Federal Republic of Nigeria. 137,253,133. National or official languages: Edo, Efik, Adamawa Fulfulde, Hausa, Idoma, Igbo, Central Kanuri, Yoruba, English. Literacy rate: 42% to 51%. Also includes Bagirmi, Klao, Mbay, Mpade, Ngambay, Pana, people from Lebanon, Europe. Information mainly from K. Hansford, J. Bendor-Samuel, and R. Stanford 1976; J. Bendor-Samuel 1989; D. Crozier and R. Blench 1992; R. Blench 1998, 2004; B. Connell 1998, 2002 U. Siebert 1998 2002. Blind population: 800,000 (1982 WCE). Deaf institutions: 22. The number of languages listed for Nigeria is 521. Of those, 510 are living languages, 2 are second language without mother-tongue speakers, and 9 are extinct.
Living languages
| Abanyom |
[abm] 12,500 (1986). Cross River State, Ikom
LGA, Abangkang the main village.
Alternate names: Abanyum, Befun, Bofon,
Mbofon. Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid More information. |
| Abon |
[abo] 1,000 (1973 SIL). Taraba State,
Sardauna LGA, Abong town, east of Baissa.
Alternate names: Abong, Abõ, Ba'ban.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid More information. |
| Abua |
[abn] 25,000 (1989 Faraclas). Rivers State,
Degema and Ahoada LGAs. Alternate names:
Abuan. Dialects: Central Abuan,
Emughan, Otapha, Okpeden. The central
dialect is understood by all others. Odual
is the most closely related language.
Lexical similarity 70% with Odual.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta,
Abua-Odual More information. |
| Abureni |
[mgj] Bayelsa State, four towns: Brass LGA,
Agrisaba (Obo-Emeke); Ogbia LGA, Idema;
Nembe LGA, Okoroba; Ogbia LGA, Opume, which
is politically part of Oloibiri.
Alternate names: Mini.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta More information. |
| Acipa, Eastern |
[acp] 5,000 (1993). Niger State, Kontagora
LGA; Kaduna State, Birnin Gwari LGA. Towns
include Randeggi and Bobi. Alternate
names: Acipanci, Achipa, Sagamuk.
Dialects: Boroma (Taboroma). Lexical
similarity 83% between Randeggi and Bobi;
52% with Shama; 47% to 50% with Kamuku; 42%
to 44% with Hungworo; 15% to 20% with
Western Acipa. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku More information. |
| Acipa, Western |
[awc] 20,000 (1995 CAPRO). Niger State,
Kontagora LGA; Kebbi State, Sakaba LGA.
Towns include Kumbashi, Kakihum, and Karisen.
Alternate names: Acipanci, Achipa,
Sagamuk. Dialects: Cep (Tochipo,
Tacep, Western Acipanci). Morphological
evidence suggests its affiliation with the
Kamuku language cluster. Lexical similarity
89% to 95% among the dialects; 15% to 20%
with Eastern Acipa; 18% with Hungworo; 16%
to 17% with Shama; 15% to 17% with Kamuku.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Kainji, Western, Kamuku More information. |
| Aduge |
[adu] 1,904 (1992 Crozier and Blench). Anambra
State, Oyi LGA. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern More information. |
| Afade |
[aal] 25,000 in Nigeria (1998 R. M. Blench).
Population total all countries: 30,000. Borno
State, Ngala LGA, 12 rather dense villages.
Also spoken in Cameroon. Alternate names:
Affade, Afadeh, Afada, Kotoko, Mogari.
Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
Biu-Mandara, B, B.1, Kotoko Proper More information. |
| Agatu |
[agc] 70,000 (1987 UBS). Benue State, Otuko
Divison, districts of Agatu, Ochekwu, and
Adoka; Nasarawa State, Awe and Nasarawa LGAs.
Alternate names: North Idoma, Ochekwu.
