Are Inter-Ethnic Marriages Acceptable in Nigeria?

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Published on October 9, 2017 by

Are inter ethnic marriages acceptable in Nigeria?

Nigeria has 371 different ethnic groups (or tribes!), each with their own unique language, culture, and history. But there has often been a society stigma against marriage between different ethnic groups in Nigeria. However, particularly in the large cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, it appears Nigerian society is becomeing more tolerant and metropolitan.

“The tradition has changed, my children should marry someone from anywhere,” says an enthusiastic Lagos trader. “Everyone should become mixed up.”

“I would allow my children to marry any inter ethnic tribe in Nigeria – if they find the bone of their bone,” says another young man.

The top six largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, in order, are: Hausa, Yoruba, Igno, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani.

However, inter ethnic marriages are still frowned upon in many areas in Nigeria, especially rural areas and traditional families. Reasons often include cultural pride, clashes over cultural perspectives (such as gender roles, money, etc), and challenges for families to adapt to new languages, food, and even hundreds of years of tribal history and racism against other ethnic groups.

Inter ethnic violence is sadly all too common in Nigeria, with threats and attacks against other tribes often spilling into the political sphere.

However, down on the street, people are making their own unions.

“I would accept love from whatever ethnic group it comes from – love knows no tribe in Nigeria,” says a young Nigerian business man.

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10 Comments

  • romz 7 years ago

    Inter ethnic marriages are good the offspring will have hybrid vigor and are usually more good looking the only disadvantage is the culture clash between the couple’s families.

    Reply
  • Sola Ayodele 7 years ago

    If you don’t accept them ..you are racist

    Reply
  • Sports Talk with Ikenna Iteogu 7 years ago

    Yes, I’m Igbo and I love Yoruba women so much

    Reply
  • Thee Adjudicator 7 years ago

    I mean, I’ll smash whatever the ethnic origin.

    Reply
  • Sel Bel 7 years ago

    The subtitles are so incorrect. These people are obviously speaking mostly English, if not completely.

    Reply
  • Abubakar Abdulhamid mb 7 years ago

    I’m hausa and I want to marry an Igbo girl, to be frank☺️.

    Reply
  • Mary J Bright 7 years ago

    As someone who lives overseas, the last thing I thought of was a mans ethnicity.  I just wanted a decent man and I was lucky to find an Edo man.  BTW my parents are Yoruba and Igbo

    Reply
  • The Truth 7 years ago

    2017, and this is still a topic.

    Reply
  • Kiya Xiyana Von Der Eretein 7 years ago

    whites for whites only.

    all other ethnicities are cool to date and mix. just dont mix with whites.

    Reply
  • Petra PowerTalks 7 years ago

    Jesus Christ loves you so much. God bless you Naija! Good day my people. Check out my testimony please oooo.

    John 3:16New International Version (NIV)

    16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

    Reply