List of ethnic groups and languages in Niger State by Local Government Area

The largest ethnic group in Niger State is Nupe. It is followed by Gbagyi. The Nupe language is also the most widely spoken indigenous language in the state and as well followed by Gbagyi. Several other ethnic groups exists and they speak they languages respectively. However, English is the official language but it’s spoken mostly in official environments in urban areas.

Niger State’s linguistic diversity showcases its rich cultural mosaic, with languages serving as a crucial link to the traditions and heritage of its communities. The preservation and promotion of these languages remain vital for maintaining the state’s cultural identity.

Languages of Niger State by Local Government Area (LGA)

The diverse linguistic landscape of Niger State reflects its rich cultural heritage. Below is a detailed table of the languages spoken in each LGA.

LGALanguages
AgaieNupe; Dibo
AgwaraCishingini
BidaNupe; Hausa; BassaNge; Gbari
BorguBusa; Bisã; Boko; Cishingini; Laru; Reshe
ChanchagaBasa-Gumna; Basa-Gurmana; Gbagyi; Gbari; Nupe; Kamuku; Tanjijili
EdatiNupe; BassaNge
BossoGbayi; Gwari
GbakoNupe
GuraraGwandara; Gbagyi
KatchaNupe; Dibo; Kupa
KontagoraHausa; Acipa (Eastern); Asu; Tsishingini; Tsuvadi
LapaiNupe; Dibo; Gbagyi/Gbari; Gupa-Abawa; Kakanda; Kami
MagamaDukkawa Lopa; Tsikimba; Tsishingini; Tsuvadi
MarigaBaangi; Bassa-Kontagora; Cicipu; Kamuku; Nupe; Rogo; Shama-Sambuga; Tsikimba; Tsishingini; Tsuvadi
MasheguAsu; Tsikimba; Tsishingini; Nupe-Tako
MinnaGbagyi; Gbari; Nupe
MokwaNupe; Hausa; Yoruba; Gbari
MunyaAdara
PaikoroGbagyi/Gbari; Kadara
RafiBasa-Gurmana; Bauchi; Cahungwarya; Fungwa; Gbagyi; Gbari; Kamuku; Pangu; Rogo; Shama-Sambuga
RijauDukkawa Fulani; C’Lela; Tsishingini; Tsuvadi; ut-Hun
ShiroroGbagyi
SulejaGbagyi; Gbari
TafaGbagyi
WushishiGbagyi; Gbari; Nupe

Key Observations

  1. Dominant Languages:
    • Nupe is prevalent in LGAs like Agaie, Bida, Gbako, Katcha, Lapai, and Mokwa, reflecting its status as a major ethnic group in Niger State.
    • Gbagyi/Gbari is widely spoken across many LGAs, including Chanchaga, Suleja, Minna, and Shiroro.
Nupe women
Nupe people (men, women)

Nupe-Nupe-Tako: A Language of Wider Communication

Nupe-Nupe-Tako is a language spoken predominantly in Nigeria, classified under the Niger-Congo language family, which is one of the largest language families in the world. It serves as a language of wider communication (LWC) for the Nupe ethnic group, fostering interaction within the community and beyond.


Key Characteristics of Nupe-Nupe-Tako

AttributeDetails
Language FamilyNiger-Congo
Geographical OriginNigeria
Primary UsersNupe ethnic community
RoleFirst language for most Nupe speakers; LWC for intra- and inter-ethnic communication
Educational StatusNot formally taught in schools
DocumentationLimited direct evidence of the language’s history and development

Role as a Language of Wider Communication

Nupe-Nupe-Tako functions as a lingua franca for the Nupe people, enabling communication across various groups within the Nupe-speaking regions in Nigeria. Despite the lack of formal institutional support, such as its inclusion in school curricula, the language thrives within the community, passed down through generations.

More on Niger State

  1. Ethnolinguistic Diversity:
    • LGAs such as Mariga, Rafi, and Kontagora host a mix of minority languages, demonstrating the state’s rich linguistic variety.
  2. Cultural Significance:
    • Some languages, like Cishingini and Tsishingini, are specific to smaller communities, underscoring the cultural uniqueness of these groups.
    • Niger State’s multilingualism contributes to its vibrant traditional and social life.
  3. Multilingual LGAs:
    • LGAs like Rafi, Mariga, and Kontagora are particularly diverse, hosting over five languages each, illustrating the region’s ethnolinguistic complexity.