Dialects: Member of the Idoma dialect
cluster. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma,
Idoma More information. |
| Agoi |
[ibm] 12,000 (1989 Faraclas). Cross River
State, Obubra LGA, Agoi-Ekpo, Ekom-Agoi,
Agoi-Ibami, and Itu-Agoi towns. Alternate
names: Wagoi, Ro Bambami, Wa Bambani,
Ibami. Dialects: Iko.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross,
Agoi-Doko-Iyoniyong More information. |
| Agwagwune |
[yay] 20,000 (1973 SIL). Cross River State,
Akamkpa LGA. Alternate names: "Akunakuna",
Agwaguna, Gwune, Akurakura, Okurikan.
Dialects: Abayongo (Bayono, Bayino),
Abini (Obini, Abiri), Adim (Odim, Dim), Orum,
Erei (Enna, Ezei), Agwagwune, Etono (Etuno).
A dialect cluster. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper
Cross, Central, North-South,
Ubaghara-Kohumono, Kohumono More information. |
| Àhàn |
[ahn] 300 (2000 Blench). Ondo State, Ekiti
LGA, Ajowa, Igashi, and Omou towns.
Alternate names: Ahaan.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Ayere-Ahan More information. |
| Ake |
[aik] 2,000 (1999 R. Blench). Nasarawa
State, Lafia LGA, 3 villages. Alternate
names: Aike, Akye. Dialects: The
closest language is Eggon.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B More information. |
| Akpa |
[akf] 26,894 (2000 WCD). Benue State, Otukpo
LGA. Alternate names: Akweya.
Dialects: Dialect cluster. Lexical
similarity 84% with Ekpari.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Idomoid, Yatye-Akpa More information. |
| Akpes |
[ibe] 10,000 (1992 Crozier and Blench). Ondo
State, Akoko North LGA. Alternate names:
Ibaram-Efifa. Dialects: Akunnu (Akpes),
Ase, Daja, Efifa, Esuku (Echuku), Gedegede,
Ikorom, Ibaram, Iyani. A dialect cluster.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Akpes More information. |
| Akuku |
[ayk] Edo State, Akoko-Edo LGA.
Dialects: Related to Oloma.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Edoid, Northwestern, Southern More information. |
| Akum |
[aku] Taraba State, near the Cameroon
border, 3 villages in Nigeria (Manga, Ekban,
Konkom). Alternate names: Anyar.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Jukunoid, Yukuben-Kuteb More information. |
| Alago |
[ala] 35,052 (2000). Nasarawa State, Awe and
Lafia LGAs. Alternate names: Aragu,
Arago, Argo, Idoma Nokwu. Dialects:
Doma, Agwatashi, Keana, Assaikio.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Idoma More information. |
| Alege |
[alf] 1,200 (1973 SIL). Cross River State,
Obudu LGA. Alternate names: Alegi,
Uge, Ugbe. Dialects: Related to Gayi
(Bisu of Obanliku cluster) of Nigeria and
Cameroon. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi More information. |
| Alumu-Tesu |
[aab] 4,702 (2000 WCD). Nasarawa State,
Akwanga LGA, near Wamba. Alumu is 7 villages
and Tesu is 1. Alternate names: Arum-Cesu,
Arum-Chessu, Arum-Tesu, Alumu. Dialects:
Alumu (Arum), Tesu. Related to Toro. The two
dialects have only intonation differences.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Plateau, Alumic More information. |
| Ambo |
[amb] 1,000. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, 1
village east of Baissa. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid More information. |
| Amo |
[amo] 12,263 (2000 WCD). Plateau State,
Bassa LGA; Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA.
Alternate names: Amon, Among, Timap, Ba.
