (Sub-Hausa)	Jigawa State
20	Awori	Lagos State, Ogun State
21	Ayu	Kaduna State
22	Bura-Pabir	Adamawa State, Borno State, Yobe State
23	Bachama	Adamawa State
24	Bachere	Cross River State
25	Bada	Plateau State
26	Bade	Yobe State
27	Bahumono	Cross River State
28	Bakulung	Taraba State
29	Bali	Taraba State
30	Bambora (Bambarawa)	Bauchi State
31	Bambuko	Taraba State
32	Bajju (Kaje, Kajji)	Kaduna State
33	Banda (Bandawa)	Taraba State
34	Banka (Bankalawa)	Bauchi State
35	Banso (Panso)	Adamawa State
36	Bara (Barawa)	Bauchi State
37	Barke	Bauchi State
38	Baruba (Batonu)	Kwara State, Niger State
39	Bashiri (Bashirawa)	Plateau State
40	Bassa	Kaduna State, Kogi State, Niger State, Plateau State
41	Batta	Adamawa State
42	Baushi	Niger State
43	Baya	Adamawa State
44	Bekwarra	Cross River
45	Bele (Buli, Belewa)	Bauchi State
46	Berom (Birom)	Plateau State
47	Betso (Bete)	Taraba State
48	Bette	Cross River State
49	Bilei	Adamawa State
50	Bille	Rivers State
51	Bina (Binawa)	Kaduna State
52	Bini (Edo)	Edo State
53	Bobua	Taraba State
54	Boki (Nki)	Cross River State
55	Bokkos	Plateau State
56	Boko (Bussawa, Bargawa)	Niger State
57	Bole (Bolewa)	Bauchi State, Gombe State, Yobe State
58	Botlere	Adamawa State
59	Boma (Bomawa, Burmano)	Bauchi State
60	Bomboro	Bauchi State
61	Buduma	Borno State
62	Buji	Plateau State
63	Buli	Bauchi State
64	Bunu	Kogi State
65	Bura-Pabir	Adamawa State, Borno State, Yobe State
66	Burak	Bauchi State
67	Burma (Burmawa)	Plateau State
68	Buru	Yobe State
69	Buta (Butawa)	Bauchi State
70	Bwall	Plateau State
71	Bwatiye	Adamawa State
72	Bwazza	Adamawa State
73	Challa	Plateau State
74	Chama (Chamawa Fitilai)	Bauchi State
75	Chamba	Taraba State
76	Chamo	Bauchi State
77	Chibok (Kibaku people)	Borno State, Yobe State
78	Chinine	Borno State
79	Chip	Plateau State
80	Chokobo	Plateau State
81	Chukkol	Taraba State
82	Daba	Adamawa State
83	Dadiya	Bauchi State
84	Daka	Adamawa State
85	Dakarkari	Kebbi State, Niger State
86	Danda (Dandawa)	Kebbi State
87	Dangsa	Taraba State
88	Daza (Dere, Derewa)	Bauchi State
89	Deno (Denawa)	Bauchi State
90	Dghwede	Borno State
91	Diba	Taraba State
92	Doemak (Dumuk)	Plateau State
93	Ouguri	Bauchi State
94	Duka (Dukawa)	Kebbi State
95	Dundudun (Dunka)	Taraba State
96	Duma (Dumawa)	Bauchi State
97	Ebana (Ebani)	Rivers State
98	Ebira	Edo State, Kogi State, Ondo State
99	Ebu	Edo State, Kogi State
100	Efik	Cross River State
101	Egbema	Rivers State
102	Egede (Igede)	Benue State, Cross River State
103	Eggon	Nasarawa State
104	Egun (Gu)	Lagos State, Ogun State
105	Ejagham	Cross River State
106	Ekajuk	Cross River State
107	Eket	Akwa Ibom
108	Ekoi	Cross River State
109	Ekpeye	Rivers State
110	Engenni (Ngene)	Rivers State
111	Epie	Bayelsa State
112	Esan (Ishan)	Edo State
113	Esit Ekid	Akwa Ibom State
114	Etche	Rivers State
115	Etolu (Etilo)	Benue State
