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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Top 10 States In Nigeria With The Highest Number Of Spoken Languages (Updated List)
Nigeria is often called the most linguistically diverse country in Africa — and rightly so. With over 525 indigenous languages and more than 250 ethnic groups, the country is a melting pot of dialects, traditions, and tongues.
But which states host the highest number of spoken languages?
In this guide, we reveal the top 10 Nigerian states that have the richest linguistic diversity, from the Middle Belt to the deep South-South. Whether you’re a language enthusiast, researcher, or just curious about Nigeria's tribal depth, this list is for you.
Quick Facts About Nigeria’s Language Diversity
|
Statistic |
Details |
|
Total Indigenous Languages |
525+ |
|
Number of Recognized Ethnic Groups |
250+ |
|
Most Linguistically Diverse Region |
Middle Belt (Central Nigeria) |
|
Official Language |
English |
|
Most Widely Spoken Indigenous Language |
Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo |
Top 10 States With the Highest Number of Spoken Languages in Nigeria
|
Rank |
State |
Estimated Number of Languages |
Major Ethnic Groups |
|
1 |
Taraba |
70+ |
Jukun, Tiv, Kuteb, Fulani, Mumuye, Wurkun |
|
2 |
Adamawa |
60+ |
Bachama, Batta, Fulani, Margi, Higi |
|
3 |
Benue |
50+ |
Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Etulo |
|
4 |
Niger |
40+ |
Nupe, Gbagyi, Kambari, Hausa |
|
5 |
Plateau |
35+ |
Berom, Tarok, Ngas, Mwaghavul |
|
6 |
Borno |
30+ |
Kanuri, Shuwa, Babur, Marghi, Hausa |
|
7 |
Cross River |
25+ |
Efik, Ejagham, Bekwarra, Boki, Yakurr |
|
8 |
Kaduna |
20+ |
Gbagyi, Hausa, Bajju, Atyap, Ham |
|
9 |
Bauchi |
20+ |
Hausa, Fulani, Sayawa, Warji, Jarawa |
|
10 |
Kogi |
15–20 |
Ebira, Igala, Okun, Bassa, Nupe |
Language Diversity Spotlight by State
1. Taraba State – Nigeria’s Linguistic Capital
- Over 70 distinct languages
- Rich mix of mountains and valleys helps preserve dialects
- Each ethnic group often has its own tongue, festivals, and history
2. Adamawa State
- Located in North-East Nigeria, with many isolated language communities
- Languages are mostly Chadic, Bantoid, and Adamawa-Ubangi groups
3. Benue State
- Famous for the Tiv people but also home to many minority languages
- Known as the “Food Basket of the Nation” with cultural depth
4. Niger State
- Home to major hydroelectric projects and a rich mix of languages
- Nupe and Gbagyi are dominant, but dozens of minority tongues still thrive
5. Plateau State
- Geographically mountainous — ideal for the preservation of small languages
- Many communities have oral literature traditions and cultural festivals
6. Borno State
- Historically part of the Kanem-Bornu Empire
- Despite insecurity, the region maintains a variety of languages
7. Cross River State
- Lush rainforests and remote riverine areas help preserve rare dialects
- Efik is the most popular, but the state is home to over 25 distinct groups
8. Kaduna State
- A melting pot with significant Christian and Muslim populations
- Languages include Bajju, Ham, Gbagyi, Atyap, and Hausa
9. Bauchi State
- Located in the North-East, it has a high mix of Fulani and minority tribes
- Sayawa and Warji are examples of minority language groups
10. Kogi State
- Known as Nigeria’s central confluence state
- Languages like Ebira and Igala are dominant, but Bassa and Okun also flourish
Visual Comparison: Language Count vs Region
|
Region |
States With High Diversity |
Language Range |
|
North-East |
Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi |
20–60+ |
|
Middle Belt |
Taraba, Benue, Plateau, Niger, Kogi |
35–70+ |
|
South-South |
Cross River |
25+ |
|
North-West |
Kaduna |
20+ |
FAQs
|
Question |
Answer |
|
Which state has the highest number of languages in Nigeria? |
Taraba State, with over 70 spoken indigenous languages. |
|
Why is the Middle Belt so linguistically diverse? |
Geography and tribal history created isolated ethnic groups over time. |
|
What is the most widely spoken indigenous language in Nigeria? |
Hausa, followed by Yoruba and Igbo. |
|
Are these minority languages documented? |
Some are, but many remain undocumented and endangered. |
|
Is the Nigerian government preserving these languages? |
Efforts exist, but preservation is still largely driven by communities. |
Conclusion
Nigeria’s cultural strength lies in its linguistic diversity, and these 10 states are proof of that. From the highlands of Taraba to the riverbanks of Cross River, languages aren’t just communication tools — they are stories, identities, and living traditions.
Whether you’re a tourist, a cultural researcher, or a proud Nigerian, these states invite you to listen to the voices of history, rhythm, and heritage.