Dialects: Not close to other
languages. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Amo More information. |
| Anaang |
[anw] 1,000,000 (1990). Akwa Ibom State,
Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, Abak, Ukanafun,
and Oruk-Anam LGAs. Alternate names:
Anang, Annang. Dialects: Ikot Ekpene,
Abak, Ukanafun. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower
Cross, Obolo, Efik More information. |
| Áncá |
[acb] Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Antere,
Nca village. Alternate names: Bunta.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Bantoid, Unclassified More information. |
| Arabic, Shuwa |
[shu] 100,000 in Nigeria (1973 SIL). Borno
State, Dikwa, Konduga, Ngala, and Bama LGAs,
and ranging widely across Borno and Yobe
states on transhumance. Alternate names:
Arabe Choa, Shuwa, Shua Arabic, Chadian
Arabic. Classification:
Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South,
Arabic More information. |
| Arigidi |
[aqg] 48,000 (1986 in Crozier and Blench
1992). Population includes 45,000 Igasi,
3,000 Uro. Ondo State, Akoko North LGA; Kogi
State, Kogi LGA. Alternate names:
North Akoko. Dialects: Oyin, Uro,
Arigidí, Erúsú (Erushu), Ojo, Udo (Ido, Òwòn
Ùdò, Oke-Agbe), Afa (Affa, Òwòn Àfá), Òge (Òwòn
Ògè), Aje, Ese (Òwòn Èsé), Igasi (Ìgàshí,
Òwòn Ìgásí). A dialect cluster.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Defoid, Akokoid More information. |
| Ashe |
[ahs] 35,000 (1972 Barrett). Population
includes Begbere-Ejar. Kaduna State, Kachia
LGA. Alternate names: Koron Ache,
Ache, Ala, Koron Ala, Koro Makama.
Dialects: Related to Begbere-Ejar.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Koro More information. |
| Asu |
[aum] 5,000 (1998 Blench). Niger State,
Mariga LGA, several villages south of
Kontagora. Alternate names: Abewa,
Ebe. Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe More information. |
| Atsam |
[cch] 30,000 (1972 Barrett). Kaduna State,
Kachia LGA. Alternate names: Cawai,
Cawe, Cawi, Chawai, Chawe, Chawi.
Dialects: Closest to Piti.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Kainji, Eastern, Piti-Atsam More information. |
| Awak |
[awo] 6,000 (1995 CAPRO). Gombe State,
Kaltungo LGA. Alternate names: Awok,
Yebu. Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North,
Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja,
Awak More information. |
| Ayere |
[aye] 3,000 (1992 Blench). Kwara State, Oyi
LGA, Kabba District. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Defoid, Ayere-Ahan More information. |
| Ayu |
[ayu] 800 (2003 SIL). Kaduna State, Jema'a
LGA, Kongon, Gwade, Tayu, Arau, Diger, Ikwa,
Agamati, Anka Ambel, and Amantu villages.
Alternate names: Aya.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Plateau, Ayu More information. |
| Baan |
[bvj] 5,000 (1990). Rivers State, Gokana,
Tai, and Eleme LGAs, Ban-Ogoi plus villages.
Alternate names: Baan-Ogoi, Goi,
Ogoi. Dialects: Ka-Ban, Kesari.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Cross River, Delta Cross, Ogoni, West More information. |
| Baangi |
[bqx] 15,000 (1996). Northern Niger State.
Alternate names: Cibaangi.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Kainji, Western, Kambari More information. |
| Baatonum |
[bba] 100,000 in Nigeria (1995 Jones). Kwara
State, Borgu LGA; Niger State. Alternate
names: Baatonun, Bariba, Batonnum,
Batonu, Baatonun-Kwara, Bargu, Burgu, Borgu,
Borgawa, Berba, Barba, Bogung, Zana.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur,
Bariba More information. |
| Bacama |
[bcy] 150,000 (1992 CAPRO). Adamawa State,
Numan and Guyuk LGAs, Kaduna State,
northeast of Kaduna town. Alternate
names: Bachama, Bashamma, Abacama,
Besema, Bwareba, Gboare. Dialects:
Mulyen (Mulwyin, Mwulyin), Opalo, Wa-Duku.
In Bata dialect cluster. Classification:
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8
More information. |
| Bada |
[bau] 10,000 (1991 SIL). Plateau State,
Kanam LGA; Bauchi State, Tafawa Balewa LGA.
Alternate names: Badawa, Badanchi,
Bat, Mbada, Mbat, Mbadawa, Kanna, Jar,
Jarawan Kogi, Garaka, River Jarawa, Plains
Jarawa. Dialects: Gar. A member of
the Jarawa dialect cluster.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian More information. |
| Bade |
[bde] 250,000 (1993). Yobe State, Bade LGA;
Jigawa State, Hadejia LGA. Alternate
names: Bedde, Bede, Gidgid.
