Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and it is blessed with diverse cultures, tribes and traditions.
There are about 520 local languages in Nigeria of which nine of them are extinct. Some of the largest
include Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Fulfulde, Ibibio, Edo, Kanuri and Urhobo.

Today we will be giving you a comprehensive list of the languages spoken in each states in Nigeria.

1. Abia State

Abia is a state in the south eastern part of Nigeria with administrative capital in the city of Umuahia.

Language spoken: Igbo (majority), Ibibio (minority)

2. Adamawa State

Adamawa is a state in northeastern Nigeria, with its capital at Yola. In 1991, when Taraba State was
carved out from Gongola State, the geographical entity Gongola State was renamed Adamawa State,
with four administrative divisions: Adamawa, Ganye, Mubi and Numan.

Language spoken: Major languages of Adamawa State are Bacama/Bata (Bwatiye), Bura-Pabir, Fulfulde,
Huba (Kilba), Longuda, Mumuye and Samba Daka. Most other languages in Adamawa State are
extremely small and endangered minority languages, due to the influence of Hausa and Fulfulde. Holma
is reported to be dying out.

3. Akwa Ibom State

The state is located in the South-South geopolitical zone, and is bordered on the east by Cross River
State, on the west by Rivers State and Abia State, and on the south by the Atlantic Ocean and the
southernmost tip of Cross River State. Akwa Ibom is one of Nigeria’s 36 states, with a population of over
five million people

Language spoken: There are 20 languages spoken as first languages in Akwa Ibom State. The major
languages are Anaang, Ibibio and Igbo. The other languages are minority languages.

Anaang, Ebughu, Efai, Ekit, Enwang, Etebi, Ibibio, Ibino, Ibuoro, Idere, Igbo, Ika, Iko, Ilue, Itu Mbon Uzo,
Nkari, Obolo, Okobo, Oro, Uda

4. Anambra State

Anambra is a state in southeastern Nigeria. Its name was inspired by one of its Northern and riverine
clans Anam but merged with “branch”.

Language spoken: Igbo (majority), Igala (minority)

5. Bauchi State

Bauchi State is a state in northern Nigeria. Its capital is the city of Bauchi. The state was formed in 1976
when the former North-Eastern State was broken up.

Language spoken: Hausa, Fulani, Warji, Gere, Bolewa, Zaar, Karekare, Kanuri, Butawa, Jarawa, Kirfi

6. Bayelsa State

Bayelsa is a state in southern Nigeria in the core Niger Delta region, between Delta State and Rivers
State. Its capital is Yenagoa.

Language spoken: Biseni, Ekpeye, Engenn, Epie, Ijo, Izon, kugbo, Ogbia, Okodia, Oruma and Ukwuani
Igbo (Delta Igbo).
7. Benue State

Benue State is one of the North central states in Nigeria with it’s capital in Makurdi

Language spoken: There are 14 languages spoken as first languages is Benue State. The major languages
are Idoma, Igede and Tiv. The other languages are minority languages. Some includes Akweya-Yachi,
Etolu (Etilo), lgbo, Jukun, Ufia, Utonkong, Yalla

8. Borno State

Borno State is a state in north-eastern Nigeria. Its capital is Maiduguri. The state was formed in 1976
from the split of the North-Eastern State.

Language spoken: There are 28 (mostly Chadic) languages spoken as first languages in Borno State.
Many of them are endangered due to the influence of Hausa and Kanuri. Major languages of Borno
State are Shuwa Arabic, Kanuri, and Marghi. Some languages are spoken across the border in
neighbouring Chad and Cameroon.

9. Cross River State

Cross River State is a coastal state in South Eastern Nigeria, named after the Cross River, which passes
through the state.

Language spoken: 1. Efik 2. Ejagham(Ekoi) 3. Bekwarra 4. Yakuur Tribe 5. Boki Tribe 6. Agbo Tribe 7.
Bahumono Tribe 8. Mbube Tribe 9. Mbembe Tribe 10. Ogoja people.

There are also many other minority tribes in Cross River state, whose origins and traditions are unknown
but they mostly have their own LGAs. They include, the Ukelle, Etung, Anyima, Uyanga, Olulumo,
Abayon, Ododop, Nkum, Nkim, Ikom and Akaju-Ndem amongst others. Cross River people are a very
diverse people.

