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Languages of Nigeria

source: http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=Nigeria

See language map.
[See also SIL publications on the languages of Nigeria.]

Federal Republic of Nigeria. National or official languages: Edo, Efik, Adamawa Fulfulde, Hausa, Idoma, Igbo, Yerwa Kanuri, Yoruba, English. 106,409,000 (1998 UN). 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 1998-1999; B. Connell 1998-1999; U. Siebert 1998-1999. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion. Blind population 800,000 (1982 WCE). Deaf institutions: 22. Data accuracy estimate: A2, B. The number of languages listed for Nigeria is 515. Of those, 505 are living languages, 2 are second languages without mother tongue speakers, and 8 are extinct. Diversity index 0.88.

Spoken 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.
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, OTABHA (OTAPHA), OKPEDEN. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta, Abua-Odual. More information.
ACIPA, EASTERN	[AWA] 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). 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). 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 both countries 25,000. 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. 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.
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). 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] A few hundred (1998 Blench). Ondo State, Ekiti LGA, Ajowa, Igashi, and Omou towns. Alternate names: AHAAN. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Ayere-Ahan.
AKE	[AIK] 2,000 (1999 R. Blench). Nasarawa State, Lafia LGA, 3 villages. Alternate names: AIKE, AKYE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B. More information.
AKPA	[AKF] 5,500 (1952 Robert G. Armstrong). Benue State, Otukpo LGA. Alternate names: AKWEYA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Yatye-Akpa. More information.
AKPES	[IBE] 10,000 or more (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. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Akpes. 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, Cross River, Unclassified. More information.
ALAGO	[ALA] 35,000 (1973 SIL). 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. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi. More information.
AMBO	[AMB] 1,000 or fewer. Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, 1 village east of Baissa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid.
AMO	[AMO] 3,550 (1950). Plateau State, Bassa LGA; Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Alternate names: AMON, AMONG, TIMAP, BA. 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	[AKK] 48,000 or more, including 45,000 Igasi, 3,000 Uro (1986 in Crozier and Blench 1992). 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, OKE-AGBE), ÒGE (ÒWÒN ÒGÈ), AJE, ESE (ÒWÒN ÈSÉ), IGASI (ÌGÀSHÍ, ÒWÒN ÌGÁSÍ). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Akokoid. More information.
ARUM-TESU	[AAB] 4,000 to 5,000 (1999 Blench). Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA, near Wamba. Arum is 7 villages and Tesu is 1. Alternate names: ARUM-CESU, ARUM-CHESSU, ALUMU. Dialects: ARUM, TESU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Unclassified. More information.
ASHE	[AHS] (35,000 including Begbere-Ejar; 1972 Barrett). Kaduna State, Kachia LGA. Alternate names: KORON ACHE, ACHE, ALA, KORON ALA, KORO MAKAMA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Koro. More information.
ASU	[AUM] 5,000 or fewer (1998 R. 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.
ATEN	[GAN] 40,000 (1988 Kjenstad). Plateau State, Barakin Ladi LGA; Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. Alternate names: GANAWURI, ETIEN, JAL, TEN, NITEN. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Central, North-Central. More information.
ATSAM	[CCH] 30,000 (1972 Barrett). Kaduna State, Kachia LGA. Alternate names: CAWAI, CAWE, CAWI, CHAWAI, CHAWE, CHAWI. 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 or more (Blench 1992:18). Kwara State, Oyi LGA, Kabba district. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Ayere-Ahan.
AYU	[AYU] 4,000 (1976 SIL). Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. Alternate names: AYA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Ayu. More information.
BAAN	[BVJ] 5,000 or fewer (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.
BAANGI	[BQX] 15,000 estimate (1996). Northern Niger State. Alternate names: CIBAANGI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari.
BACAMA	[BAM] 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. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. More information.
BADA	[BAU] 10,000 (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. 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. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.1, Bade Proper. More information.
BAKPINKA	[BBS] 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. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang. More information.
BANGWINJI	[BSJ] 6,000 or fewer (1992 Crozier and Blench). Bauchi State, Balanga, Billiri, and Kaltungo LGAs. Alternate names: BANGUNJI, BANGJINGE. Dialects: KAALO, NAABAN. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Tula. More information.
BARIBA	[BBA] 100,000 in Nigeria (1995 R. Jones SIM). Kwara State, Borgu LGA; Niger State. Alternate names: BAATONUN, BATONNUM, BATONU, BAATONUN-KWARA, BARGU, BURGU, BORGU, BORGAWA, BERBA, BARBA, BOGUNG, ZANA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Bariba. 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. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Basa. More information.
BASA-GURMANA	[BUJ] 2,000 or more (Blench 1987). 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.
BASSA-KONTAGORA	[BSR] 10 speakers (1987). 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 both countries 152,500. Alternate names: GBWATA, BATTA, DEMSA BATA, GBOATI, GBWATE, BETE, BIRSA, DUNU. Dialects: ZUMU (ZOMO, JIMO), WADI (WA'I), MALABU, KOBOTACHI, RIBAW, DEMSA, GAROUA, JIRAI. 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. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. More information.
BAUCHI	[BSF] 20,000 or fewer (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.
BEELE	[BXQ] 120 (1922 Temple). Bauchi State, near the Bole, a few villages. Alternate names: BELE, ÀBÉÉLÉ, BELLAWA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. More information.
BEGBERE-EJAR	[BQV] 35,000 including Ashe (1972 Barrett). 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, Platoid, 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). 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. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Southern. More information.
BETE	[BYF] Few speakers out of 3,000 population (1992). Taraba State, Takum LGA, Bete town, at the foot of Bete mountain. Classification: Unclassified. 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. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. More information.
BINA	[BYJ] 2,000 (1973 SIL). 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). Biyelsa State, Yenagoa LGA. Alternate names: BUSENI, AMEGI, NORTHEAST CENTRAL IJO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Central, Oruma-Northeast Central, Northeast Central. More information.
BITARE	[BRE] 46,300 in Nigeria. Population total both countries 50,000 (1971 Welmers). Alternate names: NJWANDE, YUKUTARE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. More information.
BO-RUKUL	[MAE] 1,000 to 2,000, including 1,000 in each dialect (1998 Daniel Nettle). Plateau State, Bokkos LGA, Barkul, Mabo, Richa, Horom, Mwa villages. Alternate names: MABO-BARKUL, MABO-BARUKUL, 'KALERI'. Dialects: BO, RUKUL. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Southeastern. More information.
BOGA	[BOD] 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. 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 Ross Jones SIM), including 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. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa. More information.
BOKYI	[BKY] 140,000 in Nigeria (1989 SIL). Population total both countries 144,000. 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.
BOZO, SOROGAMA	[BZE] Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi states, Lake Kainji. Alternate names: SOROGAMA, COROGAMA, SORKO, SARKANCI, SARKAWA, JENAMA, NONONKE, 'BOSO'. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Samogo, Soninke-Bobo, Soninke-Boso, Boso, Sorogama. More information.
BU	[JID] 6,000 including 4,000 Bu and 2,000 Ninkada (1999 R. Blench). Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA, 4 villages. Alternate names: JIDA-ABU, JIDDA-ABU, JIDA, IBUT, NAKARE. Dialects: BU (ABU), NINKADA (JIDA). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. More information.
BUDUMA	[BDM] 3,000 in Nigeria. Borno State, on islands in Lake Chad. Alternate names: BOUDOUMA, YEDINA, YEDIMA, YIDANA. Dialects: BUDUMA, KURI (KOURI, KAKAA). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, B, B.1, Buduma. More information.
BUKWEN	[BUZ] Taraba State, near Takum, 1 village. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Beboid.
BUMAJI	[BYP] Cross River State, Obudu LGA, Bumaji town. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
BURA-PABIR	[BUR] 250,000 (1987 UBS), including 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). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 1. 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.
BURE	[BVH] 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] Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, east of Baissa, a village near Batu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Unclassified.
BUSA	[BQP] 20,000 first language speakers, 20,000 second language users (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. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa. More information.
C'LELA	[DRI] 90,000 or more (1993 Dettweiler SIL). Eastern Kebbi State, Zuru, Sakaba, and Donko-Wasagu LGAs; Niger State, Rijau LGA; and migrants farther south. Alternate names: LELA, LALAWA, C'LELA, 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). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka. 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.
CARA	[CFD] 3,000 or fewer (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, Platoid, Plateau, Central, North-Central. More information.
CENTÚÚM	[CET] Small (1992 Crozier and Blench). Bauchi State, Balanga LGA, Cham town, among the Dijim. Alternate names: CEN TUUM. Classification: Unclassified. More information.
CHE	[RUK] 50,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Bassa LGA. Alternate names: RUKUBA, KUCHE, BACHE, INCHAZI, SALE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, 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	[KAU] 30,000 or more (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). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku. More information.
CINENI	[CIE] 3,000 or more (1998). Borno State, Gwoza LGA, Cineni village. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Glavda. More information.
CISHINGINI	[ASG] 80,000 (1996). Niger State, Borgu and Agwara LGAs, just west of the Niger River and north of the Kainji game 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. 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. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2. More information.
COMO KARIM	[CFG] 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, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Wurbo. More information.
CORI	[CRY] Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA, one village and associated hamlets. Alternate names: CHORI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Jaba.
DABA	[DAB] 1,000 or fewer (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. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Dadiya. More information.
DASS	[DOT] 8,830 including 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). 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] 1,000 or fewer (1992 Crozier and Blench). Rivers State, Bonny LGA, in the Niger Delta, town of Nkoro. Alternate names: AFAKANI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Defaka. More information.
DEGEMA	[DEG] 10,000 (SIL). Rivers State, Degema LGA, Usokun-Degema (Usokun) and Degema Town (Atala) communities. Dialects: ATALA, USOKUN (KALA DEGEMA). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Delta. More information.
DENDI	[DEN] 839 in Nigeria (1925 Meek). 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 or fewer (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). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Cham-Mona. More information.
DIRI	[DWA] 3,750 (1971). 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. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Dakoid. More information.
DOKA	[DBI] Kaduna State, Kachia LGA, 1 village. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Northern. More information.
DOKO-UYANGA	[UYA] A few. Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA, several towns. Alternate names: UYANGA, DOSANGA, BASANGA, IKO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Agoi-Doko-Iyoniyong.
DONG	[DOH] 5,000 or fewer (Blench 1998). Taraba State, Zing LGA; Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa LGA. Alternate names: DONGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Dakoid. More information.
DUGURI	[DBM] 20,000 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa LGAs; Plateau State, Kanam LGA. Alternate names: DUGURAWA, DUGARWA, DUGURANCHI, DUKURI. Dialects: GAR DUGURI, BADARA DUGURI, NORTHEAST DUGURI, SOUTHWEST DUGURI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. More information.
DUGUZA	[DZA] 2,000 (1973 SIL). Bauchi State, Toro LGA; Plateau State, Jos South LGA. Alternate names: DUGUSA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. More information.
DUHWA	[KBZ] 800 (1973 SIL). Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA, Kerifa village. Alternate names: KARFA, KERIFA, NZUHWI. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper. More information.
DULBU	[DBO] 100 (1993). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA, Dulbu village southeast of Bauchi town. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. More information.
DUNGU	[DBV] 310 (1949). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA, Dungi town. Alternate names: DUNGI, DINGI, DWINGI, DUNJAWA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru. More information.
DUWAI	[DBP] Yobe State, Bade LGA; Kano State, Hadejia LGA. Alternate names: EVJI, EASTERN BADE. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.1, Duwai. More information.
DZA	[JEN] 6,100 (1952). Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, and Adamawa State, Numan LGA, Jen town, east of Karim-Lamido town, south of Bambuka town, by the Benue River bank. Alternate names: JANJO, JENJO, JEN. Dialects: KAIGAMA, LAREDO (ARDIDO), JAULE (JOOLE). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen. More information.
DZODINKA	[ADD] Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, 1 village on the Cameroon border. Alternate names: ADERE, ADIRI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nkambe. More information.
EBIRA	[IGB] 1,000,000 (1989 J. Adive). Kwara State, Okene, Okehi, and Kogi LGAs; Nasarawa State, Nasarawa LGA; Edo State, Akoko-Edo LGA. Alternate names: IGBIRRA, IGBARRA, IBARA, KOTOKORI, KATAWA, KWOTTO, IGBIRA, EGBIRA, EGBURA. Dialects: OKENE (HIMA, IHIMA), IGARA (ETUNO), KOTO (IGU, EGU, IKA, BIRA, BIRI, PANDA). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Ebira-Gade. More information.
EBUGHU	[EBG] 5,000 or more (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Mbo and Oron LGAs. Alternate names: ORON. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ebughu. More information.
EDO	[EDO] 1,000,000 (1987 UBS). Bendel State, Ovia, Oredo, and Orhionmwon LGAs. Alternate names: BINI, BENIN, ADDO, OVIEDO, OVIOBA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Edo-Esan-Ora. More information.
EFAI	[EFA] 5,000 or more (1988). Population total both countries 5,000 or more. Alternate names: EFFIAT. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Efai. More information.
EFIK	[EFK] 400,000 first language speakers (1998), 2,400,000 including second language users (1998). Cross River State, Calabar Municipality, Odukpani and Akamkpa LGAs. Alternate names: CALABAR. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Efik. More information.
EFUTOP	[OFU] 10,000 (1973 SIL). Cross River State, Ikom LGA. Alternate names: OFUTOP, AGBARAGBA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid. More information.
EGGON	[EGO] 140,368 (1990). Nasarawa State, Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga, Lafia, Awe, and Obi LGAs. Alternate names: EGON, MO EGON, MADA EGGON, HILL MADA, MADA DUTSE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B. More information.
EHUEUN	[EHU] 5,766 (1963). Ondo State, Akoko South LGA. Alternate names: EKPIMI, EKPENMEN, EPIMI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Osse. More information.