Dialects: Gashua Bade (Mazgarwa),
Southern Bade (Bade-Kado), Western Bade
(Magwaram. Maagwaram), Shirawa. Close to
Duwai and Ngizim. Classification:
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.1, Bade
Proper More information. |
| Bakpinka |
[bbs] Ethnic population: 3,416 (2000
WCD). Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA.
Alternate names: Begbungba, Uwet,
Iyongiyong, Iyoniyong. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper
Cross, Agoi-Doko-Iyoniyong More information. |
| Bali |
[bcn] 2,000 (1991 Blench). Adamawa State,
Numan LGA, at Bali, 30 km from Numan on the
road to Jalingo. Alternate names:
Bibaali, Maya, Abaali, Ibaali. Dialects:
Close to Kpasam. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa,
Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang More information. |
| Bangwinji |
[bsj] 6,000 (1992 Crozier and
Blench). Bauchi State, Balanga, Billiri, and
Kaltungo LGAs. Alternate names:
Bangunji, Bangjinge. Dialects:
Kaalo, Naaban. Noun class system is closer
to Waja and Tula. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen,
Waja, Tula More information. |
| Barikanchi |
[bxo] Classification: Pidgin, Hausa
based More information. |
| Basa |
[bzw] 100,000 (1973 SIL). Kogi State, Bassa
and Ankpa LGAs; Plateau State, Nasarawa LGA;
Federal Capital Territory, Yaba and Kwali
LGAs; Benue State, Makurdi LGA. Alternate
names: Basa-Benue, Rubasa, Rubassa,
"Bassa-Kwomu", "Bassa-Komo", Abatsa,
Abacha. Dialects: North-south
dialect division along the Benue River.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Kainji, Western, Basa More information. |
| Basa-Gurmana |
[buj] 2,000 (1987 Blench). Niger State,
border of Rafi and Chanchaga LGAs, Kafin
Gurmana. Alternate names: Koromba.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Kainji, Western, Basa More information. |
| Bassa-Kontagora |
[bsr] 10 (1987). Ethnic population:
30,000. Niger State, Mariga LGA, northeast
of Kontagora. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Basa
Nearly extinct. More information. |
| Bata |
[bta] 150,000 in Nigeria (1992). Population
total all countries: 152,500. Adamawa State,
Numan, Song, Fufore, and Mubi LGAs. Also
spoken in Cameroon. Alternate names:
Gbwata, Batta, Demsa Bata, Gboati, Gbwate,
Bete, Birsa, Dunu. Dialects: Zumu
(Zomo, Jimo), Wadi (Wa'i), Malabu,
Kobotachi, Ribaw (Ribow), Demsa, Garoua
(Garua), Jirai. Closely related languages:
Bacama, Gude, Nzanyi, Vin, Fali,
Zizilivakan. They have joined with the
Bacama in the Bwatiye Association.
Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
Biu-Mandara, A, A.8 More information. |
| Batu |
[btu] 25,000. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA,
several villages east of Baissa, below the
Mambila escarpment. Dialects:
Amanda-Afi, Angwe, Kamino. A language
cluster. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid More information. |
| Bauchi |
[bsf] 20,000 (1988 Blench). Niger State,
Rafi and Shiroro LGAs. Alternate names:
Bauci, Baushi, Kushi. Dialects:
Wayam-Rubu, Madaka (Adeka), Supana.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Kainji, Western, Baushi-Gurmana More information. |
| Beele |
[bxq] 120 (1922 Temple). Bauchi State, near
the Bole, a few villages. Alternate
names: Bele, Àbéélé, Bellawa.