10. Delta State

Delta state is in South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria with a population of 4,112,445. Its capital is
Asaba

Language spoken: Delta is quite ethnically diverse, and the beautiful tribes in Delta state include:

1. Urhobo 2. Itsekiri 3. Ijaw 4. Ukwani 5. Igbo (Delta Igbo), 6. Ika (@agbor) 7. Okpe 8. Okpe isoko 9. Isoko

11. Ebonyi State

Ebonyi State is in southeastern Nigeria. It is inhabited and populated primarily by the Igbo. Its capital
and largest city is Abakaliki.

Language spoken: Ebonyi State is home to different sub-groups of the Igbo ethnic group. These include
the Edda, the Ezza, the Izzi, and the Ikwo.

12. Enugu State

Enugu is a state in southeastern Nigeria, created in 1991 from part of the old Anambra State. Its capital
and largest city is Enugu, from which the state derives its name.

Language spoken: Igbo, Idoma and Igala

13. Edo State

Edo State is in South South Geo-political zone of Nigeria with Benin City as its capital, the population of
the entire state is approximately 8 million people.

Language spoken: he major tribal languages spoken in the state are Igarra, Edo, Etsako/Afemai, Esan and
Okpamheri.

14. Ekiti State

Ekiti State is in Southwest region of Nigeria, declared a state on 1 October 1996 alongside five other
states in the country by the then military government under head of state, General Sani Abacha

Language spoken: Ekitis are culturally homogeneous and they speak a dialect of Yoruba language known
as Ekiti.

15. Gombe State

Gombe state located in the northeastern part of Nigeria, is one of the country’s 36 states; its capital is
Gombe.

Language spoken: Gombe State comprises many tribal or ethnic groups among which are the Hausa,
Tangale, Terawa, Waja, Kumo, Fulani, Kanuri, Bolewa, Jukun, Pero/Shonge, Tula, Cham, Lunguda,
Dadiya, Banbuka etc. and Hausa is the common language of the people.

16. Imo State

Imo state is in southern Nigeria. Imo is bordered by the states of Anambra to the north, Abia (until 1991
part of Imo state) to the east, and Rivers to the south and west.

Language spoken: Igbo

17. Jigawa state

Jigawa is a state in northwestern Nigeria. Its capital is Dutse

Language spoken: The state is mainly populated by the Hausa, Fulani and the Mangawa, Badawa and
Ngizimawa which are dialects of the kanuri language.
18. Kaduna State

Kaduna state is located at the northern part of Nigeria’s high plains. The vegetation cover is Sudan
savannah characterized by scattered short trees, shrubs and grasses.

Language spoken: 1. Hausa 2. Gbagyi 3. Adara 4. Akurmi 5. Bajju 6. Bakulu 7. Gwandara 8. Atyab 9. Ham
10. Ninzo

Other Tribes In Kaduna State are

Anghan, Amo, Aruruma, Atachaat, Ayu, Bhazar, Bur, Binawa, Dingi, Fantswam, Fula, Gure, Gwong, Jangi,
Kaibi, Kahugu, Kanufi, Kigono, Kinugu, Kitimi, Kiwafa, Kiwollo, Koro, Kuvori, Kuturmi, Lemoro, Mada
(Mardan), Nandu, Nduyah, Numana, Nindem, Ningeshe, Ninkyop, Nyenkpa, Oegworok, Pikal, Pitti,
Ribang, Rishuwa, Rumada, Ruruma, Rumayya, Shemawa, Sholio, Siyawa, Takad, Tarri, Tsam, Tuku.

19. Kano State

Kano State is a state located in Northern Nigeria. Created on May 27, 1967 from part of the Northern
Region, Kano state borders Katsina State to the north-west, Jigawa State to the north-east, Bauchi State
to the south-east and Kaduna State to the south-west. The capital of Kano

Language spoken: The official language of Kano State is Hausa language, but Fulani languages is
commonly spoken.

20. Katsina State

Katsina is a state in North West zone of Nigeria. Its capital is Katsina

Language spoken: Hausa and Fulfulde.

21. Kebbi State

Kebbi is a state in north-western Nigeria with its capital at Birnin Kebbi. The state was created out of a
part of Sokoto State in 1991.
Language spoken: Kebbi State has diverse ethnic groups, the dominant among which are Hausas,
Fulanis, Kabawa, Dakarkaris, Kambaris,Gungawa, Dandawa, Zabarmawa, Dukawa, Fakkawa and
Bangawa. These ethnic groups speak diverse languages and dialects, with the Hausa language spoken all
over the state.

