There are also a lot of negative preconceptions about Nigerian people due to stereotypes due to for example online fraud scams.

But Nigeria is like most other worldwide destinations and you will encounter people of all different races, religions and social groups. If you are planning on travelling to Nigeria and wondering what Nigerian people are like, Gabriel Eziorobo who lives in Nigeria shares his honest experience.

 

1. Friendly people

When booking a tour of Nigeria or exploring the country most people you will encounter will be very welcoming and open both in the large cities and rural areas. You will likely be greeted with big smiles and warmt rather than any malace. If you go and volunteer in Nigeria you will get to work alongside local staff and really get to know local people. 

 

2. The party type

Nigerian people love to party and enjoy living and there are lots of lively bars and clubs located throughout the country. Some people spend alll their money on partying, and even if there is a private function or event, you will still see them in the party. Nigerians love to eat all kinds of food, drink and entertainment.

 

3. The quiet people

I belonged to this set of people. We don't go out always but we can stay at home 24 hours a day and be content. We have friends but are not overly keen to go out and be social, we can be content with relaxing and enjoying the quiet side to life like watching tv and browsing the internet.

 

4. The two sided people

Unfortunately as with other countries, there are lots of two faced people in Nigeria. They are your friends when they need a favor from you or when you are with money. As soon as you help them, they disappear and never return until they need you again.

 

5. The foodies

Nigerian people love food and there are so many tasty delicies available to eat. You can always find Nigerian food lovers at fast food joints or restaurants, sometimes eating out three times a day!

In large cities like Lagos, Kano, Ibadan, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Benin City and Maiduguri you can find amazing value cafes and restraurts selling local food which you need to try.

If you want to give you tastebuds a treat be sure to try some local favourites like jollof rice, akara, bean and plantain pottage, ify nzeka, suya, zobo, moin moin, edikangikong, dodo, apon, puff puff, pepper soup, chin chin, banga, efo riro, igbin, ila alasepo, ewa agoyin, ekpang nkukwo, obe egusi, nkwobi, ewedu and afang stew

 

6. The fighters

Some people in Nigeria are very poor but have resilience and are known to be some of the hardest working people on the continent.

 

7. The lavish spenders

Nigeria is often portrayed as a poor country but Nigeria has some of the wealthiest people in the world living here.

Nigeria has a developing economy and is oil rich making more and more people wealthy. You can usually spot these types of people straightaway and you know they have money. 

 

8. Educated people

You might be surpised to learn that Nigeria has one of the best educational systems in the whole of Africa with high literacy rates.

Nigerians are very well educated due to top rated instutions and teachers. Many people are also fluent in English. Hundreds of international students now apply to study abroad in Nigeria every year.

 

By Gabriel Eziorobo

 

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