EJAGHAM	[ETU] 60,000 to 70,000 in Nigeria (1998 John Watters SIL). Population total both countries 105,000 to 120,000. Alternate names: EKOI. Dialects: SOUTHERN EJAGHAM (EKIN, QUA, KWA, AQUA, ABAKPA), WESTERN EJAGHAM, EASTERN EJAGHAM. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid. More information.
EKAJUK	[EKA] 30,000 (1986 Asinya). Cross River State, Ogoja LGA, Bansara, Nwang, Ntara 1, 2, and 3, and Ebanibim towns. Alternate names: AKAJO, AKAJUK. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid. More information.
EKI	[EKI] 5,000 or more (1988, in Crozier and Blench 1992:36). Cross River State, northeast of Efik, south of Idere. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo. More information.
EKIT	[EKE] 200,000 (1989). Akwa Ibom State, Uquo Ibeno and Eket LGAs. Alternate names: EKET. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ekit. More information.
EKPEYE	[EKP] 30,000 (1973 SIL). Rivers State, Ahoada LGA; Bayelsa State, Yenagoa LGA. Alternate names: EKPABYA, EKKPAHIA, EKPAFFIA. Dialects: AKO, UPATA, UBYE, IGBUDUYA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Ekpeye. More information.
ELEME	[ELM] 58,000 (1990 UBS). Rivers State, Otelga LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Ogoni, West. More information.
ELOYI	[AFO] 25,000 (SIL). Plateau State, Awe and Nasarawa LGAs; Benue State, Otukpo LGA. Alternate names: AFO, AFU, AHO, AFAO, EPE, KEFFI. Dialects: MBECI, MBAMU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Eloyi. More information.
EMAI-IULEHA-ORA	[EMA] 100,000 (1987 Schaefer). Edo State, Owan LGA. Alternate names: KUNIBUM, IVBIOSAKON. Dialects: IVHIMION, EMAI, IULEHA, ORA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Edo-Esan-Ora. More information.
ENGENNI	[ENN] 20,000 (1980 UBS). Rivers State, Ahoada LGA; Bayelsa State, Yenagoa LGA. Alternate names: NGENE, EGENE. Dialects: EDIRO, INEDUA, OGUA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Delta. More information.
ENGLISH	[ENG] Second language speakers: 1,000,000 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English. More information.
ENWAN	[ENW] 15,000 (1998 B. Connell). Akwa Ibom State, Mbo LGA. Alternate names: ORON. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Enwang-Uda. More information.
EPIE	[EPI] 12,000 (1973 SIL). Rivers State, Yenagoa LGA. Alternate names: EPIE-ATISSA. Dialects: ATISA (ATISSA). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Delta. More information.
ERUWA	[ERH] Delta State, Isoko LGA. Alternate names: EROHWA, ERAKWA, AROKWA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern. More information.
ESAN	[ISH] 200,000 (1973 SIL) including 7,000 Ekpon in 7 villages (1998). Edo State, Agbazko, Okpebho, Owan, and Etsako LGAs. Alternate names: ISHAN, ISA, ESA, ANWAIN. Dialects: EKPON, IGUEBEN. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Edo-Esan-Ora. More information.
ETEBI	[ETB] 15,000 (1989). Akwa Ibom State, Uquo Ibeno LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ekit. More information.
ETKYWAN	[ICH] 40,000 to 50,000 (1992). Taraba State, Takum, Sardauna, Bali, and part of Wukari LGAs. Alternate names: ICEN, ICHEN, ITCHEN, ETEKWE, KYATO, KYANTON, KENTU, NYIDU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Kpan-Icen. More information.
ETULO	[UTR] 10,000 (1988 Shain). Benue State, Gboko LGA; Taraba State, Wukari LGA. Alternate names: ETURO, UTUR, TURUMAWA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Etulo. More information.
EVANT	[BZZ] 10,000 or fewer in Nigeria (1996 R. Hedinger). Population total both countries 11,000 or fewer. Alternate names: EVAND, AVAND, AVANDE, OVAND, OVANDE, OVANDO, BALEGETE, BELEGETE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. More information.
FALI	[FLI] 20,000 or more (1990 in Crozier and Blench 1992:39), including 5,000 or fewer in Vin (1995 SIL). Adamawa State, Mubi and Michjika LGAs, 4 principal villages. Alternate names: FALI OF MUBI, FALI OF MUCHELLA, VIMTIM, YIMTIM. Dialects: VIN (UROOVIN, UVIN, VIMTIM), HULI (BAHULI, URAHULI), MADZARIN (URA MADZARIN, MUCHELLA), BWEEN (URAMBWEEN, BAGIRA). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. More information.
FALI OF BAISSA	[FAH] Some speakers left (1992 Crozier and Blench). Southern Taraba State, Falinga Plateau region. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Unclassified. Nearly extinct. More information.
FAM	[FAM] 1,000 or fewer (1984). Taraba State, Bali LGA, 17 km. east of Kungana. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Fam. More information.
FIRAN	[FIR] 1,500 or fewer (1991 C. Regnier). Plateau State, Barkin Ladi LGA, Kwakwi Station south of Jos. Alternate names: FARAN, FORON, YES FIRAN, KWAKWI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Central, South-Central. More information.
FULFULDE, ADAMAWA	[FUB] All Fulfulde in Nigeria: 7,611,000 or 8.6% of the population (1991 SIL). East central Nigeria, Taraba and Adamawa States, center in Yola. Alternate names: EASTERN FULFULDE, FULATANCHI, FULANI, FULA, FILLANCI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fulani, Eastern. More information.
FULFULDE, BENIN-TOGO	[FUE] South and west of the Niger River, from the corner where Nigeria, Niger, and Benin meet, down to about 50 km. south of where a big tributary joins the Niger River from the east, and following the Niger River south to the delta. The southern boundary is a rough east-west line from a point below the intersection of the rivers to about 75 km. south of the angle in the Benin-Nigeria border, where the border bends from almost straight north-south to about 30 km. nearly due east. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fulani, West Central. More information.
FULFULDE, NIGERIAN	[FUV] 7,611,000 all Fulfulde in Nigeria (1991 SIL), including 340,000 in Sokoto. Population total all countries 7,611,000. Alternate names: KANO-KATSINA-BORORRO FULFULDE. Dialects: KANO-KATSINA, BORORRO (BORORO, MBORORO, AKO, NOMADIC FULFULDE), SOKOTO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fulani, East Central. More information.
FUM	[FUM] Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Antere, on the Cameroon border. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields. More information.
FUNGWA	[ULA] 1,000 (1992 Blench). Niger State, Rafi LGA. Alternate names: TUFUNGWA, AFUNGWA, URA, ULA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku. More information.
FYAM	[PYM] 12,000 (1998 Daniel Nettle). Plateau State, Jos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu LGAs. Alternate names: FYEM, PYEM, PAIEM, GYEM, FEM, PEM. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Southeastern. More information.
FYER	[FIE] 20,000 to 30,000 (1999 R. Blench). Plateau State, Mangu LGA, Fyer District. Alternate names: FIER. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Fyer. More information.
GA'ANDA	[GAA] 43,000 (1992). Adamawa State, Gombi LGA. Some also in Song, Guyuk, and Mubi LGAs, and Borno State, Biu LGA. Alternate names: GA'ANDU, GANDA, MOKAR, MAKWAR. Dialects: GA'ANDA, GABIN. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Eastern. More information.
GAA	[TTB] 10,000 or fewer (1997 Boyd). Adamawa State, Ganye LGA; Tiba Plateau, between Garba Sbege and Jada, north of the Shebshi Mountains. Alternate names: TIBA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Dakoid.
GADE	[GED] 60,000 (1977 Sterk). Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State, Nasarawa LGA. Alternate names: GEDE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Ebira-Gade. More information.
GALAMBU	[GLO] 20,000 (1993). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA. Alternate names: GALAMBI, GALAMBE, GALEMBI. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. More information.
GBAGYI	[GBR] 700,000 (1991 SIL). Niger State, Rafi, Chanchaga, Shiroro, Suleija LGAs; Kaduna State, Kachia LGA; Nasarawa State, Keffi, Nasarawa LGAs; Federal Capital Territory. Alternate names: IBAGYI, GBAGYE, GWARI, EAST GWARI, GWARI MATAI. Dialects: TAWARI, KUTA, DIKO, KARU, KADUNA, LOUOME, VWEZHI, NGENGE (GENGE, GYANGE, GYENGYEN). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Gbagyi-Gbari. More information.
GBAGYI NKWA	[GBW] 50,000 or more (1992 Crozier and Blench). Niger State, Rafi LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Gbagyi-Gbari. More information.
GBARI	[GBY] 300,000 (1991 SIL). From Zungeru in Niger State to the Kaduna River in the north, southeast through Minna and Paiko to a little past Kwali in the Federal Capital Territory. Niger State, Chanchaga, Suleija, Agaie, and Lapai LGAs; Nasarawa State, Nasarawa LGA. Alternate names: GBARI YAMMA, GWARI YAMMA, WEST GWARI, NKWA. Dialects: KWALI, IZEM, GAYEGI, PAIKO, BOTAI, JEZHU, KONG, KWANGE (KANGYE, AGBAWI, WAKE, WI), WAHE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Gbagyi-Gbari. More information.
GBAYA, NORTHWEST	[GYA] Very few in Nigeria. Taraba State, Bali LGA. Alternate names: BAYA. Dialects: GBEYA (GBEA). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya, Gbaya. More information.
GBIRI-NIRAGU	[GRH] 5,000 (1952 Westermann and Bryan). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Alternate names: GURE-KAHUGU. Dialects: GBIRI (IGBIRI, AGARI, AGBIRI, GURA, GURE), NIRAGU (KAHUGU, KAPUGU, KAFUGU, KAGU, ANIRAGO). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru. More information.
GEJI	[GEZ] 6,000 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Toro LGA. Alternate names: GEZAWA, GEJAWA, KAYAURI. Dialects: BOLU (MAGANG, PELU), GEJI (GYAAZI, GEZAWA, GAEJAWA), ZARANDA (BUU). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper. More information.
GENGLE	[GEG] Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa and Fufore LGAs. Alternate names: WEGELE, MOMU, YAGELE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye. More information.
GERA	[GEW] 200,000 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Bauchi and Ganjuwa LGAs, Bauchi town. Alternate names: GERAWA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. More information.
GERUMA	[GEA] 4,700 (1971). Bauchi State, Toro, Ganjuwa, Bauchi, and Southern Ningi LGAs. Alternate names: GEREMA, GERMA. Dialects: SUM, DUURUM. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. More information.
GHOTUO	[AAA] 9,000 (1952). Edo State, Owan and Akoko-Edo LGAs. Alternate names: OTWA, OTUO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
GIBANAWA	[GIB] Sokoto State, Jega LGA, near the Dukawa. Alternate names: GEMBANAWA, GIMBANAWA, JEGA. Classification: Pidgin, Hausa based. More information.
GIIWO	[KKS] 14,000 (1998 SIL). Bauchi State, Alkaleri, Bauchi, and Darazo LGAs. Alternate names: BU GIIWO, KIRFI, KIRIFI, KIRIFAWA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. More information.
GLAVDA	[GLV] 20,000 in Nigeria (1963). Population total both countries 22,800. Alternate names: GALAVDA, GELEBDA, GLANDA, GUELEBDA, GALVAXDAXA. Dialects: BOKWA, NGOSHIE (NGWESHE), GLAVDA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Glavda. More information.
GOEMAI	[ANK] 200,000 or more (1995). Plateau State, Shendam; Nasarawa State, Lafia and Awe LGAs. Alternate names: ANKWAI, ANKWEI, ANKWE, KEMAI. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2. More information.
GOKANA	[GKN] 100,000 (1989). Rivers State, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme LGAs. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Ogoni, East. More information.
GUDE	[GDE] 68,000 in Nigeria (1987). Population total both countries 96,000. Alternate names: GOUDE, CHEKE, TCHADE, SHEDE, MAPODI, MAPUDA, MUDAYE, MOCIGIN, MOTCHEKIN. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. More information.
GUDU	[GDU] 5,000 (1993). Adamawa State, Song LGA. Alternate names: GUDO, GUTU. Dialects: KUMBI. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. More information.
GUDUF-GAVA	[GDF] 20,000 in Nigeria (1963). Population total both countries 22,500. Alternate names: GUDUPE, AFKABIYE. Dialects: CIKIDE (CHIKIDE), GUDUF, GAVA (YAGHWATADAXA, YAWOTATAXA). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Glavda. More information.
GUN-GBE	[GUW] 180,000 to 300,000 in Nigeria. Lagos State, Badagry LGA. Alternate names: GU~GBE, GUN-ALADA. Dialects: ALADA (ALADA-GBE), ASENTO, GBEKON, GUN (GU~, EGUN, GOUN), PHELA, SAVI, WEME. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja. More information.
GUPA-ABAWA	[GPA] 15,000 or more including 10,000 or more Gupa, 5,000 Abawa (1989). Niger State, Lapai LGA, around Gupa and Edzu villages. Dialects: GUPA, ABAWA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe. More information.
GURMANA	[GRC] 3,000 (1989). Niger State, Shiroro LGA, Gurmana town and nearby hamlets. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Baushi-Gurmana.
GURUNTUM-MBAARU	[GRD] 15,000 (1993). Bauchi State, Bauchi and Alkaleri LGAs. Alternate names: GURUNTUM, GURDUNG. Dialects: DOOKA, GAR, GAYAR, KARAKARA, KUUKU, MBAARU. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Guruntum. More information.
GVOKO	[NGS] 20,000 or more in Nigeria (1990). Population total both countries 20,000 or more. Alternate names: GEVOKO, GHBOKO, GAVOKO, KUVOKO, NGOSSI, NGOSHI, NGOSHE-NDHANG, NGWESHE-NDAGHAN, NGOSHE SAMA, NGGWESHE. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Glavda. More information.
GWA	[GWB] 1,000 or fewer (1971). Bauchi State, Toro LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. More information.