22. Kogi State

Kogi, is a state in the central region of Nigeria. It is popularly called the Confluence State because of the
confluence of River Niger and River Benue at its capital, Lokoja, which is the first administrative capital
of modern-day Nigeria.

Language spoken: There are three main ethnic groups and languages in Kogi: Igala, Ebira, Igbo and Okun
(similar to Yoruba) with other minorities like Bassa, a small fraction of Nupe mainly in Lokoja, Gwari,
Kakanda, Oworo people (similar to Yoruba), ogori magongo and the Eggan community under Lokoja
Local Government.

23. Kwara State

Kwara is a state in Western Nigeria. Its capital is Ilorin. Kwara is located within the North Central
geopolitical zone, commonly referred to as the Middle Belt.

Language spoken: Yoruba, Nupe, Bariba and Fulani

24. Lagos State

Lagos, sometimes referred to as Lagos State to distinguish it from Lagos Metropolitan Area, is a state in
the southwestern geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

Language spoken: Yoruba

25. Nasarawa State

Nasarawa is a state in north central zone of Nigeria. Its capital is Lafia.

Language spoken: There are 29 languages spoken as first languages in Nasarawa State namely: agatu,
ake, alago, arum-tesu, basa, basa-gumna, bu, duhwa, ebira, eggon. eloyi, gade, gbayi, gbari, goemai,
gwandara, ham, hasha, kofyar, lijili, mada, mama, ninzam, numana-nunku-gwantu-numbu, nungu, tiv,
toto, wapan, yeskwa. Major languages are Agatu, Basa, Eggon, Gbagyi, Gade, Goemai, Gwandara, Ham,
Kofyar, and Lijili but the common language spoken among the people is Hausa.

26. Niger State

Niger State is a state in Central Nigeria and the largest state in the country. The state capital is Minna.

Language spoken: There are 38 languages spoken as first language in Niger State. Gbari, Gbagyi and
Nupe are major languages. The other languages are minority languages, some of them extremely small
and endangered. Basa-Kontagora is reported to be spoken by only ten people. Basa-Gumna is extinct.

27. Ogun State

Ogun State is a state in southwestern Nigeria. Created in 1976, it borders Lagos State to the south, Oyo
and Osun states to the north, Ondo to the east and the Republic of Benin to the west. Abeokuta is the
capital and largest city in the state.

Language spoken: The major language is Yoruba. Ogun however, has other dialects which include the
following: Egba, Ijebu, Owu, Awori and Yewa.

28. Ondo State

Ondo or Ondo State is a state in Nigeria created on 3 February 1976 from the former Western State. It
originally included what is now Ekiti State, which was split off in 1996. Akure is the state capital.

Language spoken: The State is dominated by Yorubas who speak various dialects of the Yoruba language
such as the Akoko, Akure, Apoi, Idanre, Ikale, Ilaje, Ondo and the Owo and a minority speaking the Ijaw
Language.
29. Osun State

Osun is an inland state in south-western Nigeria. Its capital is Osogbo. It is bounded in the north by
Kwara State, in the east partly by Ekiti State and partly by Ondo State, in the south by Ogun State and in
the west by Oyo State.

Language spoken: The major ethnic group in Osun state is Yoruba with sub-ethnic groups such as Ife,
Ijesha, Oyo, Ibolo and Igbomina and there are also people from other parts of Nigeria.

30. Oyo State

Oyo state is an inland state in south-western Nigeria, with its capital at Ibadan.

Language spoken: The Yoruba language is the major language spoken in Oyo state.

31. Plateau State

Plateau state is located in central Nigeria on an area of 26,899 square kilometres, with an estimated
population of about three million people. Jos, the Plateau state capital is a very cosmopolitan city.

Language spoken: There are 48 languages spoken as first languages in Plateau State. Many of them are
endangered due to the influence of Hausa. Major languages spoken in Plateau State are Angas, Berom,
Goemai, Kofyar, Mwaghavul, Ron, and Tarok, each spoken by more than 100,000 people.

32. Rivers State

Rivers State, also known simply as Rivers, is one of the 36 states of Nigeria. According to census data
released in 2006, the state has a population of 5,198,716, making it the sixth-most populous state in the
country.

Language spoken: There are 23 languages spoken as first languages in Rivers State. The major languages
are Igbo, Ikwere, Kalabari, Khana and different varieties of the Ijo cluster. The other languages are
minority languages.
33. Sokoto State

Sokoto is located in the extreme northwest of Nigeria, near to the confluence of the Sokoto River and
the Rima River.