Dialects: A separate language from
Bole. Classification: Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper More information. |
| Begbere-Ejar |
[bqv] 35,000 (1972 Barrett). Population
includes Ashe. Kaduna State, Kachia LGA,
Plateau State, Keffi LGA. Alternate
names: Koro Agwe, Agere, Koro Makama,
Koro Myamya, Miamia, Miamiya. Dialects:
Koron Panda, Koron Ache, Ejar.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Koro More information. |
| Bekwarra |
[bkv] 100,000 (1989 SIL). Cross River State,
Ogoja LGA. Alternate names: Ebekwara,
Bekworra, Yakoro. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi More information. |
| Bena |
[yun] 95,000 (1992). Adamawa State, Guyuk,
Gombi, and Song LGAs, new settlements along
the road from Song to Yola. Alternate
names: Ebina, Binna, Gbinna, Ebuna,
Buna, Yongor, Yungur, Yangeru, Purra,
"Lala". Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North,
Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur,
Yungur-Roba More information. |
| Berom |
[bom] 300,000 (1993 SIL). Population
includes Cen 2,000. Plateau State, Berakin
Ladi and Jos LGAs; Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA;
Bauchi State. Alternate names: Birom,
Berum, Gbang, Kibo, Kibbo, Kibbun, Kibyen,
"Shosho", Aboro, Boro-Aboro, Afango,
Chenberom, Cen Berom. Dialects:
Gyell-Kuru-Vwang (Ngell-Kuru-Vwang),
Fan-Foron-Heikpang, Bachit-Gashish,
Du-Ropp-Rim, Hoss, Cen. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Plateau, Beromic More information. |
| Bete |
[byf] 50 (1992). Ethnic population:
3,000. Taraba State, Takum LGA, Bete town,
at the foot of Bete mountain, south of
Wukari. Dialects: Reported to have
been close to Lufu. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Jukunoid
Nearly extinct. More information. |
| Bete-Bendi |
[btt] 36,800 (1963). Cross River State,
Obudu LGA. Alternate names:
Bette-Bendi, Dama. Dialects: Bete
(Bette, Mbete), Bendi. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi More information. |
| Bile |
[bil] 30,000 (1992). East of Numan, along
Benue River, Adamawa State, Numan LGAs,
southwest of Numan. Alternate names:
Bille, Billanchi, Kunbille, Bili.
Dialects: Related to Mbula-Bwazza.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian More information. |
| Bina |
[byj] 7,000 (2000). Kaduna State, Saminaka
LGA. Alternate names: Bogana,
Binawa. Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru More information. |
| Biseni |
[ije] 4,800 (1977 Voegelin and
Voegelin). Bayelsa State, Biseni-Okordia
LGA. Alternate names: Buseni, Amegi,
Northeast Central Ijo. Dialects: Not
fully intelligible with other languages in
the Ijo language cluster.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Inland Ijo More information. |
| Bitare |
[brt] 113,862 in Nigeria (2000 WCD).
Population total all countries:
119,896. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, near
Baissa. Also spoken in Cameroon.
Alternate names: Njwande, Yukutare.
Dialects: Close to Abong.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid More information. |
| Boga |
[bvw] 10,000 (1990 Blench). Adamawa State,
Gombi LGA. Alternate names: Boka.
Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Eastern More information. |
| Boghom |
[bux] 50,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State,
Kanam, Wase, and Shendam LGAs. Alternate
names: Bogghom, Bohom, Burom, Burum,
Burrum, Burma, Borrom, Boghorom, Bokiyim.
Dialects: Related to Mangas.
Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
West, B, B.3, Boghom More information. |
| Boko |
[bqc] 40,000 in Nigeria (1995 R.
Jones). Niger State, Borgu LGA; Kebbi State,
Bagudo LGA, from Senji in the north to
Kenugbe and Kaoje, 150 km to the south and
Demmo, 50 km to the east, 35 villages.
Alternate names: Bokko, Bokonya, Boo.
Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande,
Eastern, Eastern, Busa More information. |
| Bokobaru |
[bus] 30,000 (1997 Jones). Population
includes 6,000 in Kaiama, 24,000 in other
villages. Kwara State, primarily Kaiama LGA,
some in Baruten LGA. 35 villages.
Alternate names: Busa-Bokobaru, Zongben,
Zõgbe. Dialects: Kaiama, Village
Bokobaru. Speakers of Kaiama and dialect in
other villages have good inherent
intelligibility of each other's dialects.
The Bokobaru variety is distinct enough to
require separate literature from Boko of
Benin. The Busa variety of Nigeria may also
require separate literature. Lexical
similarity 86% with Boko, 91% with Busa, 53%
with Kyenga, 50% with Bissa of Burkina Faso
and Ghana. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa
More information. |
| Bokyi |
[bky] 140,000 in Nigeria (1989 SIL).
