CUSTOMS OF NIGERIA

Custom, then, is the great guide of human life,” wrote Scottish
philosopher David Hume. Knowing the customs of a country is, in effect, a
guide to understanding the soul of that country and its people. The
following Sidebar is intended to provide a glimpse into the unique world of
this nation’s customs: how people marry, how families celebrate holidays
and other occasions, what people eat, and how they socialize and have
fun.



Customs of Nigeria

Marriage and Family


Marriage customs vary, but the payment of a bridal token or dowry is
common throughout the country. The groom is expected to give money,
property, or service to the family of the bride. Western-style dating is not
common in rural areas, but it is practiced by some young people in
urban areas. Women usually marry by the time they are 20 and men marry in
their mid-20s. Marriage is often considered a process rather than an
event, so couples may live together before or instead of a formal
marriage ceremony. Many couples simply find a wedding to be too expensive.


Although specific details of the family structure vary from one ethnic
group to another, Nigerian families are generally male dominated.
Polygamy is practiced, but its popularity varies according to region, ethnic
group, and education. Educated, Christian women living in urban
centers, for example, are less likely to marry a man with other wives than
other women might be.


While the status of Muslim women in Nigeria is similar to that in other
Islamic countries, most other women enjoy a great degree of
freedom—they influence family decisions, engage in open trade at the marketplace,
and account for about a third of the labor force. Large families
traditionally share the workload at home. Nigerians have deep respect for
their elders.

Eating


The mainstays of the Nigerian diet are yams, cassava, and rice, and the
people are fond of hot, spicy food. Meals are normally accompanied by
a pepper sauce made with fish, meat, or chicken. The main meal of the
day is eaten in the evening. A wide selection of fruit and vegetables
supplements the diet. Because of the tsetse fly, which carries a disease
fatal to cattle, dairy cattle are scarce in the coastal regions, but
canned margarine, cheese, and powdered milk are used.


Eating habits vary among ethnic groups. Nigerians often eat with their
hands, especially when eating fufu, a porridgelike food made of ground
cassava or yams. Fufu is rolled into small balls and dipped into a
sauce with the right hand only. Nigerians may use utensils for other
dishes.

Socializing


In Nigeria, greetings are highly valued and neglecting to greet another
is a sign of disrespect. Because of the diversity of cultures,
customs, and dialects in Nigeria, English is widely used throughout the
country for exchanging greetings. “Hello” is the most common greeting, while
“Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” and “Good evening” are also
appropriate. Objects are passed with the right hand or both hands, but not with
the left hand alone.


It is common to visit relatives frequently. Unexpected guests are
welcome, because planning ahead is not possible in many areas where
telephones are not widely available. Hosts endeavor to make guests feel
comfortable and usually offer them some refreshments. Invited guests are not
expected to bring gifts, but small gifts are appreciated. For social
engagements or other planned activities, a starting time may be indicated,
but late guests are anticipated and they do not disrupt the event.