Language spoken: Sokoto State is predominantly a Fulani and Hausa state. It is populated by several
Hausa subgroups such as the Gobirawa, the Zamfarawa, the Kabawa, the Adarawa and the Arawa, and
the two main Fulani groups which are the Fulanin Gida or Town Fulani and the nomadic Fulani.

34. Taraba State

Taraba is a state in North Eastern Nigeria, named after the Taraba River which traverses the southern
part of the state. Taraba’s capital is Jalingo.

Language spoken: Etkywan (Icen), Fulfulde, Jukun, Kpan, Mumuye, Samba Daka, Samba Leko, Tiv, and
Yendang

35. Yobe State

Yobe is a state located in Northeast Nigeria. A mainly agricultural state, it was created on August 27,
1991. Yobe state was carved out of Borno State. The capital of Yobe state is Damaturu.

Language spoken: 1. Kanuri 2. Ngizim 3. Karai-Karai 4. Bolewa 5. Bade 6. Hausa 7. Ngamo 8. Shuwa 9.
Fulani 10. Margi

36. Zamfara State

Zamfara is a state in northwestern Nigeria. Its capital is Gusau. Until 1996 the area was part of Sokoto
State.

Language spoken: There are quite a number of tribes in Zamfara State. These include the majority
Hausa, the Fulani, the Gbagyi and the Kamuku.
[Link]
fbclid=IwAR2CkzLFhpCXGmzqyE_IATwjD5Gk2TwdKDa3at5hzILyTSomNxCDycEgAC0

44 Likes 21 Shares

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by GavelSlam: 4:13pm On Oct 01, 2019

Well done.

I know this may not be exact but you've done more than a decent job.

137 Likes 7 Shares

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by Nobody: 4:20pm On Oct 01, 2019

I reserve my Judgement on this because there are distortions.

But let me quickly correct this

4. Anambra State

Anambra is a state in southeastern Nigeria. Its name was inspired by one of its Northern and riverine
clans Anam but merged with “branch”.

Language spoken: Igala and Igbo are the major languages of Anambra state
Please and please Igala is not a language in anambra state, let alone been a major language.

There is nothing like Igala language in anambra state pls.

207 Likes 10 Shares

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by PeaceNexus(m): 4:26pm On Oct 01, 2019

Thats a great job. Igbanke people in Edo state speak Igbo. They answer Igbo names too

103 Likes 7 Shares

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by caprini1: 4:27pm On Oct 01, 2019

There are igbo speaking Kogites very close to Anambra,i was amazed when i went there.

90 Likes 10 Shares

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by Nobody: 4:33pm On Oct 01, 2019

OP you did a great job. I will add there are Igbo communities in Cross River, most popular being Ika. Go
there and you will be shocked the amount of native Igbo people there.

Also there are Igbo communities in Bayelsa. The igbo communities in Bayelsa can be found in
Osekwenike, Abuetor and Eke Okpokri villages, all in Sagbama area of bayelsa, they are Igbo of Ukwuani
stock, and as such, are of the Anioma igbo clan of the Igbo ethnic group.

Abia also has large Ibibio communties. You cannot seperate Ibibio from Abia. In fact some Abia Igbos are
more related to Ibibio in blood than Igbos, like the Abiriba people. Find the picture of Abiriba king, Eze
Kalu and compare it to Governor Udom , you will think they are twins...same blood, same people,
divided by useless borders

Watch as Afonajs will start replying me now and crying that Igbos are in SS. SS, ask yourselves, why are
Afonjas so hurt by this?
75 Likes 7 Shares

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by BuhariAdvocate: 4:33pm On Oct 01, 2019

You’re a liar we are not speak Igbo or bearing Igbo name.

PeaceNexus:

Thats a great job. Igbanke people in Edo state speak Igbo. They answer Igbo names too

24 Likes 5 Shares

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by Afamed: 4:36pm On Oct 01, 2019

Unity in cultural diversity

2 Likes

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by femolii: 4:38pm On Oct 01, 2019

well done.