GWAMHI-WURI	[BGA] 8,000 (1973 SIL). Kebbi State, Wasugu LGA, Danko-Maga area, and Niger State, Magama LGA, Dusai and Kwimu. The Gwamfawa are around Danko and the Wurawa around Maga. Migrants are in Niger State. Alternate names: LYASE, LYASE-NE. Dialects: GWAMHI (GWAMFANCI, GWAMFI GWAMFAWA, ABAANGI, BANGA, BANGANCI, BANGAWA), WURI (WURANCI, WURAWA). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka. More information.
GWANDARA	[GWN] 30,000 (1973 SIL). Niger State, Suleija LGA; Federal Capital Territory; Kaduna State, Kachia LGA; Nasarawa State, Keffi, Lafia, Nasarawa, and Akwanga LGAs. Alternate names: KWANDARA. Dialects: GWANDARA KARASHI, GWANDARA KORO, GWANDARA SOUTHERN (KYAN KYAR), GWANDARA EASTERN (TONI), GWANDARA GITATA, NIMBIA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.1. More information.
GYEM	[GYE] 1,000 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Toro LGA. Alternate names: GYEMAWA, GEMA, GEMAWA, GYAM. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. More information.
HAM	[JAB] 100,000 (1994 UBS). Kaduna State, Kachia and Jema'a LGAs; Nasarawa State, Keffi LGA. Alternate names: HYAMHUM, JABA, JABBA, JEBA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Jaba. More information.
HASHA	[YBJ] 3,000 (1999 Blench). Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA, 3 villages: Hashasu, Kusu, and Bwora. Alternate names: YASHI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B. More information.
HAUSA	[HUA] 18,525,000 in Nigeria (1991 SIL). Population total all countries 24,200,000 first language speakers, 39,000,000 including second language speakers (1999 WA). Alternate names: HAUSAWA, HAOUSSA, ABAKWARIGA, MGBAKPA, HABE, KADO. Dialects: KANO, KATAGUM, HADEJIYA, SOKOTO, GOBIRAWA, ADARAWA, KEBBAWA, ZAMFARAWA, KATSINA, AREWA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.1. More information.
HOLMA	[HOD] 4 (1987 Blench in 1992 Crozier and Blench). Adamawa State, north of Sorau on the Cameroon border. Alternate names: DA HOLMACI, BALI HOLMA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. Nearly extinct. More information.
HOROM	[HOE] 1,500 or fewer (1998 Blench). Plateau State, Bokkos LGA. Alternate names: 'KALERI'. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Southeastern. More information.
HUBA	[KIR] 175,000 (1992). Adamawa State, Hong, Maiha, Gombi, and Mubi LGAs. Alternate names: KILBA, CHOBBA. Dialects: LUWA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 2. More information.
HUN-SAARE	[DUD] 73,000 including 10,000 outside the traditional area (1985 Patience Ahmed). Kebbi State, Wasagu and Yauri LGAs; Niger State, Rijau LGA, and migrants farther south. Dialect centers are Rijau-Senjir, Dukku-Iri, Zente-Dogo, and Darengi. Alternate names: DUKA, DUKAWA, DUKWA, DUKANCI, DUKANCHI. Dialects: EASTERN DUKA (HUN, ET-HUN, HUNE), WESTERN DUKA (ES-SAARE). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka. More information.
HUNGWORO	[NAT] 1,000 (1949; 1956 H.D. Gunn). Niger State, Rafi LGA, around Kagara and Maikujeri towns. Alternate names: NGWOI, NKWOI, NGWE, INGWO, INGWE, UNGWE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku. More information.
HWANA	[HWO] 32,000 (1992). Adamawa State, Gombi LGA, and some in Song and Hong LGAs. Alternate names: HWONA, HONA, TUFTERA, FITERYA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Eastern. More information.
IBANI	[IBY] 60,000 (1989 UBS). Rivers State, Bonny and Degema LGAs. Alternate names: BONNY, UBANI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Eastern, Northeastern, Ibani-Okrika-Kalabari. More information.
IBIBIO	[IBB] 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 (1998 B. Connell). Akwa Ibom State, Itu, Uyo, Etinan, Ikot Abasi, Ikono, Ekpe-Atai, Uruan, Onna, Nsit-Ubium, and Mkpat Enin LGAs. Dialects: ENYONG, CENTRAL IBIBIO, ITAK, NSIT. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Efik. More information.
IBILO	[IBO] Edo State. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Edo-Esan-Ora.
IBINO	[IBN] 10,000 (1989 Faraclas). Akwa Ibom State, Uquo-Ibeno LGA. Alternate names: IBENO, IBUNO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ibino. More information.
IBUORO	[IBR] 5,000 or more (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Itu and Ikono LGAs. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ibuoro. More information.
ICEVE-MACI	[BEC] 5,000 in Nigeria (1990). Cross River State, Obudu LGA. Alternate names: ICHEVE, OCHEBE, OCHEVE, OCEVE, UTSE, UTSER, UTSEU. Dialects: MACI (MATCHI, OLITI, OLITHI, OLIT, KWAYA, OLITI-AKWAYA, MOTOM, MOTOMO), BACHEVE (BECHEVE, BECHERE, BEHEVE, BACEVE). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. More information.
IDERE	[IDE] 5,000 or more (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Itu LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo. More information.
IDOMA	[IDO] 600,000 (1991 UBS). Benue State, Otukpo and Okpokwu LGAs. Dialects: IDOMA CENTRAL (OTURKPO, AKPOTO), IDOMA WEST, IDOMA SOUTH (IGUMALE, IGWAALE, IJIGBAM), OKPOGU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Idoma. More information.
IDON	[IDC] Small. Kaduna State, Kachia LGA. Alternate names: IDONG. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Northern.
IDUN	[LDB] 10,000 (1972 Barrett). Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. Alternate names: LUNGU, UNGU, ADONG. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Koro. More information.
IGALA	[IGL] 800,000 (1989 UBS). Kogi State, Ankpa, Idah, Dekina, and Bassa LGAs; Edo State, Oshimili LGA; Anambra State, Anambra LGA. Alternate names: IGARA. Dialects: EBU, IDAH, ANKPA, OGUGU, IBAJI, IFE, ANYUGBA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Igala. More information.
IGBO	[IGR] 18,000,000 or 16.6% of the population (1999 WA). Abia State, Anambra State, Aguata, Anambra, Awka, Idemili, Ihiala, Njikoka, Nnewi, and Onitsha LGAs; Enugu State, Awgu, Enugu, Ezeagu, Igo-Etiti, Igbo-Eze, Isi-Uzo, Nkanu, Nsukka, Udi, and Uzo-Uwani LGAs; Imo State; Rivers State, Ikwerre, Bonny, and Ahoada LGAs; Delta State, Oshimili, Anoicha, and Ndokwa LGAs; Akwa Ibom State, Ika LGA. Alternate names: IBO. Dialects: OWERRI (ISUAMA), ONITSHA, UMUAHIA (OHUHU), ORLU, NGWA, AFIKPO, NSA, OGUTA, ANIOCHA, ECHE, EGBEMA, OKA (AWKA), BONNY-OPOBO, MBAISE, NSUKA, OHUHU, UNWANA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo. More information.
IGEDE	[IGE] 250,000 (1991 UBS). Benue State, Oju, Otukpo, and Okpokwu LGAs; Cross River State, Ogoja LGA. Alternate names: IGEDDE, EGEDE. Dialects: ITO, OJU (CENTRAL IGEDE), WORKU, GABU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Idoma. More information.
IGUTA	[NAR] 6,123 (1990). Plateau State, Bassa LGA. Alternate names: NARAGUTA, ANAGUTA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. More information.
IJO, SOUTHEAST	[IJO] 71,500 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin) including 66,600 Nembe, 4,900 Akassa. Bayelsa State, Brass LGA. Alternate names: IJAW, BRASS IJO. Dialects: NEMBE (NIMBE), AKASSA (AHASA). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Eastern, Southeastern. More information.
IKA	[IKK] Akwa Ibom State, Ika LGA; Edo State, Orhionwon LGAs. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo. More information.
IKO	[IKI] 5,000 or more (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Ikot Abasi LGA, 3 villages. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Iko. More information.
IKPESHI	[IKP] 1,826 (1957 Bradbury). Bendel State, Etsako LGA. Alternate names: IKPESHE, EKPESHE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
IKU-GORA-ANKWA	[IKV] Kaduna State, Kachia LGA. Alternate names: IKU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Northern.
IKULU	[IKU] 50,000 (1998). Kaduna State, Kachia LGA. Alternate names: IKOLU, ANKULU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Northern. More information.
IKWERE	[IKW] 200,000 probably (1973 SIL). Rivers State, Ikwerre, Port Harcourt, and Obio-Akpor LGAs. The Odegnu are in 5 villages. Alternate names: IKWERRE, IKWERRI. Dialects: APANI, AKPO-MGBU-TOLU, OGBAKIRI, EMOWHUA, NDELE, ELELE, OMERELU, EGBEDNA, ALUU, IGWURUTA, IBAA, ISIOKPO, OMAGWNA, UBIMA, IPO, OMUDIOGA, OBIO, RUMUJI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo. More information.
ILUE	[ILE] 5,000 or less (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Oron LGA. Alternate names: IDUA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ilue. More information.
IRIGWE	[IRI] 40,000 (1985 UBS). Plateau State, Bassa and Barakin Ladi LGAs; Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Alternate names: IREGWE, AREGWE, RIGWE, NNERIGWE, KWOLL, KWAL, MIANGO, NYANGO, IDAFAN, KWAN, NKARIGWE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Central, South-Central. More information.
ISEKIRI	[ITS] 510,000 (1991 UBS). Delta State, Warri, Bomadi, and Ethiope LGAs. Alternate names: ITSEKIRI, ISHEKIRI, SHEKIRI, JEKRI, CHEKIRI, IWERE, IRHOBO, WARRI, ISELEMA-OTU, SELEMO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri. More information.
ISOKO	[ISO] 321,000 (1993 Johnstone). Delta State, Isoko and Ndokwa LGAs. Alternate names: 'IGABO', 'SOBO', 'BIOTU'. Dialects: OZORO, OFAGBE, EMEDE, OWE (OWHE), ELU, AVIARA, IYEDE, IMIV, ENHWE, UME, IWIRE (IGBIDE), OLOMORO, IYEDE-AMI, UNOGBOKO, ITEBIEGE, UTI, IYOWO, IBIEDE, OYEDE, UZERE, IRRI (IRI) OLE (OLEH). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern. More information.
ITO	[ITW] 5,000 or more (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Akamkpa LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ibuoro. More information.
ITU MBON UZO	[ITM] 5,000 or more (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Ikono and Itu LGAs. Alternate names: ITU MBON USO, ITU MBUZO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ibuoro. More information.
IVBIE NORTH-OKPELA-ARHE	[ATG] 20,000 possibly (1973 SIL). Edo State, Etsako and Akoko-Edo LGAs. Dialects: IVBIE NORTH (IBIE NORTH), OKPELA (OKPELLA, UKPELLA, UPELLA), ARHE (ATTE, ATE). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee. More information.
IYAYU	[IYA] 9,979 (1963). Ondo State, one-quarter of Idoani town. Alternate names: IDOANI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Osse. More information.
IYIVE	[UIV] 1,000 in Nigeria (1992 Crozier and Blench). Benue State, Kwande LGA, near Turan. Alternate names: UIVE, YIIVE, NDIR, ASUMBO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. More information.
IZERE	[FIZ] 50,000 (1993 SIL). Southern dialects: Plateau State, Birikin Ladi LGA; Northern dialects: Plateau State, Jos LGA; Bauchi State, Toro LGA; and Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. Alternate names: IZAREK, FIZERE, FEZERE, FESEREK, AFIZAREK, AFIZARE, AFUSARE, JARI, JARAWA, JARAWAN DUTSE, HILL JARAWA, JOS-ZARAZON. Dialects: NORTHWEST IZERE, NORTHEAST IZERE, SOUTH IZERE, GANANG-FAISHANG. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Central, South-Central. More information.
IZI-EZAA-IKWO-MGBO	[IZI] 593,000 (1973 SIL) including 200,000 Izi, 180,000 Ezaa, 150,000 Ikwo, 63,000 Mgbo. Ebonyi State, Abakaliki, Ezza, Ohaozara, and Ishielu LGAs; Benue State, Okpokwu LGA. Dialects: IZI (IZZI), EZAA (EZA), IKWO, MGBO (NGBO). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo. More information.
IZON	[IJC] 1,000,000 (1989 Williamson) including 100,000 Kolokuma (1991 UBS). 1,770,000 all Ijo languages, 2% of the population (1991 SIL). Bayelsa State, Yenagoa and Sagbama LGAs; Delta State, Burutu, Warri, and Ughelli LGAs; Ondo State, Ilaje Ese-Odo LGAs; Ekiti State, Ikole LGA. Alternate names: IZO, UZO, IJO, IJAW, CENTRAL-WESTERN IJO. Dialects: IDUWINI, OGULAGHA, OPOROZA (GBARANMATU), AROGBO, EGBEMA, OLODIAMA EAST, OLODIAMA WEST, FURUPAGHA, KABO (PATANI), KUMBO, TARAKIRI EAST, TARAKIRI WEST, MEIN (NORTHWEST IZON), TUOMO, OPEREMOR, SEIMBRI, OGBOIN, OIAKIRI, OPOROMA, APOI, GBANRAIN, KOLUKUMA (KOLOKUMA, NORTH IZON), BUMO (SOUTH CENTRAL IZON), EKPETIAMA, IKIBIRI, BOMA, OGBE IJO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Central, Central Western. More information.
IZORA	[CBO] 4,000 to 5,000 (1998 CAPRO). Plateau State, Bassa LGA. Alternate names: CHOKOBO, COKOBO, CIKOBU, CHIKOBO, COKOBANCI, AZORA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. More information.
JANJI	[JNI] 360 (1950). Plateau State, Bassa LGA. Alternate names: ANAFEJANZI, JENJI, TIJANJI, AJANJI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. More information.
