Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, shaped by several hundred ethnic groups and hundreds of languages, is a key factor in the country’s social and economic welfare. The diverse cultural variety defines Nigeria’s identity and fosters sustainable development. This diversity, which strengthens resilience and supports growth, is a testament to the ability of communities to thrive in a dynamic world. However, Nigeria’s diversity also brings complex challenges, affecting social cohesion and development. Embracing this diversity, and the inclusivity it represents, allows Nigeria—and Africa as a whole—to build a sustainable future that values cultural richness and the contributions of all its communities.
Cultural diversity in Nigeria
Nigeria’s cultural landscape is profoundly shaped by its diverse ethnic composition, with over 250 ethnic groups and 527 languages, of which seven are extinct, and more than 1,150 dialects (National Bureau of Statistics 2024). The largest groups include the Hausas in the north, Yorubas in the southwest, and Igbos in the southeast, though many other groups enrich the nation’s cultural tapestry. Cultural diversity in Nigeria fosters inclusivity, allowing diverse groups to contribute their unique perspectives and practices. Such diversity, from factors like religion, ethnicity, and race, enhances cultural richness and supports sustainable development by promoting economic growth and expanding life choices (Inglis 2008).
Cultural diversity in Nigeria has also been closely linked to the nation’s socio-economic and political challenges (Green 2013). As the most populous African country, Nigeria’s population of approximately 190 million spans a wide range of norms, beliefs, and languages that profoundly shape individual and communal identities (National Bureau of Statistics 2024). This diversity, encompassing various aspects of identity — such as gender, religion, education, and socio-economic status — adds to Nigeria’s complexity. Nigeria may appear culturally unified, but its colonial history left a legacy of blended cultures and artificial boundaries from the 1914 amalgamation, resulting in an intricate and vibrant cultural landscape.
Strategies for sustainable cultural tourism
In Odo’s thesis (2024), Nigeria’s cultural diversity within sustainable socio-cultural tourism is emphasized, aligning closely with the country’s rich ethnic tapestry and its role in development. With over 250 ethnic groups, Nigeria’s diversity is a foundation for cultural tourism that celebrates and respects each community’s unique traditions and beliefs. Sustainable tourism practices, such as community-based tourism initiatives and cultural heritage preservation, can reinforce cultural diversity by promoting an inclusive approach to tourism that fosters local engagement and preserves cultural heritage. This perspective aligns with the belief that each cultural group contributes to Nigeria’s societal fabric, enhancing the nation’s capacity for inclusivity and mutual respect.
Odo (2024) further illustrates that ICT applications play a crucial role in bolstering these efforts by broadening the accessibility of cultural sites and streamlining tourism operations, which in turn support cultural sustainability. Technology not only aids in marketing but also provides essential tools for managing tourism activities and safeguarding cultural resources.
Despite the potential for cultural tourism to drive economic growth, challenges such as limited infrastructure and inadequate collaboration among stakeholders can hinder sustainable efforts. To address these, Odo (2024) recommends initiatives that build local capacities, improve infrastructure and foster partnerships across government, communities, and businesses. Thus, sustainable tourism practices, supported by ICT, are seen as instrumental in reinforcing Nigeria’s cultural diversity and contributing to a harmonious, prosperous future for its communities.
Authors
Casmir Odo graduated with a Bachelor of Hospitality Management from LAB University of Applied Sciences in 2024.
Johanna Heinonen is a Senior Lecturer and RDI Specialist at LAB University of Applied Sciences.
References
Green, E. 2013. Explaining African ethnic diversity. International Political Science Review, 34(3), 235–253. Cited 12 Oct 2024. Available at https://doi.org/10.1177/0192512112455075
Inglis, C.2008. Planning for cultural diversity. Cited 12 Oct 2024. Available at https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000159778
National Bureau of Statistic. 2024. Population 2006-2016. Cited 10 Oct 2024. Available at https://nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary/read/474
Odo, C. 2024. The impact of sustainable social cultural tourism: ICT and technology applications in the tourism industry. Thesis. LAB University of Applied Sciences. Tourism and hospitality management. Cited 25 Nov 2024. Available at https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024112028914
raej84. 2017. Nigeria, lapsi, onnellinen, Afrikka. Pixabay. Cited 10 Oct 2024. Available at https://pixabay.com/fi/photos/nigeria-lapsi-onnellinen-afrikka-2109340/