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by Biafrannuke: 4:39pm On Oct 01, 2019

I pity who will take your write up serious

you just listed igala as a major language in Anambra. you even wrote it before Igbo.

listed ikwerre as a separate language from Igbo in Rivers. listed ika and ukwuani which are essentially
Igbo dialects as separate from " Delta Igbo" but failed to note that egun is spoken in lagos. Also
untonkon is a town in Benue not a language , their language is Igbo. The problem is that Nigerians grope
proudly in institutionalized ignorance
123 Likes 11 Shares

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by obiekunie2: 5:02pm On Oct 01, 2019

Biafrannuke:

I pity who will take your write up serious

you just listed igala as a major language in Anambra. you even wrote it before Igbo.

listed ikwerre as a separate language from Igbo in Rivers. listed ika and ukwuani which are essentially
Igbo dialects as separate from " Delta Igbo". Also untonkon is a town in Benue not a language , their
language is Igbo. The problem is that Nigerians grope proudly in institutionalized ignorance.

why are you even wasting your time with all these narratives - as if u dont know its a calculated plan to
make the igbo language a minority language.

you should av noticed how he added igala to anambra state and even put it first as if they are the
dominant language.

aside from that, you should av noticed how he did his very best to exclude igbo language from the entire
south-south.

ndi uchu!

86 Likes 8 Shares

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by delpee(f): 5:05pm On Oct 01, 2019

Egun is the language spoken by the Badagry people of Lagos State.

32 Likes 3 Shares
Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by Nobody: 5:12pm On Oct 01, 2019

PeaceNexus:

Thats a great job. Igbanke people in Edo state speak Igbo. They answer Igbo names too

That's a pure lie from the pit of hell.

No such thing exist.

15 Likes

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by Nobody: 5:13pm On Oct 01, 2019

BuhariAdvocate:

You’re a liar we are not speak Igbo or bearing Igbo name.

Is osogbo now in Edo state.

20 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by Nobody: 5:15pm On Oct 01, 2019

Success1020:

OP you did a great job. I will add there are Igbo communities in Cross River, most popular being Ika. Go
there and you will be shocked the amount of native Igbo people there.

Also there are Igbo communities in Bayelsa. The igbo communities in Bayelsa can be found in
Osekwenike, Abuetor and Eke Okpokri villages, all in Sagbama area of bayelsa, they are Igbo of Ukwuani
stock, and as such, are of the Anioma igbo clan of the Igbo ethnic group.
Abia also has large Ibibio communties. You cannot seperate Ibibio from Abia. In fact some Abia Igbos are
more related to Ibibio in blood than Igbos, like the Abiriba people. Find the picture of Abiriba king, Eze
Kalu and compare it to Governor Udom , you will think they are twins...same blood, same people,
divided by useless borders

Language is not tribe.

There are no Igbos in cross river and Bayelsa.

If there are such, prove it or let them come and say so.

13 Likes 1 Share

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by sofiscatedmoron: 5:20pm On Oct 01, 2019

grin

3 Likes

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by sofiscatedmoron: 5:21pm On Oct 01, 2019

[h

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by paj4love: 5:31pm On Oct 01, 2019

Osagyefo98:
Language is not tribe.

There are no Igbos in cross river and Bayelsa.

If there are such, prove it or let them come and say so.

Oga please first prove him wrong

23 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by Nobody: 5:34pm On Oct 01, 2019

paj4love:

Oga please first prove him wrong

Go back to school.

He should prove his claim first not all these radarada.

3 Likes

Re: Languages Spoken In Each Of The 36 States In Nigeria by Mrexcell(m): 5:56pm On Oct 01, 2019

Ctorch:

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and it is blessed with diverse cultures, tribes and traditions.
There are about 520 local languages in Nigeria of which nine of them are extinct. Some of the largest
include Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Fulfulde, Ibibio, Edo, Kanuri and Urhobo.

Today we will be giving you a comprehensive list of the languages spoken in each states in Nigeria.

1. Abia State
Abia is a state in the south eastern part of Nigeria with administrative capital in the city of Umuahia.

Language spoken: Igbo

2. Adamawa State

Adamawa is a state in northeastern Nigeria, with its capital at Yola. In 1991, when Taraba State was
carved out from Gongola State, the geographical entity Gongola State was renamed Adamawa State,
with four administrative divisions: Adamawa, Ganye, Mubi and Numan.

Language spoken: Major languages of Adamawa State are Bacama/Bata (Bwatiye), Bura-Pabir, Fulfulde,
Huba (Kilba), Longuda, Mumuye and Samba Daka. Most other languages in Adamawa State are
extremely small and endangered minority languages, due to the influence of Hausa and Fulfulde. Holma
is reported to be dying out.