116	Etsako	Edo State
117	Etung	Cross River State
118	Etuno	Edo State
119	Palli	Adamawa State
120	Fulani (Fulbe)	Adamawa State, Bauchi State, Borno State, Gombe State, Jigawa State, Kaduna State, Kano State, Katsina State, Kebbi State, Kwara State, Niger State, Plateau State, Sokoto State, Taraba State, Yobe State, Zamfara State
121	Fyam (Fyem)	Plateau State
122	Fyer (Fer)	Plateau State
123	Ga’anda	Adamawa State
124	Gade people	Niger State Nasarawa State
125	Galambi	Bauchi State
126	Gamergu-Mulgwa	Borno State
127	Ganawuri	Plateau State
128	Gavako	Borno State
129	Gbedde	Kogi State
130	Gengle	Taraba State
131	Geji	Bauchi State
132	Gera (Gere, Gerawa)	Bauchi State
133	Geruma (Gerumawa)	Plateau State
134	Gingwak	Bauchi State
135	Gira	Adamawa State
136	Gizigz	Adamawa State
137	Goemai	Plateau State
138	Gokana (Kana)	Rivers State
139	Gombi	Adamawa State
140	Gornun (Gmun)	Taraba State
141	Gonia	Taraba State
142	Gubi (Gubawa)	Bauchi State
143	Gude	Adamawa State
144	Gudu	Adamawa State
145	Gure	Kaduna State
146	Gurmana	Niger State
147	Gururntum	Bauchi State
148	Gusu	Plateau State
149	Gwa (Gurawa)	Adamawa State
150	Gwamba	Adamawa State
151	Gwandara	Kaduna State, Niger State, Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa State
152	Gwari (Gbagyi)	Kaduna State, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nasarawa State, Niger State, Kogi State
153	Gwong (Kagoma)	Kaduna State
154	Gwom	Taraba State
155	Gwoza (Waha)	Borno State
156	Gyem	Bauchi State
157	Ham (Hyam, Jaba, Jabba)	Kaduna State
158	Hausa	Bauchi State, Jigawa State, Kaduna State, Kano State, Katsina State, Kebbi State, Sokoto State, Taraba State, Gombe State, Yobe State, Zamfara State
159	Holma	Adamawa State
160	Hona	Adamawa State
161	Ibani	Rivers State
162	Ibeno	Akwa Ibom State
163	Ibibio	Akwa Ibom State, Cross River State
164	Ichen	Adamawa State
165	Idoma	Benue State, Cross River State, Kogi State, Nassarawa State
166	Igala	Kogi State
167	Igbo	Abia State, Anambra State, Delta State, Ebonyi State, Enugu State, Imo State, Rivers State
168	Igede	Benue state, Cross River State
169	Ijumu	Kogi State
170	Ika	Delta State, Edo State
171	Ikom	Cross River State
172	Ikwerre	Rivers State
173	Irigwe	Plateau State
174	Iman	Akwa Ibom State
175	Isoko	Delta State, Bayelsa State
176	Itsekiri (Isekiri)	Delta State
177	Itu	Akwa Ibom State
178	Itu Mbio Uso	Akwa Ibom State
179	Iyala (Iyalla)	Cross River State
180	Izon (Ijaw)	Bayelsa State, Delta State, Edo State, Ondo State, Rivers State
181	Jahuna (Jahunawa)	Taraba State
182	Jaku	Bauchi State
183	Jara (Jaar Jarawa Jarawa-Dutse)	Bauchi State
184	Jere (Jare, Jera, Jera, Jerawa)	Bauchi State, Plateau State
185	Jero	Taraba State
186	Jibu	Adamawa State
187	Jidda-Abu	Plateau State
188	Jimbin (Jimbinawa)	Bauchi State
189	Jipal	Plateau State
190	Jirai	Adamawa State

