History & Records

Which Ethnic Group Is The 4th Largest In Nigeria?

Published

8 years ago

October 10, 2016

Right from primary school when we were small children we’ve been taught and it has become a part of our subconscious that there are 3 major ethnic groups in Nigeria- Hausa-Fulani, Igbo and Yoruba. This is a common knowledge among most Nigerians young or old. These 3 ethnic groups are spread across more than one region for example Hausa-Fulani can be found in the Northeast, Northwest and the North-central, the Igbos can be found in the Southeast and South-south while the Yorubas can be found in the Southwest, South-south and the North-central.

However apart from these 3 major ethnic groups, there are over 200 other ethnic groups in Nigeria. Some in their millions while some others are just a few thousands. One knowledge that has always seem elusive is that of the 4th largest ethnic group in the country. Consequently, my academic readings online and in hard copies as well as news items have thrust before me the possibility of 4 candidates; Ijaw, Urhobo, Tiv and Itsekiri. I don’t really know the population strength of these ethnic groups because different media and academic reports have mentioned them as being the 4th largest ethnic group in Nigeria.

This is the major reason for bringing this question here to gain more knowledge. Which ethnic group is the 4th largest in Nigeria