3. Akwa Ibom State

The state is located in the South-South geopolitical zone, and is bordered on the east by Cross River
State, on the west by Rivers State and Abia State, and on the south by the Atlantic Ocean and the
southernmost tip of Cross River State. Akwa Ibom is one of Nigeria’s 36 states, with a population of over
five million people

Language spoken: There are 20 languages spoken as first languages in Akwa Ibom State. The major
languages are Anaang, Ibibio and Igbo. The other languages are minority languages.

Anaang, Ebughu, Efai, Ekit, Enwang, Etebi, Ibibio, Ibino, Ibuoro, Idere, Igbo, Ika, Iko, Ilue, Itu Mbon Uzo,
Nkari, Obolo, Okobo, Oro, Uda

4. Anambra State

Anambra is a state in southeastern Nigeria. Its name was inspired by one of its Northern and riverine
clans Anam but merged with “branch”.

Language spoken: Igala and Igbo are the major languages of Anambra state
5. Bauchi State

Bauchi State is a state in northern Nigeria. Its capital is the city of Bauchi. The state was formed in 1976
when the former North-Eastern State was broken up.

Language spoken: Hausa, Fulani, Warji, Gere, Bolewa, Zaar, Karekare, Kanuri, Butawa, Jarawa, Kirfi

6. Bayelsa State

Bayelsa is a state in southern Nigeria in the core Niger Delta region, between Delta State and Rivers
State. Its capital is Yenagoa.

Language spoken: Biseni, Ekpeye, Engenn, Epie, Ijo, Izon, kugbo, Ogbia, Okodia, Oruma.

7. Benue State

Benue State is one of the North central states in Nigeria with it’s capital in Makurdi

Language spoken: There are 14 languages spoken as first languages is Benue State. The major languages
are Idoma, Igede and Tiv. The other languages are minority languages. Some includes Akweya-Yachi,
Etolu (Etilo), lgbo, Jukun, Ufia, Utonkong, Yalla

8. Borno State

Borno State is a state in north-eastern Nigeria. Its capital is Maiduguri. The state was formed in 1976
from the split of the North-Eastern State.

Language spoken: There are 28 (mostly Chadic) languages spoken as first languages in Borno State.
Many of them are endangered due to the influence of Hausa and Kanuri. Major languages of Borno
State are Shuwa Arabic, Kanuri, and Marghi. Some languages are spoken across the border in
neighbouring Chad and Cameroon.

9. Cross River State

Cross River State is a coastal state in South Eastern Nigeria, named after the Cross River, which passes
through the state.

Language spoken: 1. Efik 2. Ejagham(Ekoi) 3. Bekwarra 4. Yakuur Tribe 5. Boki Tribe 6. Agbo Tribe 7.
Bahumono Tribe 8. Mbube Tribe 9. Mbembe Tribe 10. Ogoja people.

There are also many other minority tribes in Cross River state, whose origins and traditions are unknown
but they mostly have their own LGAs. They include, the Ukelle, Etung, Anyima, Uyanga, Olulumo,
Abayon, Ododop, Nkum, Nkim, Ikom and Akaju-Ndem amongst others. Cross River people are a very
diverse people.

10. Delta State

Delta state is in South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria with a population of 4,112,445. Its capital is
Asaba

Language spoken: Delta is quite ethnically diverse, and the beautiful tribes in Delta state include:

1. Urhobo 2. Itsekiri 3. Ijaw 4. Ukwani 5. Igbo (Delta Igbo), 6. Ika (@agbor) 7. Okpe 8. Okpe isoko 9. Isoko

11. Ebonyi State

Ebonyi State is in southeastern Nigeria. It is inhabited and populated primarily by the Igbo. Its capital
and largest city is Abakaliki.

Language spoken: Ebonyi State is home to different sub-groups of the Igbo ethnic group. These include
the Edda, the Ezza, the Izzi, and the Ikwo.
12. Enugu State

Enugu is a state in southeastern Nigeria, created in 1991 from part of the old Anambra State. Its capital
and largest city is Enugu, from which the state derives its name.

Language spoken: Igbo, Idoma and Igala

13. Edo State

Edo State is in South South Geo-political zone of Nigeria with Benin City as its capital, the population of
the entire state is approximately 8 million people.

Language spoken: he major tribal languages spoken in the state are Igarra, Edo, Etsako/Afemai, Esan and
Okpamheri.

14. Ekiti State

Ekiti State is in Southwest region of Nigeria, declared a state on 1 October 1996 alongside five other
states in the country by the then military government under head of state, General Sani Abacha

Language spoken: Ekitis are culturally homogeneous and they speak a dialect of Yoruba language known
as Ekiti.