Population total all countries:
143,700. Cross River State, Ikom, Obudu, and
Ogoja LGAs. Also spoken in Cameroon.
Alternate names: Boki, Nki, Okii, Uki,
Nfua, Osikom, Osukam, Vaaneroki.
Dialects: Basua (Bashua), Irruan (Erwan,
Eerwee), Boje (Bojie), Kwakwagom, Nsadop,
Osokom, Wula (Baswo, Okundi, Kecwan), Oku,
Boorim, Oyokom, Abo (Abu), Eastern Bokyi
(East Boki). Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi More information. |
| Bole |
[bol] 100,000 (1990). Bauchi State, Dukku,
Alkaleri, and Darazo LGAs; Gombe State,
Dukku LGA; Yobe State, Fika LGA; Plateau
State, Wase LGA. Alternate names:
Bolanchi, Ampika, Borpika, Bolewa, Bolawa.
Dialects: Bara, Fika (Fikankayen,
Anpika). Classification:
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole,
Bole Proper More information. |
| Bo-Rukul |
[mae] 2,000 (1999 R. Blench). Population
includes 1,000 in each dialect. Plateau
State, Bokkos LGA, Barkul, Mabo, Richa, Mwa
villages. Alternate names:
Mabo-Barkul, Mabo-Barukul, "Kaleri".
Dialects: Bo, Rukul. A language
cluster. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Plateau, Southeastern More information. |
| Bu |
[jid] 6,000 (1999 R. Blench). Population
includes 4,000 Bu and 2,000
Ninkada. Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA, 4
villages. Alternate names: Jida-Abu,
Jidda-Abu, Jida, Ibut, Nakare. Dialects:
Bu (Abu), Ninkada (Jida). The 2 dialects are
ethnically and geographically distinct, but
linguistically similar. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Plateau, Ninzic More information. |
| Bukwen |
[buz] 1,000. Taraba State, near Takum, 1
village. Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Bantoid, Southern, Beboid More information. |
| Bumaji |
[byp] 11,386 (2000 WCD). Cross River State,
Obudu LGA, Bumaji town. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi More information. |
| Burak |
[bys] 4,000 (1992 Crozier and
Blench). Bauchi State, Billiri and Kaltungo
LGAs, Burak town. Alternate names:
Buurak. Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North,
Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen More information. |
| Bura-Pabir |
[bwr] 250,000 (1987 UBS). Population
includes 200,000 Pabir (1993). 32,000 in
Adamawa State (1992). Borno State, Biu and
Askira-Uba LGAs; Adamawa State, Gombi LGA.
Alternate names: Bura, Burra,
Bourrah, Pabir, Babir, Babur, Barburr, Mya
Bura, Kwojeffa, Huve, Huviya. Dialects:
Pela (Bura Pela, Hill Bura), Hyil Hawul
(Bura Hyilhawul, Plain Bura). Kofa may be a
related language. Classification:
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2,
1 More information. |
| Bure |
[bvh] 500. Bauchi State, Darazo LGA, one
village southeast of Darazo town.
Alternate names: Bubure.
Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
West, A, A.2, Bole More information. |
| Buru |
[bqw] 1,000. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA,
east of Baissa, a village near Batu.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Bantoid, Unclassified More information. |
| Busa |
[bqp] 20,000 (1998 Ross Jones SIM). Niger
State, Borgu LGA, Kebbi State, Bagudo LGA,
35 villages. Alternate names: Bisã,
Bisayã, Busa-Bisã, Busano, Bussanchi.
Dialects: New Busa, Wawa, Illo. The two
dialects are inherently intelligible to each
other's speakers. Busa has more prestige,
but Wawa viewed as purer, and used for
literature. New Busa has Hausa-influenced
phonology. Illo Busa has Boko influence.