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191	Joinkrama	Rivers State
192	Jonjo (Jenjo)	Taraba State
193	Jukun	Bauchi State, Benue State, Plateau State, Taraba State
194	Kaba (Kabawa)	Taraba State
195	Kalabari	Rivers State
196	Kajuru (Kajurawa)	Kaduna State
197	Kaka	Adamawa State
198	Kamaku (Karnukawa)	Kaduna State, Kebbi State, Niger State
199	Kambari	Kebbi State, Niger State
200	Kambu	Adamawa State
201	Kamwe	Adamawa State and Borno State (Republic of Cameroon)
202	Kanakuru (Dera)	Adamawa State, Borno State
203	Kanembu	Borno State
204	Kanikon	Kaduna State
205	Kantana	Plateau State
206	Kanuri	Adamawa State, Borno State, Taraba State, Yobe State, Nasarawa state.
207	Karekare (Karaikarai)	Bauchi State, Yobe State
208	Karimjo	Taraba State
209	Kariya	Bauchi State
210	Ke	Rivers State
211	Kenern (Koenoem)	Plateau State
212	Kenton	Taraba State
213	Kiballo (Kiwollo)	Kaduna State
214	Kilba	Adamawa State
215	Kirfi (Kirfawa)	Bauchi State
216	Kodei	Taraba State
217	Kona	Taraba State
218	Kono	Kaduna State
219	Koro (Kwaro)	Kaduna State, Niger State
220	Kubi (Kubawa)	Bauchi State
221	Kudachano (Kudawa)	Bauchi State
222	Kugama	Taraba State
223	Kugbo	Rivers State
224	Kulere (Kaler)	Plateau State
225	Kunini	Taraba State
226	Kurama (Akurmi)	Kaduna State, Jigawa State
227	Kurdul	Adamawa State
228	Kushi	Bauchi State
229	Kuteb	Taraba State
230	Kutin	Taraba State
231	Kwalla	Plateau State
232	Kwami (Kwom)	Bauchi State
233	Kwanchi	Taraba State
234	Kadung	Bauchi State, Plateau State
235	Kwaro	Plateau State
236	Kwato	Plateau State
237	Kyenga (Kengawa)	Kebbi State
238	Laaru (Larawa)	Niger State
239	Lakka	Adamawa State
240	Lala	Adamawa State
241	Lama	Taraba State
242	Lamja	Taraba State
243	Lau	Taraba State
244	Limono	Bauchi State, Plateau State
245	Lopa (Lupa, Lopawa)	Niger State
246	Longuda (Lunguda)	Adamawa State, Bauchi State
247	Mabo	Plateau State
248	Mada	Kaduna State, Plateau State
249	Mama	Plateau State
250	Mambilla	Adamawa State
251	Mandara (Wandala)	Borno State
252	Manga (Mangawa)	Yobe State
253	Margi (Marghi)	Adamawa State, Borno State
254	Mafa (Mofa)	Adamawa State, Borno State
255	Mbembe	Cross River State, Enugu State
256	Mbol	Adamawa State
257	Mbube	Cross River State
258	Mbula	Adamawa State
259	Mbum	Taraba State
260	Memyang (Meryan)	Plateau State
261	Milighili (Mighili)	Plateau State
262	Miya (Miyawa)	Bauchi State
263	Mobber	Borno State
264	Montol	Plateau State
265	Moruwa (Moro’a, Morwa)	Kaduna State
266	Muchaila	Adamawa State
267	Mumuye	Taraba State
268	Mundang	Adamawa State
269	Munga (Lelau)	Taraba State
270	Munga (Mupang)	Plateau State
271	Mupun	Plateau State
272	Mushere	Plateau State
273	Mwahavul (Mwaghavul)	Plateau State
274	Ndoro	Taraba State
275	Ngas (Angas)	Plateau State, Bauchi State
276	Ngizim	Yobe State
277	Ngweshe (Ndhang.Ngoshe-Ndhang)	Adamawa State, Borno State
278	Nyiffon	Benue State
279	Ningi (Ningawa)	Bauchi State
280	Ninzam (Ninzo)	Kaduna State, Plateau State
281	Njayi	Adamawa State
282	Nkim	Cross River State
283	Nkum	Cross River State
284	Nokere (Nakere)	Plateau State
285	Nunku	Kaduna State, Plateau State