15. Gombe State

Gombe state located in the northeastern part of Nigeria, is one of the country’s 36 states; its capital is
Gombe.

Language spoken: Gombe State comprises many tribal or ethnic groups among which are the Hausa,
Tangale, Terawa, Waja, Kumo, Fulani, Kanuri, Bolewa, Jukun, Pero/Shonge, Tula, Cham, Lunguda,
Dadiya, Banbuka etc. and Hausa is the common language of the people.
16. Imo State

Imo state is in southern Nigeria. Imo is bordered by the states of Anambra to the north, Abia (until 1991
part of Imo state) to the east, and Rivers to the south and west.

Language spoken: Igbo

17. Jigawa state

Jigawa is a state in northwestern Nigeria. Its capital is Dutse

Language spoken: The state is mainly populated by the Hausa, Fulani and the Mangawa, Badawa and
Ngizimawa which are dialects of the kanuri language.

18. Kaduna State

Kaduna state is located at the northern part of Nigeria’s high plains. The vegetation cover is Sudan
savannah characterized by scattered short trees, shrubs and grasses.

Language spoken: 1. Hausa 2. Gbagyi 3. Adara 4. Akurmi 5. Bajju 6. Bakulu 7. Gwandara 8. Atyab 9. Ham
10. Ninzo

Other Tribes In Kaduna State are

Anghan, Amo, Aruruma, Atachaat, Ayu, Bhazar, Bur, Binawa, Dingi, Fantswam, Fula, Gure, Gwong, Jangi,
Kaibi, Kahugu, Kanufi, Kigono, Kinugu, Kitimi, Kiwafa, Kiwollo, Koro, Kuvori, Kuturmi, Lemoro, Mada
(Mardan), Nandu, Nduyah, Numana, Nindem, Ningeshe, Ninkyop, Nyenkpa, Oegworok, Pikal, Pitti,
Ribang, Rishuwa, Rumada, Ruruma, Rumayya, Shemawa, Sholio, Siyawa, Takad, Tarri, Tsam, Tuku.

19. Kano State

Kano State is a state located in Northern Nigeria. Created on May 27, 1967 from part of the Northern
Region, Kano state borders Katsina State to the north-west, Jigawa State to the north-east, Bauchi State
to the south-east and Kaduna State to the south-west. The capital of Kano
Language spoken: The official language of Kano State is Hausa language, but Fulani languages is
commonly spoken.

20. Katsina State

Katsina is a state in North West zone of Nigeria. Its capital is Katsina

Language spoken: Hausa and Fulfulde.

21. Kebbi State

Kebbi is a state in north-western Nigeria with its capital at Birnin Kebbi. The state was created out of a
part of Sokoto State in 1991.

Language spoken: Kebbi State has diverse ethnic groups, the dominant among which are Hausas,
Fulanis, Kabawa, Dakarkaris, Kambaris,Gungawa, Dandawa, Zabarmawa, Dukawa, Fakkawa and
Bangawa. These ethnic groups speak diverse languages and dialects, with the Hausa language spoken all
over the state.

22. Kogi State

Kogi, is a state in the central region of Nigeria. It is popularly called the Confluence State because of the
confluence of River Niger and River Benue at its capital, Lokoja, which is the first administrative capital
of modern-day Nigeria.

Language spoken: There are three main ethnic groups and languages in Kogi: Igala, Ebira, and Okun
(similar to Yoruba) with other minorities like Bassa, a small fraction of Nupe mainly in Lokoja, Gwari,
Kakanda, Oworo people (similar to Yoruba), ogori magongo and the Eggan community under Lokoja
Local Government.

23. Kwara State

Kwara is a state in Western Nigeria. Its capital is Ilorin. Kwara is located within the North Central
geopolitical zone, commonly referred to as the Middle Belt.

Language spoken: Yoruba, Nupe, Bariba and Fulani

24. Lagos State

Lagos, sometimes referred to as Lagos State to distinguish it from Lagos Metropolitan Area, is a state in
the southwestern geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

Language spoken: Yoruba

25. Nasarawa State

Nasarawa is a state in north central zone of Nigeria. Its capital is Lafia.

Language spoken: There are 29 languages spoken as first languages in Nasarawa State namely: agatu,
ake, alago, arum-tesu, basa, basa-gumna, bu, duhwa, ebira, eggon. eloyi, gade, gbayi, gbari, goemai,
gwandara, ham, hasha, kofyar, lijili, mada, mama, ninzam, numana-nunku-gwantu-numbu, nungu, tiv,
toto, wapan, yeskwa. Major languages are Agatu, Basa, Eggon, Gbagyi, Gade, Goemai, Gwandara, Ham,
Kofyar, and Lijili but the common language spoken among the people is Hausa.