Other Busa languages (Boko, Bokobaru)
require separate literature. Lexical
similarity 91% with Bokobaru, 85% with Boko,
54% with Kyenga, 50% with Bissa in Burkina
Faso. Classification: Niger-Congo,
Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa More information. |
| Cakfem-Mushere |
[cky] 5,000 (1990 SIL). Plateau State, Mangu
LGA. Alternate names: Chakfem,
Chokfem. Dialects: Kadim-Kaban,
Jajura. Classification:
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas
Proper, 1 More information. |
| Cara |
[cfd] 3,000 (1999 R. Blench). Plateau State,
Bassa LGA, Teriya village. Alternate
names: Chara, Fachara, Nfachara, Fakara,
Pakara, Tera, Teriya, Terri, Tariya.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Plateau, Central, North-Central More information. |
| Centúúm |
[cet] 200 (1992 Crozier and Blench). Bauchi
State, Balanga LGA, Cham town, among the
Dijim. Alternate names: Cen Tuum.
Classification: Language Isolate More information. |
| Che |
[ruk] 100,000 (2003 Blench). Plateau State,
Bassa LGA. Alternate names: Rukuba,
Kuche, Bache, Inchazi, Sale.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A More information. |
| Cibak |
[ckl] 100,000 (1993 CAPRO). Borno State,
Damboa LGA. Alternate names: Chibuk,
Chibok, Chibbak, Chibbuk, Kyibaku, Kibbaku,
Kikuk. Classification: Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 1 More information. |
| Cinda-Regi-Tiyal |
[cdr] 30,000 (1995 S. and S.
Dettweiler). Niger State, Chanchaga, Rafi,
and Mariga LGAs; Kaduna State, Birnin Gwari
LGA. Alternate names: Kamuku.
Dialects: Cinda (Ucinda, Jinda, Majinda,
Tegina, Makangara), Regi, Tiyal (Tiyar,
Kuki). Lexical similarity 90% to 95% among
the three dialects. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku More information. |
| Cineni |
[cie] 3,000 (1998). Borno State, Gwoza LGA,
Cineni village. Classification:
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4,
Mandara Proper, Glavda More information. |
| Cishingini |
[asg] 100,000 (2004 SIL). Niger State, Borgu
and Agwara LGAs, just west of the Niger
River and north of the Kainji Lake National
Park; and Kebbi State, east of the Niger
River from the Yelwa area south to Ngaski
and Nasko. Alternate names:
Ashaganna, Ashingini, Aschingini,
Chisingini, "Maunchi", "Mawanchi", Kambari,
Kamberri, Kamberchi, Yauri, Agwara Kambari.
Dialects: Rofia. A member of the
Kambari cluster, which includes Tsishingini
and Tsikimba. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari More information. |
| Ciwogai |
[tgd] 2,000 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State,
Ganjuwa LGA, Tsagu village and farms in the
vicinity. Near the Diri. Alternate names:
Tsagu, Sago. Dialects: Related to
Diri. Classification: Afro-Asiatic,
Chadic, West, B, B.2 More information. |
| C'lela |
[dri] 90,000 (1993 SIL). Eastern Kebbi
State, Zuru, Sakaba, and Donko-Wasagu LGAs;
Niger State, Rijau LGA; and migrants farther
south. Alternate names: Lela, Lalawa,
Kolela, Cala-Cala, Chilela, Chilala,
Dakarkari, Dakakari, Dakkarkari.
Dialects: Lila (Zuru, Senchi, Southern
Lela), Dabai (Central Lela), Ribah, Adoma
(Aroma, Roma-Na, Roma, Yelmo, Northern
Lela). Lexical similarity 93% to 98% among
dialects at Rade, Ribah, Dabai, and Senchi.
Lexical similarity 55% with Duka, 54% with
the Fakai cluster, 47% with Gwamhi-Wuri, 20%
with Acipa. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka More information. |
| Como Karim |
[cfg] 11,386 (2000 WCD). Taraba State,
Jalingo, Karim Lamido LGAs, near Lau.
Alternate names: Chomo, Shomong, Shomoh,
Nuadhu, Shomo Karim, Kirim, Kiyu, Kinzimba,
Asom. Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo,
Wurbo More information. |
| Cori |
[cry] 1,000 (2004). Kaduna State, Jema'a
LGA, one village and associated hamlets.
Alternate names: Chori.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Hyamic More information. |
| Daba |
[dbq] 1,000 in Nigeria (1992 Crozier and
Blench). Adamawa State, Mubi LGA, between
Mubi and Bahuli, 1 village. Alternate
names: Dabba. Classification:
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.7
More information. |
| Dadiya |
[dbd] 30,000 (1998). Bauchi State, Balanga
LGA; Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA; Adamawa
State, Numan LGA, between Dadiya and Bambam.