JARA	[JAF] 4,000 (1973). Borno State, Biu and Kwaya-Kusar LGAs; Gombei State, Akko and Yamaltu-Deba LGAs. Alternate names: JERA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Western. More information.
JARAWA	[JAR] 150,000 (1978 MARC), including 20,000 Bankal, 19,000 Gingwak. Bauchi, Adamawa, and Plateau States. Alternate names: JARANCHI, JAR, JARA, JARAWAN KOGI. Dialects: BANKAL (BANKALA, BARANCI, ZHAR), LIGRI, KANAM, BOBAR, GINGWAK (GWAK, JARAWAN BUNUNU, JARACIN KASA). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. More information.
JERE	[JER] 64,850 (1998 CAPRO) including 15,000 Buji (1998), 15,000 Gusu (1998), 30,000 Jere (1998), 4,000 Ribina (1996 CAPRO), 850 Gurrum (1936). Plateau State, Bassa LGA; Bauchi State, Toro LGA; Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Alternate names: JEERE, JERA. Dialects: BUJI (EBOZE, ANABEZE), GUSU (GUSAWA, GUSSUM, GESAWA, GUZAWA, ISANGA, ASANGA, ANIBAU, ANOSANGOBARI), JERE (JERIYAWA, EZELLE, AZELLE, JENGRE), RIBINA (REBINA, BUNU, IBUNU, NARABUNU, ANORUBUNA, GURRUM, ANEGOROM). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. More information.
JIBU	[JIB] 30,000 (1997 SIL). Taraba State, Gashaka and Bali LGA. Alternate names: JIBAWA, JIBANCI. Dialects: GAYAM, GARBABI, GALAMJINA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Jukun. More information.
JILBE	[JIE] 100 (H. Tourneux). Borno State, Jilbe town, on the border of Cameroon across from the town of Dabanga. 1 village only. Alternate names: ZOULBOU. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, B, B.1. More information.
JIMI	[JMI] 1,000 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Ganjuwa LGA, Jimi village. Alternate names: BI-GIMU. Dialects: ZUMO. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Eastern. More information.
JIRU	[JRR] Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA. Alternate names: WIYAP, KIR, ATAK, ZHIRU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Wurbo. More information.
JJU	[KAJ] 300,000 (1988 C. McKinney SIL). Kaduna State, Kachia and Jema'a LGAs. Alternate names: KAJE, KAJJI, KACHE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Central, South-Central. More information.
JORTO	[JRT] 4,876 (1934 Ames). Plateau State, Shendam LGA, at Dokan Kasuwa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1. More information.
JU	[JUU] 900 (1993). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA, Ju village. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Guruntum. More information.
JUKUN TAKUM	[JBU] Second language speakers in Nigeria: 40,000 (1979 UBS). No first language speakers in Nigeria. Population total both countries 1,700. Alternate names: DIYI, NJIKUM, JUKUN. Dialects: TAKUM, DONGA (AKPANZHI). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Jukun. More information.
KAAN	[LDL] 10,000 (1992). Adamawa State, Shellen, Song, and Numan LGAs. Alternate names: LIBO, LIBBO, KAN. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur, Libo. More information.
KADARA	[KAD] 40,000 (1972 Barrett). Kaduna State, Kachia LGA; Niger State, Chanchaga LGA. Alternate names: ADARA. Dialects: KAJURU (AJURE), MINNA, KACHIA, IRI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Northern. More information.
KAG-FER-JIIR-KOOR-ROR-US-ZUKSUN	[GEL] 36,000 or more (1992 SIL). Kebbi State, Zuru LGA, Fakai District, with migrants farther south. Kur is also in Kebbi State, Sakaba LGA. Alternate names: FAKANCI, FAKKANCI, PUKU-GEERI-KERI-WIPSI. Dialects: KAG (PUKU, FAKANCHI, ET-KAG), JIIR (GELANCHI, ET-JIIR), KUR (KERE, KAR, KERI-NI, KELLI-NI, KELANCHI, KELINCI), ZUKSUN (ZUSSUN, WIPSI-NI, ET-ZUKSUN), ROR (ET-MAROR, TUDANCHI, FAKANCHI, ER-GWAR), FER (FERE. ET-FER, WIPSI-NI, KUKUM), US (ET-US), KOOR (KULU). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka. More information.
KAGOMA	[KDM] 6,250 (1934, 1956 H.D. Gunn). Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. Alternate names: GWONG, GYONG, KWONG, AGOMA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Jaba. More information.
KAIVI	[KCE] 650 (1949). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Alternate names: KAIBI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru. More information.
KAKANDA	[KKA] 20,000 (1989 Blench). Niger State, Agaie and Lapai LGAs; Kwara State, Kogi LGA, and communities along the Niger River centered on Budã. Alternate names: AKANDA, HYABE, ADYAKTYE. Dialects: BUDON KAKANDA, GBANMI-SOKUN KAKANDA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe.
KAKIHUM	[KXE] 15,000 estimate (1996). Northern Niger State. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari.
KALABARI	[IJN] 257,764 (1989 Jenewari). Rivers State, Degema, Bonny, Asari Toru LGAs. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Eastern, Northeastern, Ibani-Okrika-Kalabari. More information.
KAM	[KDX] 5,000 (1993). Taraba State, Bali LGA, 18 villages between Mayo Kam and Garba Chede. Alternate names: YIMWOM, NYIWOM, NYINGWOM. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Kam. More information.
KAMANTAN	[KCI] 10,000 (1972 Barrett). Kaduna State, Kachia LGA. Alternate names: KAMANTON, ANGAN. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Jaba. More information.
KAMI	[KMI] 5,000 or more (1992 Crozier and Blench). Niger State, Lapai LGA, Ebo town and 11 villages. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe. More information.
KAMO	[KCQ] 20,000 (1995 CAPRO). Gombe State, Billiri, Kaltungo and Akko LGAs. Alternate names: KAMU, NUBAMA, NYIMA, MA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Awak. More information.
KAMWE	[HIG] 300,000 (1992). Adamawa State, Michika LGA, in the Mandara Mts. Alternate names: HIGI, HIJI, HIGGI, VACAMWE. Dialects: NKAFA, DAKWA (BAZZA), SINA, WULA, FUTU, TILI PTE, FALI OF KIRIYA, FALI OF MIJILU. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.3. More information.
KANINGDON-NINDEM	[KDP] 2,291 or more (1934). Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. Dialects: KANINGDOM (KANINKON, KANINGKWOM, KANINGKON), NINDEM (INIDEM, NIDEM). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. More information.
KANUFI	[KNI] Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. Alternate names: KARSHI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. More information.
KANURI, CENTRAL	[KPH] 3,000,000 or more in Nigeria (1985 Gunnemark and Kenrick). Population total all countries 3,500,000 (1987 UBS). All Kanuri in all countries including second language speakers: 4,000,000 (1999 WA). Alternate names: YERWA KANURI, KANOURI, BERIBERI, BORNU, KANOURY. Dialects: KAGA (KAGAMA), LARE (LERE), KWAYAM, NJESKO, KABARI (KUVURI), NGAZAR, GUVJA, MAO, TEMAGERI, FADAWA. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Saharan, Western, Kanuri. More information.
KANURI, MANGA	[KBY] 200,000 in Nigeria (1993). Mainly Yobe State, some in Jigawa and Bauchi states. Alternate names: MANGA, KANOURI, KANOURY. Dialects: DAGARA, MANGA. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Saharan, Western, Kanuri. More information.
KAPYA	[KLO] Taraba State, Takum LGA, at Kapya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Yukuben-Kuteb. More information.
KAREKARE	[KAI] 150,000 to 200,000 (1993 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Gamawa and Misau LGAs; Yobe State, Fika and Nangere LGAs. Alternate names: KARAIKARAI, KARAI KARAI, KEREKERE, KERRIKERRI. Dialects: JALALAM (WEST KAREKARE), BIRKAI, KWARTA MATACI. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Karekare. More information.
KARIYA	[KIL] 2,000 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Ganjuwa LGA, Kariya village near Miya town. Alternate names: KARIYU, KAUYAWA, LIPKAWA, VINAHE, WIHE. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2. More information.
KHANA	[KEH] 200,000 (1989). Rivers State, Khana, Gokana, and Iyigbo LGAs. Alternate names: KANA, OGONI. Dialects: TAI, YEGHE, NORKHANA, KEN-KHANA, BOÚE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Ogoni, East. More information.
KHOLOK	[KTC] 2,500 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, near Didango. Alternate names: KODE, KOODE, KWOODE, PIA, PITIKO, WIDALA, WURKUM. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. More information.
KINUKU	[KKD] 500 (1973 SIL). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Alternate names: KINUKA, KINUGU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru. More information.
KIONG	[KKM] Cross River State, Odukpani and Akampka LGAs. Alternate names: AKAYON, AKOIYANG, OKONYONG, OKOYONG, IYONIYONG. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Kiong-Korop. Nearly extinct. More information.
KIR-BALAR	[KKR] 3,050 (1993). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA, Kir Bengbet and Kir Bajang'le villages. Alternate names: KIR, KIRR. Dialects: KIR, BALAR (LARBAWA). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Boghom. More information.
KIRIKE	[OKR] 248,000 (1995 UBS). Rivers State, Okrika, Opobo-Nkoro, Bonny, and Degema LGAs. Alternate names: OKRIKA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Eastern, Northeastern, Ibani-Okrika-Kalabari. More information.
KOENOEM	[KCS] 3,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Shendam LGA. Alternate names: KANAM. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2. More information.
KOFA	[KSO] Adamawa State, Song LGA, north of Betul road. Alternate names: KOTA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 1. More information.
KOFYAR	[KWL] 72,946 (1963 census). Plateau State, Qua'an Pan and Mangu LGAs; Nasarawa State, Lafia LGA. Dialects: KOFYAR (KWONG), KWAGALLAK (KWA'ALANG, KWALLA), DIMMUK (DIMUK, DOEMAK), MIRRIAM (MERNYANG), BWOL (BWAL, MBOL), GWORAM (GIVEROM, GORAM), JIPAL (JEPEL, JEPAL, JIBYAL). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1. More information.
KOHUMONO	[BCS] 30,000 (1989). Cross River State, Obubra LGA. Alternate names: BAHUMONO, OHUMONO, EDIBA, HUMONO, EKUMURU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Ubaghara-Kohumono, Kohumono.
KOMA	[KMY] 32,000 in Nigeria (1989). Population total both countries 35,000. Alternate names: KUMA. Dialects: GOMME (DAMTI, KOMA KAMPANA, PANBE), GOMNOME (MBEYA, GIMBE, KOMA KADAM, LAAME, YOUTUBO), NDERA (VOMNI, DOOME, DOOBE). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Duru, Voko-Dowayo, Vere-Dowayo, Vere-Gimme, Vere. More information.
KONA	[JUO] 2,000 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). Taraba State, Wukari and Karim Lamido LGAs; Plateau State, Langtang and Wase LGAs; Bauchi State, Alkaleri and Akko LGAs; villages north and west of Kalingo. Alternate names: JUKUN KONA, JIBI, JIBA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Kororofa. More information.
KONO	[KLK] 1,550 (1949). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA, Kona village. Alternate names: KONU, KWONO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
KORO IJA	[VKI] Federal Capital Territory, south of Abuja, north of the Minna Suleja road. Alternate names: KORO AFIKI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Unclassified. More information.
KORO ZUBA	[VKZ] Federal Capital Territory, near Zuba, north of the Minna Suleja road. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Unclassified. More information.
KOROP	[KRP] Population total both countries 12,500 (1982 SIL). Alternate names: ODODOP, DUROP, KUROP. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Kiong-Korop. More information.
KPAN	[KPK] Taraba State, Wukari, Takum, and Sardauna LGAs, Kato Bagha, Wukari, Suntai, Gayan, Gindin Dutse, Likam. Alternate names: YORDA, IBUKWO, KPWATE, HWAYE, HWASO, NYATSO, KPANTEN, IKPAN, ABAKAN, NYONYO. Dialects: BISSAULA, KUMBO (KPANZON), TAKUM, DONGA (AKPANZHI), APA, KENTE (KENTU, KYENTU, ETKYE), EREGBA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Kpan-Icen. More information.
KPASAM	[PBN] 15,000 (1992). Adamawa State, Numan LGA, Kpasham town, on the Numan-Jalingo road. Alternate names: PASSAM, KPASHAM, NYISAM, 'BALO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang. More information.
KUDU-CAMO	[KOV] 2,000 to 4,000 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). Bauchi State, Ningi LGA. Alternate names: KUDA-CHAMO, KUDAWA. Dialects: KUDU (KUDA), CAMO (CHAMO). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. More information.
KUGAMA	[KOW] 5,000 or more (1995). Adamawa State, Fufore LGA. Alternate names: KUGAMMA, WEGAM, YAMALE, YAMALO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang. More information.
KUGBO	[KES] 2,000 (1973 SIL). Rivers State, Brass LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta, Kugbo.
KUKELE	[KEZ] 95,000 (1989). Cross River State, Ogoja LGA; Ebonyi State, Abakaliki LGA; Benue State, Okpokwu and Oju LGAs. Alternate names: UKELE, BAKELE. Dialects: MTEZI, UGBALA, ITEEJI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Koring-Kukele, Kukele. More information.
KULERE	[KUL] 15,570 (1990). Plateau State, Bokkos LGA. Alternate names: TOF, KOROM BOYE, AKANDI, AKANDE, KANDE. Dialects: TOF, RICHA, KAMWAI-MARHAI. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper. More information.
KULUNG	[BBU] 15,000 (1973 SIL). Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, at Balasa, Bambur, and Kirim; Wukari LGA at Gada Mayo. Alternate names: BAMBUR, KULUNO, BAKULUNG, BAKULU, BAKULI, KULU, KUKULUNG, WO, WURKUM. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. More information.
KUMBA	[KSM] Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa and Fufore LGAs. Alternate names: SATE, YOFO, ISARO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye. More information.
