Top 9 Things Nigeria Is Famous For

nigeria is famous for
Catherine
Catherine 
Updated
| 4 min read

Residing on the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria is a coastal country that oozes palpable energy. One of the most ethnically diverse countries in Africa, a visit to this nation is certain to offer a multicultural and multilayered travel adventure you won’t forget. Many tourists arrive seeking beautiful sandy beaches and water recreation but find so much more. Explore intriguing Yoruba shrines and ancient slave ports or check out outstanding natural scenery like the attention-grabbing Zuma Rock - a towering 2,379-foot (725-meter) block outside the capital city of Abuja that’s featured on Nigeria’s currency. To uncover more of this mysterious and exciting place you must read on to see the top things Nigeria is famous for.

1. Nigerian jollof rice

Jollof (Jollof- Rice)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user DromoTetteh used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Eaten as an average meal or during celebratory events, Nigerian Jollof Rice is a classic one-pot dish prepared in several West African nations. This rich, hearty and delectable meal is a tasty concoction of three main ingredients: fluffy long-grain rice, a saucy tomato stew, and flavorful seasonings such as robust Nigerian-style curry powder and dried thyme. Spiced and simmered in a wonderful tomato broth, this completed food is served with yummy fried plantains. Health-conscious eaters are happy to know Nigerian Jollof Rice is not only delicious but low in calories.

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2. City of Lagos (from USD 100.0)

Nigeria’s biggest and most populous city that grew from 200,000 people to 200 million in just 50 years, the city of Lagos is a sprawling and bustling place known for first-rate beach resorts, top-tier shopping districts, a dynamic art and music scene, as well as a vibrant nightlife. A raucous seaside metropolis that lies along the Gulf of Guinea and Lagos Lagoon, Lagos bursts with frenetic energy so be prepared to dive in and expect the unexpected. From the secluded appeal of Tarkwa Bay Beach to the natural beauty of the Lekki Conservation Centre, the City of Lagos is one of Nigeria’s hidden gems and a prime example of contemporary Africa.

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Lagos by Yourself with English Chauffeur by Business Car or Luxury SUV

Duration: 12 hours

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3. Hausa leather goods

Local man using leather to make bags
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Muhdeen used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Found primarily in northern Nigeria, the Hausa people are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. Though possessing very diverse cultural practices, the Hausas share many of the same customs and beliefs. They are widely known for their expert leather goods. Classic hand-stitched leather items from snazzy satchels to cozy slippers are created with long-established techniques. Much of what they produce feature traditional patterns and designs that are unique to the Hausas, so owning a leather and textile-woven boho bag or a cushy leather footstool is a prized piece of merchandise. Hausas also specialize in other practices such as weaving, silversmithing, and thatching.

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4. Natural resources

Gold nugget (placer gold) 1 (17001285916)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user James St. John used under CC BY 2.0

Whether it’s iron ore in Benue, bitumen in Lagos, or gold in Edo, there’s no doubt that Nigeria is a nation that’s abundantly rich in a wide variety of natural resources that are traded, exported, and used locally. Boasting everything from coffee to tin, these agricultural and mineral resources fuel the Nigerian economy and play a large role in many of the Nigerian people’s day-to-day lives. The primary source of this country’s economy is petroleum, and one of the mineral resources that have the highest demand is rock salt.

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5. Adire

Aso Adire
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Olaniyan Olushola used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Distinctive and regal looking, adire is resist-dyed clothing produced and worn mainly by Yoruba people from southwestern Nigeria, and it is recognized by its eye-popping indigo blue coloring. Adire literally means tie and dye, and it is created by tying and dyeing material in various ways to produce an array of stunning patterns and shapes in rich blue hues and stark whites. The practice goes back centuries with the earliest product seen in the West African country of Mali in the 11th century. The unique appearance of adire is achieved through many methods, such as tying raffia - string-like material - around small pebbles to create white rings.

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6. Nollywood movies

Shooting a nollywood movie in Awka
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bestvillage used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Referring to the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood movies have emerged as a worldwide phenomenon. For an industry that began during an economic downturn in the 1990s, Nollywood films - in terms of output - are rated second only to Bollywood. And it’s no surprise these flicks showcase an eclectic and rich variety of storylines from a country boasting more than 500 different ethnic groups. Streaming services like Netflix and Youtube have increased the reach of this burgeoning industry that produces plots that range from silly romps to serious dramas.

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7. Nigerian music

A musical instrument from Northern Nigeria
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Gogeafrica used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Nigeria boasts a mind-boggling range of music from hard-driving pulsating hip-hop club beats to the calm stylings of a two-stringed fiddle known as a goje. The country’s eclectic blend of traditional and contemporary sounds make Nigerian music one of the world’s most exciting exports. One of the nation’s most globally recognized sounds is Juju - music derived from a variety of Yoruba musical-style percussions. Artists such as Sunny Ade and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti have contributed heavily to putting Nigeria’s unique sound on the international music scene.

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8. Third-Mainland Bridge

Third Mainland Bridge
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Zouzou Wizman used under CC BY 2.0

The lengthiest of a trio of bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland of the City of Lagos, the Third-Mainland Bridge - also known as the Ibrahim Babangida Bridge - is an impressive structure that was erected in 1990 as an effort to reduce Lagos’ heavily congested traffic situation. Stretching 6.52 miles (10.5 kilometers) along Lagos Lagoon’s shoreline, Third-Mainland Bridge is an excellent example of modern-day construction. When this bridge opened, it was touted as the longest bridge in Africa until Cairo built the 6th October Bridge in 1996.

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9. River Niger

The River Niger 10
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebere Jude Ekemezie used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The prominent, crescent-shaped River Niger is a key body of water in West Africa. Flowing through Guinea, Mali, Niger, and ultimately Nigeria, this river is the third-longest on the African continent: only bested by the Congo and the Nile. Spanning 2,500 miles (4,023 kilometers), River Niger’s most significant feature is the northern portion of the river because it is the nearest large-scale river and source of water to the vast and bone-dry Sahara Desert. Communities living along the river’s banks greatly rely on the river for their livelihood, so the Niger River is considered the beating heart of West Africa. Plus, it is home to many migratory birds and species of fish.

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Be amazed by Nigeria

Awash with lots of natural beauty, bustling cities, remote villages, and fabulous wildlife reserves, Nigeria is a magical part of West Africa, ideal for thrill-seeking travelers. Nigeria is filled with jaw-dropping sights and memorable adventures. To understand the complete Nigerian experience, explore a few of the things it’s known for to enhance your stay.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Catherine has written professionally for over 10 years, and a sizable amount has been travel writing. Her desire to see the world was sparked at a very young age. Growing up, there were many family...Read more

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