26. Niger State

Niger State is a state in Central Nigeria and the largest state in the country. The state capital is Minna.

Language spoken: There are 38 languages spoken as first language in Niger State. Gbari, Gbagyi and
Nupe are major languages. The other languages are minority languages, some of them extremely small
and endangered. Basa-Kontagora is reported to be spoken by only ten people. Basa-Gumna is extinct.

27. Ogun State

Ogun State is a state in southwestern Nigeria. Created in 1976, it borders Lagos State to the south, Oyo
and Osun states to the north, Ondo to the east and the Republic of Benin to the west. Abeokuta is the
capital and largest city in the state.

Language spoken: The major language is Yoruba. Ogun however, has other dialects which include the
following: Egba, Ijebu, Owu, Awori and Yewa.

28. Ondo State

Ondo or Ondo State is a state in Nigeria created on 3 February 1976 from the former Western State. It
originally included what is now Ekiti State, which was split off in 1996. Akure is the state capital.

Language spoken: The State is dominated by Yorubas who speak various dialects of the Yoruba language
such as the Akoko, Akure, Apoi, Idanre, Ikale, Ilaje, Ondo and the Owo and a minority speaking the Ijaw
Language.

29. Osun State

Osun is an inland state in south-western Nigeria. Its capital is Osogbo. It is bounded in the north by
Kwara State, in the east partly by Ekiti State and partly by Ondo State, in the south by Ogun State and in
the west by Oyo State.

Language spoken: The major ethnic group in Osun state is Yoruba with sub-ethnic groups such as Ife,
Ijesha, Oyo, Ibolo and Igbomina and there are also people from other parts of Nigeria.

30. Oyo State

Oyo state is an inland state in south-western Nigeria, with its capital at Ibadan.

Language spoken: The Yoruba language is the major language spoken in Oyo state.

31. Plateau State

Plateau state is located in central Nigeria on an area of 26,899 square kilometres, with an estimated
population of about three million people. Jos, the Plateau state capital is a very cosmopolitan city.

Language spoken: There are 48 languages spoken as first languages in Plateau State. Many of them are
endangered due to the influence of Hausa. Major languages spoken in Plateau State are Angas, Berom,
Goemai, Kofyar, Mwaghavul, Ron, and Tarok, each spoken by more than 100,000 people.

32. Rivers State

Rivers State, also known simply as Rivers, is one of the 36 states of Nigeria. According to census data
released in 2006, the state has a population of 5,198,716, making it the sixth-most populous state in the
country.

Language spoken: There are 23 languages spoken as first languages in Rivers State. The major languages
are Igbo, Ikwere, Kalabari, Khana and different varieties of the Ijo cluster. The other languages are
minority languages.

33. Sokoto State

Sokoto is located in the extreme northwest of Nigeria, near to the confluence of the Sokoto River and
the Rima River.

Language spoken: Sokoto State is predominantly a Fulani and Hausa state. It is populated by several
Hausa subgroups such as the Gobirawa, the Zamfarawa, the Kabawa, the Adarawa and the Arawa, and
the two main Fulani groups which are the Fulanin Gida or Town Fulani and the nomadic Fulani.

34. Taraba State

Taraba is a state in North Eastern Nigeria, named after the Taraba River which traverses the southern
part of the state. Taraba’s capital is Jalingo.

Language spoken: Etkywan (Icen), Fulfulde, Jukun, Kpan, Mumuye, Samba Daka, Samba Leko, Tiv, and
Yendang
35. Yobe State

Yobe is a state located in Northeast Nigeria. A mainly agricultural state, it was created on August 27,
1991. Yobe state was carved out of Borno State. The capital of Yobe state is Damaturu.

Language spoken: 1. Kanuri 2. Ngizim 3. Karai-Karai 4. Bolewa 5. Bade 6. Hausa 7. Ngamo 8. Shuwa 9.
Fulani 10. Margi

36. Zamfara State

Zamfara is a state in northwestern Nigeria. Its capital is Gusau. Until 1996 the area was part of Sokoto
State.

Language spoken: There are quite a number of tribes in Zamfara State. These include the majority
Hausa, the Fulani, the Gbagyi and the Kamuku.