KUPA	[KUG] 20,000 or fewer (1998 Blench). Kwara State, Kogi LGA, around Abugi. 52 villages. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe. More information.
KURAMA	[KRH] 11,300 (1949). Kaduna State, Saminaka and Ikara LGAs; Kano State, Tudun Waya LGA. Alternate names: TIKURAMI, AKURUMI, BAGWAMA, AKURMI, AZUMU, BUKURUMI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru. More information.
KUSHI	[KUH] 11,000 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Billiri, and Kaltungo LGAs, Kushi village. Alternate names: CHONG'E, KUSHE, GOJI. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper. More information.
KUTEP	[KUB] 30,000 to 50,000 in Nigeria (1992). Population total both countries 31,000 to 51,000. Alternate names: KUTEB, KUTEV, MBARIKE, ZUMPER, 'JOMPRE', ATI. Dialects: JENUWA, LISSAM, FIKYU, KUNABE, KENTIN. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Yukuben-Kuteb. More information.
KUTTO	[KPA] 3,000 or fewer (1995). Bauchi State, Bajoga LGA; Borno State, Gujba LGA, 2 villages. Alternate names: KUPTO, KÚTTÒ. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper. More information.
KUTURMI	[KHJ] 2,950 (1949). Kaduna State, Kachia LGA. Alternate names: ADA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Northern. More information.
KWA	[KWB] 7,000 (1992). Adamawa State, Numan LGA, Gyakan and Kwa towns, near Munga. Alternate names: KWAH, BAA. Dialects: GYAKAN, KWA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Kwa. More information.
KWAAMI	[KSQ] 10,000 (1990). Bauchi State, Gombe LGA. Alternate names: KWAMI, KWAM, KWAMANCHI, KWOM, KOMAWA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper. More information.
KWAK	[KWQ] Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Antere. Alternate names: BÙKWÁK. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Unclassified. More information.
KYAK	[BKA] 5,000 or fewer (1995 Adelberger). Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA. Alternate names: BAMBUKA, NYAKYAK. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen. More information.
KYENGA	[TYE] 4,000 in Nigeria (1995 Ross Jones SIM). Population total both countries 5,000. Alternate names: TYANGA, TIENGA, TYENGA, KENGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa. More information.
LABIR	[JKU] Bauchi State, Bauchi and Alkaleri LGAs. Alternate names: JAKU, JAKUN, JAKANCI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. More information.
LAGWAN	[KOT] 25,000 in Nigeria (1993). Borno State, Dikwa and Ngala LGAs. May not be in Nigeria. Alternate names: KOTOKO-LOGONE, LOGONE, LAGWANE, LAGOUANE. Dialects: LOGONE-BIRNI, LOGONE-GANA (KOTOKO-GANA). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, B, B.1, Kotoko Proper. More information.
LAKA	[LAK] 5,000 or more (1995). Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA; Adamawa State, Yola LGA. Alternate names: LAKKA, LAU, LAO HABE, GODOGODO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Mbum-Day, Mbum, Unclassified. More information.
LALA-ROBA	[LLA] 46,000 (1993). Adamawa State, Gombi LGA, and Borno State. Alternate names: GWORAM. Dialects: LALA (LALLA), ROBA (ROBBA), EBODE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur, Yungur-Roba. More information.
LAMANG	[HIA] 40,000 (1993). Borno State, Gwoza LGA; Adamawa State, Michika LGA. Alternate names: LAAMANG, GBUHWE, WAHA. Dialects: NORTH LAAMANG, CENTRAL LAAMANG, SOUTH LAAMANG. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Lamang. More information.
LAME	[BMA] 10,000 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Toro LGA, Lame District. Dialects: RUHU (RUFU, RUFAWA), MBARU (BAMBARO, BOMBARO, BOMBERAWA, BUNBERAWA, BAMBARA, BAMBURO), GURA (TUGURA, AGARI, AGBIRI). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. More information.
LAMJA-DENGSA-TOLA	[LDH] Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa LGA, around Ganglamja (Lamja Mt.), near the road between Mayo Belwa and Tola. 13 villages of Lamja and Dengsa. The central town of the Lamja is Ganglamja. The Dengsa live south of the Lamja. Dialects: LAMJA, DENGSA, TOLA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Dakoid. More information.
LAMNSO'	[NSO] Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, in settlements sometimes mixed with speakers of other languages. Alternate names: NSHO', LAMSO, LAMNSOK, BANSO, BANSO', BANSAW, PANSO, NSO, NSO', NSAW. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Ring, East. More information.
LARU	[LAN] 5,000 (1995 Ross Jones SIM). Niger State, Borgu LGA, on the banks of the Niger River, Karabonde, Monnai, Leshigbe, Luma, Sansanni, Shagunu villages. Alternate names: LARAWA, LARANCHI, LARO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kainji Lake. More information.
LEELAU	[LDK] 5,000 or fewer (1995 Adelberger). Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, between Bambuka and Karim-Lamido town, near Lake Mungah. Alternate names: LELAU, LELO, MUNGA LELAU, MUNGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen. More information.
LEGBO	[AGB] 60,000 (1989). Cross River State, Obubra LGA; Ebonyi State, Afikpo LGA. Alternate names: AGBO, GBO, IGBO, IMABAN, ITIGIDI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Mbembe-Legbo, Legbo. More information.
LEMORO	[LDJ] 10,000 (1998 CAPRO). Plateau State, Bassa LGA; Bauchi State, Toro LGA. Alternate names: LIMORO, LIMORRO, EMORO, ANEMORO, ANOWURU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. More information.
LENYIMA	[LDG] Cross River State, Obubra LGA. Alternate names: ANYIMA, INYIMA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Mbembe-Legbo, Legbo. More information.
LERE	[GNH] Bauchi State, Toro LGA. Dialects: SI (RISHUWA, KAURU, KUZAMANI), GANA, TAKAYA (TAURA). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. Nearly extinct. More information.
LEYIGHA	[AYI] 10,000 (1989). Cross River State, Obubra LGA. Alternate names: ASIGA, ASSIGA, AYIGHA, AYIGA, YIGHA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Mbembe-Legbo, Legbo. More information.
LIJILI	[MGI] 50,000 (1985 UBS). Nasarawa State, Awe and Lafia LGAs. Alternate names: LIGILI, MIJILI, MIGILI, MEGILI, KORO LAFIA, KORO OF LAFIA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Southern. More information.
LIMBUM	[LIM] A few in Nigeria (1992 Crozier & Blench). Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Mambila uplands. Alternate names: WIMBUM, KAMBU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nkambe. More information.
LOKAA	[YAZ] 120,000 (1989). Cross River State, Obubra LGA. Alternate names: YAKURR, YAKÖ, LOKO, LOKE, LUKO. Dialects: UGEP, NKPAM. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Loko. More information.
LONGUDA	[LNU] 32,000 (1973 SIL). Adamawa State, Guyuk LGA; Bauchi State, Balanga LGA. Alternate names: NUNGUDA, NUNGURABA, NUNGURA, LANGUDA, LONGURA. Dialects: NYA CERIYA (BANJIRAM, CIRIMBA), NYA GWANDA (NYUWAR, GWANDABA), NYA GUYUWA (GUYUK, PLAIN, TURUBA), NYA DELE (JESSU), NYA TARIYA (TARABA). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Longuda. More information.
LOO	[LDO] 8,000 (1992 Crozier and Blench). Gombe State, Kaltungo LGA; Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, northeast of Karim Lamido town, off the Bambuka to Karim-Lamido road. Alternate names: LO, LOH, SHUNHU, SHUNGO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen. More information.
LOPA	[LOP] 5,000 (1996 Blench). Niger State, Borgu LGA, Amboshidi and Tungan Bori, islands in the Niger River; Kebbi State, Yauri LGA. Alternate names: LOPAWA, LUPA, KIRIKJIR, DJIRI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kainji Lake. More information.
LUBILA	[KCC] Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA, at Ojo Nkomba and Ojo Akangba. Alternate names: LUBILO, KABILA, KABIRE, OJOR, OFOR. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Loko.
LUFU	[LDQ] Ethnic group: 2,000 to 3,000 (1992). Taraba State, Takum LGA, Lufu and Lufu Jauro. Classification: Unclassified. Nearly extinct. More information.
LURI	[LDD] 30 (1973 SIL). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA, Kayarda and Luri villages. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West. More information.
MAAKA	[MEW] 10,000 (1993). Borno State, Gujba LGA, Bara town and associated hamlets. Alternate names: MAHA, MAKA, MAGA, MAGHA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. More information.
MADA	[MDA] 100,000 (1993 SIL). Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA; Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. Alternate names: MADDA, YIDDA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. More information.
MAFA	[MAF] 2,000 in Nigeria (1963). Borno State, Gwoza LGA. Alternate names: 'MATAKAM', NATAKAN, BULAHAI, BULA. Dialects: MAFA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.5. More information.
MÁGHDÌ	[GMD] 2,000 or fewer (1992). Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, a section of the Widala. Alternate names: TALA (WIDALA). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen. More information.
MAK	[PBL] Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, northeast of Karim Lamido town, off the Banbuka to Karim-Lamido road. Alternate names: PANYAM, PANYA, LEEMAK, LEMAK, ZO. Dialects: PANYA, ZO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen. More information.
MALA	[RUY] 1,800 (1948). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Alternate names: RUMAYA, RUMAIYA, AMALA, TUMALA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru. More information.
MAMA	[MMA] 20,000 (1973 SIL). Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA. Alternate names: KANTANA, KWARRA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
MAMBILA, NIGERIA	[MZK] 99,000 (1993). Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Mambila Plateau. Alternate names: MAMBILLA, MABILA, MAMBERE, NOR, NOR TAGBO, LAGUBI, TONGBO, BANG. Dialects: BARUP. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Mambila. More information.
MANGAS	[MAH] 100 or fewer (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA. Mangas town. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Boghom. More information.
MARGHI CENTRAL	[MAR] 135,000 in Marghi Central, Marghi South, and Putai languages (1999). Borno State, Askira-Uba and Damboa LGAs; Adamawa State, Mubi and Michika LGAs. Alternate names: MARGHI, MARGI. Dialects: LASSA (BABAL), GULAK (DZERNGU), MADUBE (GWARA), MULGWE (MALGWA), WURGA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 2. More information.
MARGHI SOUTH	[MFM] Borno State, Askira-Uba LGA; Adamawa State, Mubi and Michika LGAs. Dialects: WAMDIU, HILDI. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 2. More information.
MASHI	[JMS] Taraba State, near Takum. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Beboid.
MBE	[MFO] 14,300 (1973 SIL). Cross River State, Ogoja LGA. Alternate names: WESTERN MBUBE, KETUEN. Dialects: IDUM, IKUMTALE, ODAJE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Mbe. More information.
MBEMBE, CROSS RIVER	[MFN] 100,000 (1982 UBS). Cross River State, Obubra and Ikom LGAs; Anambra State, Abakaliki LGA. Alternate names: OKAM, ODERIGA, WAKANDE, IFUNUBWA, EKOKOMA, OFUNOBWAM. Dialects: OKOM (EGHOM, OHANA-ONYEN), APIAPUM, ADUN, OSOPONG (OSOPHONG, EZOPONG), OFOMBONGA (EWUMBONGA), OFONOKPAN, EKAMA (EKAMU), OFERIKPE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Mbembe-Legbo, Mbembe. More information.
MBEMBE, TIGON	[NZA] 20,000 in Nigeria (1987). Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Kurmi district. Alternate names: AKONTO, AKWANTO, TIGON, TIGONG, TIGIM, TUKUN, NOALE. Dialects: ASHUKU (KITSIPKI), NAMA (DAMA, NAMU, NZARE, KPORO, ENEEME). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Mbembe. More information.
MBOI	[MOI] 19,000 (1992). Adamawa State, Song, Fufore, and Gombi LGAs. Alternate names: MBOIRE, MBOYI, GENA. Dialects: BANGA, MBOI, HANDA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur, Mboi. More information.
MBONGNO	[BGU] Population total both countries 1,300 (1982 SIL). Alternate names: BUNGNU, BUNU, BUNGUN, GBUNHU, KAKABA, KAMKAM. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Magu-Kamkam-Kila. More information.
MBULA-BWAZZA	[MBU] 35,000 to 40,000, including 10,000 Bwazza, 20,000 Tambo, 5,000 to 10,000 Mbula (1993). Adamawa State, Numan, Guyuk, Song, Demsa LGAs. Dialects: BWAZZA (BWAZA, BWA'ZA, BARE, BERE, TAMBO), MBULA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. More information.
MBURKU	[BBT] 4,000 (1977 Skinner). Bauchi State, Darazo LGA. Alternate names: BARKE, BARKO, BURKANAWA, MBURKANCI, LIPKAWA, WUDUFU, KARIYA WUUFU. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2. More information.
MINGANG DOSO	[MKO] 3,000 or fewer (1995 SIL). Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, 15 km. east of Karim Lamido town. 1 village and associated hamlets. Alternate names: MUNGA DOSO, NGWAI MUNGÀN, DOSO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen. More information.
MINI	[MGJ] Rivers State, Brass LGA, 3 villages. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta, Kugbo.
MISHIP	[CHP] 6,000 (1976 SIL). Plateau State, Pankshin, Mangu, Shendam LGAs. Alternate names: CHIP, CIP, SHIP. Dialects: DOKA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1. More information.
MIYA	[MKF] 30,000 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Ganjuwa LGA, Miya town. Alternate names: MIYAWA, MUYA. Dialects: GALA, FAISHANG, FURSUM, DEMSHIN, FEDERE. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2. More information.
MOM JANGO	[VER] 84,000 in Nigeria. Population total both countries 88,000 (1992). Alternate names: VERE, VERRE, WERE, KOBO. Dialects: MOM JANGO, MOMI (ZIRI). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Duru, Voko-Dowayo, Vere-Dowayo, Vere-Gimme, Vere. More information.
