Nigeria may officially be an English speaking country but if you must succeed in the country, you must understand the impacts of local languages in Nigeria. Being Africa’s largest county, Nigeria also has one of the most diverse language collections on the planet. With over 350 languages, it is important to familiarize yourself with at least one to improve your ease of doing business in the country.

Even for locals, doing business in some local language dominant area may feel alien if you can’t speak the local area’s language. As Nigerians, we love our mother tongue and as such for foreigners visiting Nigeria, understanding the state you wish to travel to and familiarizing yourself with the local language is a great way to start if you must get the best out of Nigeria. Although Nigeria is linguistically divided into three groups, a lot more languages with moderate to smaller speakers exists. To get along faster, focus is on the three major local languages in Nigeria.

These languages includes Igbo, Huasa, and Yoruba. For the minority language speaking territories, Although speaking the local language of such states may be crucial, the use of Nigerian Pidgin English can be most effective. This is because in most minority states, the other three major nationalities and other minorities dilute the population so much that the local population has to adapt to pidgin English.

English language is also another language that is effective in communication within Nigeria however the use is more formal and not very suitable for everyday business in Nigeria. Also locals may have a stereotype of formal English speakers which may deny you the chance of getting the best out of Nigeria.

Local Languages in Nigeria by Regional Dominance

• Local Language spoken in Western Nigeria: If you are living or doing business in the West of Nigeria (South West) the dominant local language is Yoruba. The Yorubas cherish their language a lot. Although in Western state like Lagos, given its cosmopolitan nature, pidgin English or even formal English may get you going. The other western states of Oyo state, the state of Ekiti, Osun, the state of Ondo and Ogun state have the prevalent of the Yoruba language.

To succeed in doing business in those states, a bit of Yoruba may be helpful. Saying “Ba wo ni”  meaning “how are you in Yoruba” can make a difference. Even as you wish to alight a bus, you could hear the conductor saying “fimi lo owo”, meaning “give me money” knowing these and other common Yoruba language are important in doing business in Western Nigeria.

• Local language spoken in Northern Nigeria: Considering local language in Nigeria, Hausa seem to have the highest number of speakers. It is the dominant local language spoken in Northern Nigeria. If you are doing business or intend to do business in the core Northern Nigerian states, note that Hausa is a primary means of communication. Unlike the West and the East, more Northerners are not able to speak English Language or pidgin.

This means being able to speak the local languages in the North is very instrumental in doing business there. Note that the North is more linguistically diverse than the South. While the South has two major local languages (Igbo and Yoruba), the North only have Hausa as a major language. Most people in the core North can at least understand basic Hausa.

In Huasa, saying “Yaya kake” (how are you) is a great way to connect with people. Perhaps someone tells you “yaya kake” while in the North, you can reply with “ina lafia) (I am fine). Also learning the greetings like “Ina kwana” (good morning) is important. Apart from these two words, other common popular words that will familiarize you with Northern Nigerian natives abound.  Northern states where Hausa is predominantly spoken include Kano State, Adamawa, the state of Katsina, the state of Kaduna, Bauchi state etc.

• Local Language spoken in Eastern Nigeria: The dominant language spoken in Eastern Nigeria especially in the South East is the Igbo language. Like the speakers of the other two major local languages in Nigeria (Huasa and Yorubas), the Igbos holds their language in high respect.

The Igbos are also Nigerians most enterprising tribe; understanding the Igbo language is very important to the ease of doing business in Nigeria. Igbos are avid travelers as such it is not unusual to find them doing business in large numbers in other parts of the country. Igbos are also very good at being able to learn and speak other local languages in Nigeria.

When doing business is strictly considered, Igbos language is arguably the most powerful for doing business in Nigeria beside English language or pidgin. This is because apart from being the dominant language in the East, markets with high Igbo presence in the North and west tends to adopt the Igbo language as a language of business. The Igbos also like to communicate with themselves in their language. So having a bit of understanding of the language may get you better deals.

Common popular sentences in Igbo include “Kedu ka imere” (how are you doing). Doing business with the Igbos will have you frequently hearing the word “ego” ego means money and you would often here “nyem ego” (give me money), “ego ole” (how much). Getting to know basic Igbo words can improve your ease of doing business in Nigeria especially in the East. Eastern states where Igbo is predominantly spoken include Enugu state, the state of Enonyi, Imo State, the state of Anambra and Abia.

Conclusion

Nigerian is Africa’s biggest market. If you are thinking about doing business in the country or visiting the country, it is important to familiarize yourself with local languages in Nigeria

Even for locals visiting or doing business in other parts of the country outside their indigenous zones, it is important to have basic knowledge of the dominant language in the zone you are visiting, doing business or residing. Nigerian languages are beautiful.

Apart form it’s role in facilitating business and other activities, it is another way to endear yourself in the hearts of local or indigenous people of each zone.

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