286	Nupe	Kogi State, Kwara State, Niger State
287	Nyam	Taraba State
288	Nyandang	Taraba State
289	Obolo	Rivers State, Akwa Ibom
290	Ododop	Cross River
291	Ogori	Kogi State
292	Ogoni	Akwa Ibom State, Rivers State
293	Ogba	Rivers State
294	Okobo (Okkobor)	Akwa Ibom State
295	Okirika	Rivers State
296	Okpamheri	Edo State
297	Olukumi	Delta State
298	Oron	Akwa Ibom State
299	Cross River State
300	Ososo	Edo State
301	Owan	Edo State
302	Owe	Kogi State
303	Oworo	Kogi State
304	Pa’a (Pa’awa Afawa)	Bauchi State
305	Pai	Plateau State
306	Panyam	Taraba State
307	Pero	Bauchi State
308	Pire	Adamawa State
309	Pkanzom	Taraba State
310	Poll	Taraba State
311	Polchi Habe	Bauchi State
312	Pongo (Pongu)	Niger State
313	Potopo	Taraba State
314	Pyapun (Piapung)	Plateau State
315	Qua	Cross River State
316	Rebina (Rebinawa)	Bauchi State
317	Reshe	Kebbi State, Niger State
318	Rindire (Rendre)	Plateau State
319	Rishuwa	Kaduna State
320	Ron	Plateau State
321	Rubu	Niger State
322	Rukuba	Plateau State
323	Rumada	Kaduna State
324	Rumaya	Kaduna State
325	Sakbe	Taraba State
326	Sanga	Bauchi State
327	Sate	Taraba State
328	Saya (Sayawa Za’ar)	Bauchi State, Kaduna State, Plateau State
329	Segidi (Sigidawa)	Bauchi State
330	Shanga (Shangawa)	Kebbi State
331	Shangawa (ShanKadunagau)	Plateau State
332	Shan-Shan	Plateau State
333	Shira (Shira )	Bauchi State
334	Shomo	Taraba State
335	Shuwa (Baggara Arabs)	Adamawa State, Borno State, Kaduna State, Yobe State
336	Sikdi	Plateau State
337	Siri (Sirawa)	Bauchi State
338	Srubu (Surubu)	Kaduna State
339	Sukur	Adamawa State
340	Sura	Plateau State
341	Tangale	Gombe State
342	Tarok (Yergam)	Plateau State, Taraba State, Nasarawa State
343	Teme	Adamawa State
344	Tera (Terawa)	Bauchi State, Borno State
345	Teshena (Teshenawa)	Kano State
346	Tigon	Taraba State
347	Tikar	Taraba State
348	Tiv	Benue State, FCT, Nasarawa State, Niger State, Plateau State, Taraba State
349	Tula	Gombe State
350	Tur	Adamawa State
351	Ubbo	Adamawa State
352	Udekeama	Rivers State
353	Ufia	Benue State
354	Ukelle	Cross River State, Ebonyi state, Benue state
355	Ukwani (Kwale)	Delta State
356	Uncinda	Kaduna State, Kebbi State, Niger State,
357	Uneme (Ineme)	Edo State
358	Ura (Ula)	Niger State
359	Urhobo	Delta State, Bayelsa State
360	Utonkong	Benue State
361	Uwanno (Weppa-Wanno)	Edo State
362	Uyanga	Cross River State
363	Vemgo	Adamawa State
364	Verre	Adamawa State
365	Vommi	Taraba State
366	Wagga	Adamawa State
367	Waja	Bauchi State
368	Waka	Taraba State
369	Warja (Warja)	Bauchi State
370	Warji	Bauchi State
371	Wurbo	Adamawa State
372	Wurkun	Taraba State
373	Yache	Cross River State
374	Yagba	Kogi State
375	Yakurr (Yako)	Cross River State
376	Yalla	Benue State
377	Yandang	Adamawa State, Taraba State
378	Yoruba	Ekiti State, Kogi State, Kwara State, Lagos State, Ogun State, Ondo State, Osun State, Oyo State

379	Yott	Taraba State
380	Yumu	Niger State
381	Yungur	Adamawa State
382	Yuom	Plateau State
383	Zabara	Niger State
384	Zaranda	Bauchi State
385	Zarma (Zarmawa)	Kebbi State
386	Zayam (Zeam)	Bauchi State
387	Zul (Zulawa)	Bauchi State

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