MONTOL	[MTL] 21,858 (1990). Plateau State, Shendam LGA. Alternate names: MONTAL, BALTAP, TEEL. Dialects: MONTOL, BALTAP-LALIN. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2. More information.
MOO	[GWG] 5,000 (1998). Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, northeast of Karim Lamido town, off the Bambuka to Karim-Lamido road, close to Gomu Mountain. Alternate names: GWOMU, GWOMO, GWOM, GOMU, NGWAA MÓÒ, YÁÁ MÒÒ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen. More information.
MUMUYE	[MUL] 400,000 in Nigeria (1993 SIL). Population total both countries 400,000 or more. Alternate names: YORO. Dialects: ZINNA, DONG, YORO, LANKAVIRI, GOLA (BAJAMA), GONGLA, KASAA, SAAWA, JALINGO, NYAAJA, JENG, GNOORE, YAA, SAGBEE, SHAARI, KUGONG, MANG, KWAJI, MEEKA, YAKOKO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye. More information.
MUNDAT	[MMF] 1,000 (1998 Uwe Seibert SIL). Plateau State, Bokkos LGA, Mundat village near Sha. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper. More information.
MVANIP	[MCJ] 100 (1999 Connell and Blench). Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, 1/4 of Zongo Ajiya and related hamlets in the northwest of the Mambila Plateau. Alternate names: MVANÖP, MVANON, MVANLIP, MVANO, MAGU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Magu-Kamkam-Kila. More information.
MWAGHAVUL	[SUR] 295,000 (1993 SIL). Plateau State, Barakin-Ladi and Mangu LGAs. Alternate names: SURA. Dialects: MUPUN (MAPAN, MAPUN), PANYAM. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1. More information.
NANDU-TARI	[NAA] 4,000 (1973 SIL). Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. Alternate names: TARI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Central, West-Central. More information.
NDE-GBITE	[NED] Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Antere. Alternate names: BITI, BÖTÖ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Unclassified.
NDE-NSELE-NTA	[NDD] 19,500 (1987), including 12,000 Nde, 3,000 Nsele, 4,500 Nsa. Cross River State, Ikom LGA. Dialects: NDE (EKAMTULUFU, MBENKPE, UDOM, MBOFON, BEFON), NSELE, NTA (ATAM, AFUNATAM). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid.
NDOE	[NBB] 3,000 (1953). Cross River State, Ikom LGA. Dialects: EKPARABONG (AKPARABONG), BALEP (ANEP, ANYEP). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid.
NDOOLA	[NDR] 48,700 in Nigeria. Population total both countries 50,000 (1992). Alternate names: NDORO, NUNDORO, NJOYAME, NDOLA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Ndoro. More information.
NDUNDA	[NUH] 300 to 400 (1999 Blench and Connell). Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, near Mvanip, 5 km. from Yerimaru, past Kakara on the tea estate road, northwest of Gembu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Magu-Kamkam-Kila. More information.
NGAMO	[NBH] 60,000 (1993). Yobe State, Fika LGA; Gambe State, Nafada-Bajoga LGA. Alternate names: NGAMAWA, GAMO, GAMAWA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. More information.
NGAS	[ANC] 400,000 (1998 SIL). Plateau State, Pankshin, Kanam, and Langtang LGAs. Alternate names: ANGAS, KERANG, KARANG. Dialects: HILL ANGAS, PLAIN ANGAS. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1. More information.
NGGWAHYI	[NGX] 2,000 or fewer (1995). Borno State, Askira-Uba LGA. Alternate names: NGWAXI, NGWOHI. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2.
NGIZIM	[NGI] 80,000 (1993). Yobe State, Damaturu LGA. Alternate names: NGIZMAWA, NGEZZIM. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.1, Bade Proper. More information.
NGWABA	[NGW] 10,000 (1993 CAPRO). Adamawa State, Gombi LGA at Fachi and Guduniya, and Hong LGA. Alternate names: GOMBI, GOBA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. More information.
NINGYE	[NNS] 3,000 to 4,000 (1999 Blench). Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA, Ningeshen Kurmi village and 3 small settlements: Akwankwan, Kobin, and Ningeshen Dutse. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. More information.
NINZAM	[NIN] 35,000 (1973 SIL). Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA; Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA. Alternate names: NINZO, NUNZO, GBHU D AMAR RANDFA, AMAR TITA, ANCHA (INCHA), KWASU (AKIZA), SAMBE, FADAN WATE (HATE). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. More information.
NJEREP	[NJR] 2 (1987 Blench and Williamson). Southeast, near the Mambila. Not used in Cameroon any longer. Alternate names: NJERUP. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Njerup. Nearly extinct. More information.
NKARI	[NKZ] 5,000 (1998 B. Connell). Akwa Ibom State, Ikono LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ibuoro. More information.
NKEM-NKUM	[ISI] 34,500 (1987 Asinya), including 18,000 Nkem, 16,500 Nkum. Cross River State, Ogoja LGA. Dialects: NKEM (NKIM, OGOJA, ISHIBORI, ISIBIRI, OGBOJA), NKUM. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid. More information.
NKOROO	[NKX] 4,550 (1989 UBS). Rivers State, Bonny LGA. Alternate names: NKORO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Eastern, Northeastern, Nkoroo. More information.
NKUKOLI	[NBO] 1,000 (1973 SIL). Cross River State, at the juncture of Ikom, Obubra and Akamkpa LGAs, Iko Ekperem Development Area. Alternate names: LOKOLI, LOKUKOLI, NKOKOLLE, EKURI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Loko.
NKWAK	[NKQ] Kaduna State, Birnin Gwari LGA, further location data imprecise. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Unclassified. More information.
NNAM	[NBP] 3,000 (1987 Asinya). Cross River State, Ikom and Ogoja LGAs. Alternate names: NDEM. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid.
NSHI	[NSC] Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Antere, Nkiri. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Unclassified. More information.
NUMANA-NUNKU-GWANTU-NUMBU	[NBR] 15,000 (SIL). Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA; Plateau State, Akwanga LGA. Alternate names: SANGA. Dialects: NUNKU, NUMANA (NIMANA), GWANTU (GWANTO), NUMBU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. More information.
NUNGU	[RIN] 50,000 (1999). Plateau State, Akwanga LGA. Alternate names: RINDRE, RENDRE, RINDIRI, LINDIRI. Dialects: RINDRE, GUDI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B. More information.
NUPE-NUPE-TAKO	[NUP] 800,000 (1990). Niger State, Mariga, Gbako, Agaie, and Lapai LGAs; Kwara State, Edu LGA; KoGi State, KogiLGA; Federal Capital Territory. Alternate names: NUPE, NUFAWA, NUPECI, NUPENCHI, NUPECIDJI, NUPENCIZI. Dialects: NUPE CENTRAL (NIFE, ANUPE, NUPECIZI, NUPENCIZI, AMPEYI, ANUPECWAYI, ANUPERI, TAPA, TAPPAH, TAKPA), NUPE TAKO (BASSA NGE). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe. More information.
NYAM	[NMI] Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, at Andami village. 1 village. Alternate names: NYAMBOLO. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
NYONG	[MUO] Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa LGA, 6 villages. Alternate names: MUMBAKE, MUBAKO, NYONGNEPA, NYOKING, DAGANYONGA, TETEKA, CHUKKOL, YAPELI, PETI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Leko. More information.
NZANYI	[NJA] 77,000 in Nigeria (1993). Population total both countries 86,000. Alternate names: NJANYI, NZANGI, NJAI, NJENY, ZANI, ZANY, JENG, JENGE, NJEI, NJEING, KOBOTSHI. Dialects: PAKA, ROGEDE, NGGWOLI, HOODE, MAIHA, MAGARA, DEDE, MUTIDI, LOVI. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. More information.
OBANLIKU	[BZY] 65,000 (1989 Faraclas). Cross River State, Obudu LGA. Alternate names: ABANLIKU. Dialects: BEBI, BUSI, BASANG, BISU (GAYI), BISHIRI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi. More information.
OBOLO	[ANN] 100,000 (1990 Uche E. Aaron). Rivers State, Bonny LGA; Akwa Ibom State, Ikot Abasi LGA, islands off southern coast. Bounded on the east and northeast by the Ibibio, on the northwest by the Ogoni, on the west by the Kalabari, on the south by the Atlantic Ocean. Alternate names: ANDONI, ANDONE, ANDONNI. Dialects: NGO, ATABA, UNYEADA, OKOROETE, IBOT OBOLO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo. More information.
OBULOM	[OBU] Rivers State, Okrika LGA, Abuloma town. Alternate names: ABULOMA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta, Kugbo.
ODUAL	[ODU] 18,000 (1989). Rivers State, Ahoada LGA. Alternate names: SAKA. Dialects: ARUGHAUNYA, ADIBOM. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta, Abua-Odual. More information.
ODUT	[ODA] 700 (1940, 1950 Forde and Jones). Cross River State, Odukpani LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Kiong-Korop. More information.
OGBAH	[OGC] 170,000 (1993 A. Ahiamadu). Rivers State, Ogbah-Egbema-Ndoni LGA, northern Niger Delta. Alternate names: OGBA. Dialects: EGNIH, IGBURU-USOMINI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo. More information.
OGBIA	[OGB] 200,000 (1989). Bayelsa State, Brass LGA. Alternate names: OGBINYA. Dialects: KOLO, OLOIBIRI, ANYAMA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta, Kugbo. More information.
OGBOGOLO	[OGG] 10,000 or fewer (1995). Rivers State, Ahoada LGA, 1 town. Alternate names: OBOGOLO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta, Kugbo.
OGBRONUAGUM	[OGU] Rivers State, Degema LGA, Bukuma village near Buguma. Alternate names: BUKUMA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta, Kugbo.
OKO-ENI-OSAYEN	[OKS] 10,000 including 4,000 in Ogori, 3,000 in Magongo, 3,000 in Eni (1989 Williamson). Kogi State, Okene LGA, Ogori and Magongo towns, ten miles south southwest of Okene. Alternate names: OKO, OGORI-MAGONGO. Dialects: OKO (OGORI, UKU), OSAYEN (MAGONGO, OSANYIN), ENI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Oko. More information.
OKOBO	[OKB] 50,000 (1991 Connell). Akwa Ibom State, Okobo LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Okobo. More information.
OKODIA	[OKD] 3,600 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). Bayelsa State, Yenagoa LGA. Alternate names: OKORDIA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Central, Oruma-Northeast Central, Northeast Central. More information.
OKPAMHERI	[OPA] 30,000 (1973 SIL). Edo State, Akoko-Edo LGA. Alternate names: OPAMERI. Dialects: OKULOSHO (OKUROSHO), WESTERN OKPAMHERI, EMHALHE (EMARLE, SOMORIKA, SEMOLIKA). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Southern. More information.
OKPE	[OKE] 8,722 (1957 Bradbury). Edo State, Okpe LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern. More information.
OKPE-IDESA-AKUKU	[OKP] Edo State, Akoko-Edo LGA. Dialects: OKPE, IDESA, AKUKU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Southern. More information.
OLOMA	[OLM] Edo State, Akoko-Edo LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Southern. More information.
OLULUMO-IKOM	[IKO] 30,000 (1989 Faraclas), including 5,000 Olulumo, 25,000 Ikom. Cross River State, Ikom LGA. May also be in Cameroon. Alternate names: LULUMO. Dialects: OKUNI, OLULUMO, IKOM. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Ikom.
ORING	[ORI] 75,000 (1989), including 12,300 Ufia, 3,000 Effium, 6,350 Okpoto (1955 R.G. Armstrong). Benue State, Okpokwu LGA; Ebonyi State, Ishielu LGA. Alternate names: ORRI, ORRIN, ORRINGORRIN, KORING. Dialects: OKPOTO, UFIA (UTONKON), UFIOM (EFFIUM). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Koring-Kukele, Koring.
ORO	[ORX] 75,000 (1989). Akwa-Ibom State, Oron LGA. Alternate names: ORON. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Oro. More information.
ORUMA	[ORR] 5,000 or fewer (1995). Bayelsa State, Brass LGA, 1 town. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Central, Oruma-Northeast Central, Oruma. More information.
OSOSO	[OSS] 6,532 (1957 Bradbury). Edo State, Akoko-Edo LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
OTANK	[UTA] 3,000 (1973 SIL). Cross River State, Obudu LGA; Benue State, Kwande LGA. Alternate names: OTANGA, UTANGA, UTANGE, OTANG, UTANK. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. More information.
PA'A	[AFA] 8,000 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Ningi and Bauchi LGAs. Alternate names: AFAWA, AFANCI, PALA, PA'AWA, FA'AWA, FONI, AFA, FUCAKA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2. More information.
PAI	[PAI] 2,000 to 3,000 (1996 Blench). Plateau State, Pankshin LGA, 17 km. south of the main road from Jos-Amper, turning a few kms. before Amper. 7 villages. Alternate names: DALONG. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Tarokoid. More information.
PANGSENG	[PAN] Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA. Dialects: PANGSENG, KOMO, JEGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye. More information.
PEERE	[KUT] 5,000 in Nigeria (1993). Adamawa State, Ganye LGA. Alternate names: PERE, PEER, PARE, POTOPO, POTOPORE, PATAPORI, KUTIN, KOUTIN, KUTINE, KUTINN, KOTOPO, KOTOFO, KOTPOJO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Duru, Voko-Dowayo, Kutin. More information.
PERO	[PIP] 25,000 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Kaltungo LGA, Gwandum, Gundalf, Kushi, Yapito, Burak and Bangunji. Alternate names: PIPERO, FILIYA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper. More information.
PIDGIN, NIGERIAN	[PCM] Southern states and in Sabon Garis of the northern states, coastal and urban areas. Alternate names: NIGERIAN CREOLE ENGLISH, NIGERIAN PIDGIN ENGLISH. Dialects: LAGOS PIDGIN, DELTA PIDGIN, CROSS RIVER PIDGIN, BENIN PIDGIN. Classification: Creole, English based, Atlantic, Krio. More information.