Alternate names: Dadia, Daadiya,
Loodiya. Dialects: Tunga (Boleri),
Loofiyo, Kookwila, Loofaa. The dialect names
are also names of settlements.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North,
Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja,
Dadiya More information. |
| Dass |
[dot] 8,830. Population includes 1,130
Lukshi, 4,700 Durr-Baraza, 700 Wandi and
Zumbul, 2,300 Dot (1971 census). Bauchi
State, Akleri, Toro, and Dass LGAs; Plateau
State, Shendam LGA. Alternate names:
Barawa. Dialects: Lukshi (Dekshi),
Durr-Baraza (Bandas), Zumbul (Boodla), Wandi
(Wangday), Dot (Dwat, Zodi, Dott). A dialect
cluster. Classification:
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3 More information. |
| Daza |
[dzd] Bauchi State, Darazo LGA, a few
villages. Alternate names: Dazawa.
Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
West, A More information. |
| Defaka |
[afn] 200 (2001 Blench). Rivers State,
Opobo-Nkoro LGA, in the Niger Delta, town of
Nkoro. Alternate names: Afakani.
Dialects: Related to the Ijo group.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Defaka More information. |
| Degema |
[deg] 10,000 (1999 SIL). Rivers State,
Degema LGA, Usokun-Degema (Usokun) and
Degema Town (Atala) communities.
Alternate names: "Udekama".
Dialects: Atala, Usokun (Kala Degema).
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Edoid, Delta More information. |
| Dendi |
[ddn] 2,050 in Nigeria (2000 WCD). Kebbi
State, Argungu and Bagudo LGAs, on upper
Niger River. Alternate names:
Dandawa. Classification:
Nilo-Saharan, Songhai, Southern More information. |
| Deno |
[dbb] 6,000 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State,
Darazo LGA, 45 km northeast of Bauchi town.
Alternate names: Denawa, Denwa, Be.
Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic,
West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper More information. |
| Dera |
[kna] 20,000 (1973 SIL). Gongola State,
Guyuk LGA; Borno State, Biu LGA.
Alternate names: Kanakuru. Dialects:
Shani, Shellen, Gasi. Classification:
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale,
Dera More information. |
| Dghwede |
[dgh] 30,000 (1980 UBS). Borno State, Gwoza
LGA. Alternate names: Hude, Johode,
Traude, Dehoxde, Tghuade, Toghwede, Wa'a,
Azaghvana, Zaghvana. Classification:
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4,
Mandara Proper, Glavda More information. |
| Dibo |
[dio] 100,000 (1992 Crozier and
Blench). Niger State, Lapai LGA; Federal
Capital Territory; Plateau State, Nasarawa
LGA. Alternate names: Shitako,
Zitako, Zhitako. Ganagana, Ganagawa.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi More information. |
| Dijim-Bwilim |
[cfa] 25,000 (1998). Bauchi State, Balanga
LGA; Gongola State, Numan LGA. Dialects:
Dijim (Cham, Cam), Bwilim (Mwano, Mwona,
Mwomo, Mona, Mwana, Fitilai). Related to
Lotsu-Piri. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen,
Waja, Cham-Mona More information. |
| Diri |
[dwa] 7,196 (2000 WCD). Bauchi State, Ningi
and Darazo LGAs. Alternate names:
Dirya, Diriya, Diryawa. Classification:
Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2 More information. |
| Dirim |
[dir] 9,000 (1992). Taraba State, Bali LGA.
Alternate names: Dirin, Dirrim, Daka,
Dakka. Dialects: Close to Samba Daka
and may be a dialect. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Dakoid More information. |
| Doka |
[dbi] 11,386 (2000 WCD). Kaduna State,
Kachia LGA, 1 village. Classification:
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo,
Benue-Congo, Plateau, Northern More information. |
| Doko-Uyanga |
[uya] 200. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA,
several villages. Alternate names:
Uyanga, Dosanga, Basanga, Iko.
Classification: Niger-Congo,
Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo,
Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross,
Agoi-Doko-Iyoniyong More information. |