PITI	[PCN] 1,600 (1950). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Alternate names: PITTI, ABISI, BISI. Dialects: RIBAN (RIBAM). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Piti-Atsam. More information.
PIYA-KWONCI	[PIY] 5,000 or more (1992). Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA; and some in Bauchi State. 21 villages or more. Alternate names: PIYA, PIA, PITIKO, WURKUM, AMBANDI. Dialects: PIYA, KWONCI. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper. More information.
POLCI	[POL] 22,000 (1995 CAPRO) including 2,000 Zul (1995), 4,000 Buli (1993), 400 Langas (1993), 15,000 Polci, 250 Baram (1993), 800 Dir (1993). Bauchi State, Dass, Toro, and Bauchi LGAs. Alternate names: PALCI, PALCHI, POLCHI. Dialects: ZUL (MBARMI, BARMA), BARAM (MBARAM, BARANG), DIR (DIIR, DRA, BARAM DUTSE), BULI, LANGAS (NYAMZAX, LUNDUR), POLCI (POSA, POLSHI, PALCI). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper. More information.
PONGU	[PON] 20,000 or more speakers (1988 Roger Blench). Niger State, Rafi LGA, Gumna and Tegina districts, widespread small villages between Kusheriki in the north, Zungeru in the south, and along the new road to the southwest, with center in Sabon Gari Pangu. Bordered by the Kamuku, Ngwoi, Ura, Basa-Kaduna, Baushi, Basa-Gurmana, Gurmana, and Gbari. Small numbers are in Kaduna, Minna, Kontagora, and Bida towns. Alternate names: PONGO, PANGU, ARRINGEU, TARYA. Dialects: AKWA, ASEBI, AWEGE, AZHIGA, CAGERE, CAMAJERE, CANSU, CAUNDU, UBWEBWE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku. More information.
PSIKYE	[KVJ] 12,000 in Nigeria (1992). Adamawa State, north and east of Michika, south of Madagali, in the Mandara Mts. Alternate names: KAPSIKI, KAMSIKI, PTSAKE. Dialects: PSIKYE (KAPSIKI, KAMU), ZLENGE, WULA (OULA, ULA-XANGKU, LYING). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.3. More information.
PUTAI	[MFL] Few speakers. Borno State, Damboa LGA. Alternate names: MARGHI WEST. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 1. Nearly extinct. More information.
PUTUKWAM	[AFE] 12,000 (1973 SIL), including 3,500 Afrike (1953). Cross River State, Obudu and Ogoja LGAs. Alternate names: UTUGWANG, PUTUKWAM, MBE AFAL, MBUBE EASTERN. Dialects: UTUGWANG (OTUKWANG), OKOROGUNG, OKOROTUNG, AFRIKE (AFERIKE), OBE (MBE EAST), OBOSO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi. More information.
PYAPUN	[PCW] 4,635 (1934 Ames). Plateau State, Shendam LGA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2. More information.
RANG	[RAX] Taraba State, Zing LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye. More information.
RESHE	[RES] 44,000 (1993 SIL). Kebbi State, Yauri LGA; Niger State, Borgu LGA; southern Kebbi State, western Niger State, banks of the Niger River, north of Busa. Alternate names: TSURESHE, TSUREJA, BARESHE, GUNGA, GUNGAWA, GUNGANCHI, YAURAWA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Reshe. More information.
ROGO	[ROD] POPULATION? Niger State, Rafi and Mariga LGAs, around Ucanja town, 30 km. northwest of Kagara; Kaduna State, Birnin Gwari LGA. Alternate names: UROGO, BUROGO, UCANJA KAMUKU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
RON	[CLA] 115,000 (1995) including 20,000 Shagawu. Plateau State, Bokkos, Barakin-Ladi and Mangu LGAs. Alternate names: 'CHALLA', 'CHALA'. Dialects: BOKKOS (ALIS I RUN), DAFFO-BUTURA (LIS MA RUN), MONGUNA (SHAGAWU, SHAGAU, NAFUNFIA, MALENI). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper. More information.
RUMA	[RUZ] 2,200 (1948). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Alternate names: RURUMA, RURAMA, TURAMA, BAGWAMA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
SAMBA DAKA	[CCG] 60,000 (1973 SIL). 500,000 all Samba varieties (1993). Taraba State, Gashaka, Jalingo, Bali, Zing LGAs, and Adamawa State, Ganye and Mayo Belwa LGAs. Alternate names: CHAMBA DAKA, TSAMBA, TCHAMBA, SAMA, SAMBA, JAMA, DAKA, DAKKA, DEKKA, NAKANYARE, DENG, TIKK. Dialects: SAMBA DAKA, SAMBA JANGANI, SAMBA NNAKENYARE, SAMBA OF MAPEO, TARAM, DIRIM. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Dakoid. More information.
SAMBA LEKO	[NDI] Adamawa State, Ganye, Fufore, Wukari, and Takum LGAs. Alternate names: CHAMBA LEKO, SAMBA LEEKO, SAMBA, NDI, LEKON, LEGO, LEKO, SUNTAI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Leko. More information.
SANGA	[SGA] 15,000 to 20,000 (1995 CAPRO), including 1,600 Bujiyel (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Toro LGA. Alternate names: ISANGA, ASANGA. Dialects: BUJIYEL. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. More information.
SASARU-ENWAN-IGWE	[SSC] 3,775 (1952). Edu State, Akoko-Edo LGA. Dialects: SASARU, ENWAN, IGWE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
SAYA	[SAY] 50,000 (1973 SIL), including 7,000 Sigdi (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Tafawa Balewa LGA. Alternate names: SAYAWA, SEYA, SEYAWA, SAYANCI, SEIYARA, SAYARA. Dialects: SIGIDI (SUGUDI, SIGDI, SEGIDDI), ZAAR (VIKZAR, VIGZAR, KAL, GAMBAR LEERE, LUSA). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper. More information.
SETO-GBE	[STS] Lagos State, Badagry LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja. More information.
SHA	[SCW] 3,000 (1998 Seibert SIL). Plateau State, Bokkos LGA, Sha district. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper. More information.
SHALL-ZWALL	[SHA] Bauchi State, Dass LGA. Dialects: SHALL (SHAL), ZWALL. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. More information.
SHAMA-SAMBUGA	[SQA] 5,000 or fewer (1995 S. and S. Dettweiler). Niger State, Rafi and Mariga LGAs; Kaduna State, Birnin Gwari LGA. Alternate names: TUSHAMA, BUSHAMA. Dialects: SHAMA, SAMBUGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku. More information.
SHAMANG	[SGN] Kaduna State, Kachia and Jema'a LGAs. Alternate names: SAMBAN, SAMANG. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Jaba. More information.
SHANGA	[SHO] 5,000 to 10,000 (1995 Ross Jones SIM). Kebbi State between Kaoje and Yauri, on both sides of the Niger River, but especially on the north bank; Gante, Lafugu, Zaria, Besse, Shanga, Dugu Raha, Dugu Tsofo, Bakin Turu villages. Alternate names: SHANGAWA, SHONGA, SHONGAWA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa. More information.
SHAU	[SQH] Bauchi State, Toro LGA, Shau an Mana villages. Alternate names: SHO, LÌSHÁÙ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. Nearly extinct. More information.
SHENI	[SCV] 200 (1925). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Alternate names: SHANI, SHAINI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. Nearly extinct. More information.
SHIKI	[GUA] Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA. Gubi and Guru towns north of Bauchi town. Alternate names: GUBI, GUBA, GUBAWA, MASHIKI. Dialects: GUBI, GURU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. More information.
SHOO-MINDA-NYE	[BCV] 10,000 (1973 SIL). Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA, villages on the banks of the Benue River. Dialects: SHOO (BANDA, BANDAWA), MINDA (JINLERI), NYE (KUNINI). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Unclassified. More information.
SHUWA-ZAMANI	[KSA] 1,000 (1973 SIL). Bauchi State, Toro LGA. Alternate names: KUZAMANI, RISHUWA, KAURU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
SIRI	[SIR] Bauchi State, Ningi LGA. Alternate names: SIRAWA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2. More information.
SOMYEWE	[KGT] 100 speakers or fewer (1992 Crozier and Blench). Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Kila Yang, Njike, Kuma, Jabu, Kikau, and Mayo Daga towns. Apparently extinct in Cameroon. Alternate names: KILA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Magu-Kamkam-Kila. More information.
SUKUR	[SUK] 14,779 (1992). Northern tip of Adamawa State, Michika LGA, Mandara Mts. Perhaps in Cameroon. Alternate names: SUGUR, ADIKIMMU SUKUR, GEMASAKUN, SAKUL. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.6. More information.
SURUBU	[SDE] 1,950 (1948). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Alternate names: SRUBU, FITI, SKRUBU, ZURUBU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
TAL	[TAL] 10,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Pankshin LGA. Alternate names: AMTUL, KWABZAK. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2. More information.
TALA	[TAK] 1,000 (1993). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA, Kuka and Talan Kasa villages. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Guruntum. More information.
TAMAJAQ, TAWALLAMMAT	[TTQ] Few in Nigeria. Alternate names: TAMASHEQ, TOMACHECK, TAHOUA TAMAJEQ, TUAREG, BUZU, AZBINAWA. Dialects: IOULLEMMEDEN. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Berber, Tamasheq, Southern. More information.
TAMBAS	[TDK] 8,000 (1999 Blench). Plateau State, Pankshin LGA. Alternate names: TAMBES, TEMBIS. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Fyer. More information.
TANGALE	[TAN] 130,000 (1995 CAPRO). Gombe State, Billiri, Kaltungo, Akko, and Balanga LGAs. Alternate names: TANGLE. Dialects: KALTUNGO, BILIRI, SHONGOM, TURE. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper. More information.
TANJIJILI	[UJI] 7,000 to 8,000 (1999 R. Blench). Niger State, Chanchaga and Suleija LGAs, on the road from Minna to Abuja at Kafin Koro, aout 10 villages. Alternate names: JIJILI, UJIJILI, KORO FUNTU OF KAFIN KORO, KORO FUNTU OF MINNA, KORO OF SHAKOYI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Southern. More information.
TAPSHIN	[TDL] 5,000 or fewer (1998 Blench). Bauchi State, Tafawa Balewa LGA; Plateau State, Pankshin LGA. Alternate names: TAPSHINAWA, SURU, MYET, NSUR, DISHILI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Tarokoid. More information.
TAROK	[YER] 300,000 (1998 Blench). Plateau State, Kanam, Wase, and Langtang LGAs; Gongola State, Wukari LGA. Alternate names: YERGAM, YERGUM, APPA. Dialects: IZINI (HILL TAROK), ITAROK (PLAIN TAROK), SELYER, ITAROK OGA ASA, IGYANG. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Tarokoid. More information.
TEDAGA	[TUQ] 2,000 or fewer in Nigeria (1990 Blench). Borno State, northeastern LGAs, a few villages. Dialects: KECHERDA, AZA, TEDA, TUBU (TEBU, TEBOU, TIBBU, TOUBOU). Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Saharan, Central. More information.
TEME	[TDO] 4,000 or fewer (1995). Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa LGA, along the banks of the Mayo Belwa River. Alternate names: TEMA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye. More information.
TERA	[TER] 50,000 (1970 P. Newman). Bauchi State, Yamaltu-Deba LGA; Borno State, Kwayakusar LGA. Dialects: NYIMATLI (NYEMATHI, YAMALTU, NIMALTO, NYIMATALI), PIDLIMDI (HINA, HINNA, GHUNA, GHENA), BURA KOKURA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Western. More information.
THA	[THY] 1,000 or fewer (1998 Kleinewillinghöfer). Taraba State, near Lau. Alternate names: JOOLE MANGA, KAPAWA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
TITA	[TDQ] Taraba State, Jalingo LGA, at Hoai Petel. Alternate names: HOAI PETEL. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Wurbo.
TIV	[TIV] 2,212,000 in Nigeria (1991 UBS), 2.5% of the population (1991 SIL). Population total both countries 2,212,000. Alternate names: 'MUNSHI'. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. More information.
TORO	[TDV] 3,000 to 4,000 (1996 Blench). Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA, northeast of Wamba, Turkwam village. Alternate names: TURKWAM. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau. More information.
TSIKIMBA	[KDL] 50,000 (1996). Niger State, Magama and Mariga LGAs, Auna and Wara areas, just west of Kainji Lake on the Niger River. Alternate names: AGAUSHI, AUNA, KIMBA, AKIMBA, KAMBARI, KAMBERRI, KAMBERCHI. Dialects: AGAUNSHE, ASHEN. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari. More information.
TSISHINGINI	[KAM] 80,000 (1996 SIL). Niger State, Magama and Mariga LGAs, Salka area. Alternate names: KAMBARI, KAMBERRI, KAMBERCHI, SALKA, ASHINGINI. Dialects: IBETO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari. More information.
TSO	[LDP] 16,000 (1992 CAPRO). Adamawa State, Numan LGA; Bauchi State, Kaltungo LGA. Alternate names: LOTSU-PIRI, CIBBO, TSÓBÓ, CUYI TSÓ, PIRE, PIRI, KITTA. Dialects: BERBOU, GUSUBOU, SWABOU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Cham-Mona. More information.
TSUVADI	[TVD] 150,000 (1998). Niger State, Bangi, Kontagora, and Rijau LGAs. Alternate names: AVADI, ABADI, EVADI, KAMBERI, IBETO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari. More information.
TULA	[TUL] 30,000 (1998 Kleinewillinghöfer). Gombe State, Kaltungo LGA, 30 km. east of Billiri. Alternate names: KOTULE, KUTULE. Dialects: KUTULE, BAULE, YILI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Tula. More information.
TUMI	[KKU] 635 (1949). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Alternate names: TUTUMI, KITIMI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
TYAP	[KCG] 130,000 (1993 SIL). Kaduna State, Kachia, Saminaka, and Jema'a LGAs. Alternate names: KATAB, KATAF. Dialects: KAFANCHAN (FANTUAN, KPASHAN), KACHICHERE (ATICHERAK, DARORO), KATAB (ATYAP, TYAP), KAGORO (AGWOLOK, AGOLOK, AGWOT, AGURO), ATAKAT (ATAKAR, ATTAKA, ATTAKAR, TAKAT), SHOLIO (ASHOLIO, ASOLIO, OSHOLIO, AHOLIO, MARWA, MORWA, MOROA, MARUWA, MAROA). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Central, South-Central. More information.
UBAGHARA	[BYC] 30,000 (1985 UBS), including 24,000 Biakpan (1991 UBS). Cross River State, Akampka LGA. Dialects: BIAKPAN, IKUN, ETONO, UGBEM, UTUMA (UTAMA, UTAMU). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Ubaghara-Kohumono, Ubaghara. More information.
UBANG	[UBA] Cross River State, Obudu LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
UDA	[UDA] 10,000 or more (1988). Akwa Ibom State, Mbo LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Enwang-Uda. More information.
UHAMI	[UHA] 5,498 (1963). Ondo State, Akoko South and Owo LGAs. Alternate names: ISHUA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Osse. More information.
UKAAN	[KCF] 18,000 (1973 SIL). Ondo State, Akoko North LGA, towns of Kakumo-Akoko, Auga, Ishe; Edo State, Akoko Edo LGA, town of Anyaran, Kakumo-Aworo. Alternate names: IKAN, ANYARAN, AUGA, KAKUMO. Dialects: ISHE, KAKUMO, AUGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Ukaan. More information.
UKPE-BAYOBIRI	[UKP] 12,000 (1973 SIL). Cross River State, Obudu and Ikom LGAs. Dialects: UKPE, BAYOBIRI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi. More information.
UKPET-EHOM	[AKD] Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA. Alternate names: AKPET-EHOM. Dialects: UKPET (AKPET), EHOM (UBETENG, EBETENG). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Akpet. More information.
UKUE	[UKU] 5,702 (1963). Ondo State, Akoko South LGA. Alternate names: UKPE, EKPENMI, EKPENMEN, EPINMI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Osse. More information.
UKWA	[UKQ] Cross River State, Akampka LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Efik. More information.
UKWUANI-ABOH-NDONI	[UKW] 150,000 (1973 SIL). Delta State, Ndokwa LGA; Rivers State, Ahoada LGA. Dialects: UKWUANI (UKWANI, UKWALI, KWALE), ABOH (EBOH), NDONI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo. More information.
ULUKWUMI	[ULB] 10,000 or fewer (1992 Crozier and Blench). Delta State, Aniocha and Oshimili LGAs. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri.
UMON	[UMM] 20,000 or fewer (1995). Cross River State, Akampka LGA, 25 villages. Alternate names: AMON. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Ubaghara-Kohumono, Kohumono. More information.
UNEME	[UNE] 6,000 (1952). Edo State, Etsako, Agbazko, and Akoko-Edo LGAs. Alternate names: ULEME, ILEME, INEME. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
URHOBO	[URH] 546,000 (1993 Johnstone). Delta State, Ethiope and Ughelli LGAs. Alternate names: BIOTU, 'SOBO'. Dialects: AGBARHO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern. More information.
USAGHADE	[USK] Cross River State, Odukpani LGA, half of a village. In and around Calabar. Alternate names: USAKADE, USAKEDET, ISANGELE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Usaghade. More information.
UVBIE	[EVH] 6,000 (1952). Delta State, Ethiope LGA. Alternate names: 'EVHRO', UVHRIA, UVWIE, EVRIE, EFFURUN. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern. More information.
UZEKWE	[EZE] 5,000 (1973 SIL). Cross River State, Ogoja LGA. Alternate names: EZEKWE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Koring-Kukele, Kukele.
VAGHAT-YA-BIJIM-LEGERI	[BIJ] 223,859 (1990). Plateau State, Mangu and Pankshin LGAs; Bauchi State, Tafawa Balewa LGA. Alternate names: KWANKA. Dialects: VAGHAT (TIVAGHAT, KADUN, KWANKA), YA (TIYA, BOI), BIJIM, LEGERI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. More information.
VEMGO-MABAS	[VEM] 10,000 in Nigeria (1993). Population total both countries 15,000 or fewer. Dialects: VEMGO, MABAS, VISIK (VIZIK). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Lamang. More information.
VITI	[VIT] Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Antere. Alternate names: VÖTÖ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Unclassified.
VONO	[KCH] 500 (1973 SIL). Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Alternate names: KIBALLO, KIWOLLO. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru. More information.
VORO	[VOR] Adamawa State, Guyuk and Song LGAs, south of the Dumne road, Waltande and associated hamlets. Alternate names: EBINA, EBUNA, BUNA, BENA, WORO, YUNGUR. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur, Yungur-Roba.
VUTE	[VUT] 1,000 or fewer in Nigeria (1973 SIL). Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Northeast Mambila Plateau. Alternate names: MBUTE, MBUTERE, BUTE, WUTE, FUTE, BUTI, BABUTE, MFUTI, WETERE, VUTERE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Suga-Vute, Vute. More information.
WAJA	[WJA] 60,000 (1989 Kleinewillinghöfer). Gombe State, Balanga, Akko, Yamaltu Deba LGAs; Adamawa State, northern Michika LGA; Borno State, Gwoza LGA; Taraba State, Bali LGA. Alternate names: WIYAA, WUYA, NYAN WIYAU. Dialects: DERUWO (WAJAN DUTSE), WAJA (WAJAN KASA). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Tula. More information.
WAKA	[WAV] 5,000 or more (1992). Taraba State, Karim Lamido LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye.
WANDALA	[MFI] 20,000 in Nigeria (1993), including 10,000 Gamargu, 9,300 Kirawa. Borno State, Damboa , Bama, Gwoza, and Konduga LGAs. Alternate names: MANDARA, NDARA. Dialects: KAMBURWAMA, MASFEIMA, JAMPALAM, ZIOGBA, MAZAGWA, GWANJE, GAMARGU (GAMERGU, MALGO, MALGWA), KIRAWA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Mandara. More information.
WANNU	[JUB] A few thousand (1998 Storch). Gongola State, Makurdi Division, Iharev District at Abinsi. Alternate names: ABINSI, JUKUN ABINSI, RIVER JUKUN. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Kororofa. More information.
WAPAN	[JUK] 100,000 (1994 UBS). Taraba State, Wukari LGA; Plateau State, Shendam and Langtang LGAs; Nasarawa State, Lafia and Awe LGAs. Alternate names: JUKUN WUKARI, WUKARI, WAKARI, WAPÃ, JUKUN WAPAN, JUKU, JUKUM, JUKON, JUKU JUNKUN, JINKUM. Dialects: WUKAN. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Kororofa. More information.
WARJI	[WJI] 65,000 to 70,000 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Ningi LGA; Jigawa State, Birnin Kudu LGA. Alternate names: WARJA, WARJAWA, SAR, SARAWA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2. More information.
WASE	[JUW] 1,000 to 2,000 (1998 Storch). Plateau State, Shendam, Wase, and Langtang LGAs. Alternate names: JUKUN WASE. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Jukun. More information.
WOM	[WOM] 5,000 (1992 Crozier and Blench). Adamawa State, Fufore LGA. Alternate names: PERE, PEREMA, PEREBA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Leko. More information.
XEDI	[TUR] 9,000 in Nigeria (1992 CAPRO). Population total both countries 10,000. Alternate names: HDI, HEDI, HIDE, TURU-HIDE, TUR, TURU, TOUROU, FTOUR. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Lamang. More information.
YACE	[EKR] 10,000 (1982 UBS). Cross River State, Ogoja LGA. Alternate names: YACHE, YATYE, IYACE, EKPARI. Dialects: ALIFOKPA, IJIEGU. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Yatye-Akpa. More information.
YALA	[YBA] 50,000 (1973 SIL). Cross River State, Ogoja, Obubra, and Ikom LGAs. Alternate names: IYALA. Dialects: NKUM (YALA IKOM), NKUM AKPAMBE (YALA OBUBRA), YALA OGOJA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Idoma. More information.
YAMBA	[YAM] A few in Nigeria (1990 Blench). Taraba State, Sardauna and Gashaka LGAs, Antere and other border villages. Alternate names: MBEM, 'KAKA'. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nkambe. More information.
YANGKAM	[BSX] 100 (1996 Blench). Plateau State, Kanam, Langtang, and Wase LGAs, west of Bashar, 25 km. north of Jarme on the Amper-Bashar road. 4 villages: Tukur, Bayar, Pyaksam, and Kiram; and 2 elderly men in Yuli, 15 km. northwest of Bashar. Alternate names: YANKAM, BASHARAWA, BASHIRI, BASHAR. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Tarokoid. More information.
YEKHEE	[ETS] 274,000 (1995 UBS). Edo State, Etsako, Agbako, and Okpebho LGAs. Alternate names: ETSAKO, ETSAKOR, AFENMAI, IYEKHEE, 'KUKURUKU'. Dialects: AUCHI, UZAIRUE, SOUTH IBIE (SOUTH IVBIE), UWEPA-UWANO (WEPPA WANO), AVIANWU (FUGAR), AVIELE, IVHIADAOBI, EKPERI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee. More information.
YENDANG	[YEN] 62,640 (1987). Adamawa State, Mayo Belwa and Numan LGAs; Taraba State, Yoro, Jalingo, Zing, and Karim Lamido LGAs. Alternate names: YENDAM, YANDANG, NYANDANG, YUNDUM. Dialects: KUSEKI, YOFO, POLI (AKULE, YAKULE), YOTI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang. More information.
YESKWA	[YES] 13,000 (1973 SIL). Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA; Nasarawa State, Keffi LGA. Alternate names: YASGUA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Koro.
YIWOM	[GEK] 8,000 (1973 SIL). Plateau State, Shendam and Langtang South LGAs. Alternate names: GERKA, GERKAWA, GERKANCHI, GURKA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Yiwom. More information.
YORUBA	[YOR] 18,850,000 in Nigeria (1993 Johnstone). Population total all countries 20,000,000 (1991 UBS). Including second language speakers: 22,000,000 (1999 WA). Alternate names: YOOBA, YARIBA. Dialects: OYO, IJESHA, ILA, IJEBU, ONDO, WO, OWE, JUMU, IWORRO, IGBONNA, YAGBA, GBEDDE, EGBA, AKONO, AWORO, BUNU (BINI), EKITI, ILAJE, IKALE, AWORI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri. More information.
YUKUBEN	[YBL] 15,000 in Nigeria (1992). Population total both countries 16,000. Alternate names: NYIKUBEN, NYIKOBE, AYIKIBEN, BORITSU, BALAABE, BALAABEN, OOHUM, UUHUM, UUHUM-GIGI, UHUMKHEGI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Yukuben-Kuteb. More information.
ZANGWAL	[ZAH] 100 (1993). Bauchi State, Bauchi LGA. Alternate names: ZWANGAL, TWAR. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Guruntum. More information.
ZARI	[ZAZ] 21,000 or more including 20,000 Zakshi (1995 CAPRO), 1,000 Boto (1950). Bauchi State, Toro, Dass, and Tafawa Balewa LGAs, and Plateau State. Alternate names: ZARIWA. Dialects: ZAKSHI (ZAKSA), BOTO (BOOT, BIBOT), ZARI (KOPTI, KWAPM). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper. More information.
ZARMA	[DJE] 50,000 in Nigeria (1973 SIL). Kebbi State, Argungu, Birnin Kebbi, and Bunza LGAs; Niger State. Alternate names: DYERMA, DYARMA, DYABARMA, ZABARMA, ADZERMA, DJERMA, ZARBARMA, ZERMA. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Songhai, Southern. More information.
ZEEM	[ZUA] Bauchi State, Toro LGA. Dialects: ZEEM (TULAI), DANSHE (CHAARI), LUSHI (LUKSHI, DOKSHI). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper. More information.
ZHIRE	[ZHI] Kaduna State, Kachia and Jema'a LGAs. Alternate names: KENYI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Jaba. More information.
ZIRIYA	[ZIR] Bauchi State, Toro LGA, Kere and Ziriya. Alternate names: JIRIYA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. Nearly extinct. More information.
ZIZILIVAKAN	[ZIZ] Adamawa State, Mubi LGA, Jilbu town, near Cameroon border. Alternate names: ZIZILIVEKEN, ZILIVA, ÀMZÍRÍV, FALI OF JILBU. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. More information.
ZUMBUN	[JMB] 2,000 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Darazo LGA, Jimbim settlement. Alternate names: JIMBIN, JIMBINAWA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2. More information.

Extinct languages

AJAWA	[AJW] Bauchi State. Alternate names: AJA, AJANCI. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2. More information.
AUYOKAWA	[AUO] Jigawa State, Keffin Hausa and Auyo LGAs. Alternate names: AUYAKAWA, AWIAKA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.1. More information.
BASA-GUMNA	[BSL] Niger State, Chanchaga LGA; Plateau State, Nasarawa LGA. Alternate names: BASA-KADUNA, BASSA-KADUNA, GWADARA BASA, BASA KUTA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Basa. More information.
GAMO-NINGI	[BTE] Ethnic group of 15,000 (1992 Crozier and Blench). Bauchi State, Ningi LGA. Dialects: GAMO (BUTA, MBUTA, MBOTU, BA-BUCHE, BA-MBUTU), NINGI. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera. More information.
KPATI	[KOC] Taraba State, Wukari, Takum LGAs. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Ngemba. More information.
KUBI	[KOF] Ethnic group has 1,500 (1995 CAPRO). Bauchi State, Gunjawa LGA, Kubi town. Alternate names: KUBA, KUBAWA. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. More information.
MAWA	[WMA] Ethnic population is small (1982 Shimizu). Bauchi State, Toro LGA, possibly Mara village. Classification: Unclassified. More information.
TESHENAWA	[TWC] Jigawa State, Keffin Hausa LGA, Teshena town. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.1, Bade Proper. More information.

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