Nigeria
PrintPrimary tabs
Abanglekuo
[bzy] Benue state: Kwande LGA; Cross River state: Obanliku LGA. Users: 65,000 (Faraclas 1989). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Abanliku, Obanliku. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Abanyom
[abm] Cross River state: Ikom LGA, Abangkang, main village. Users: 12,500 (1986). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Abanyum, Bakor, Befun, Bofon, Mbofon. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid, Bakor.
Abishi
[pcn] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA. Users: 8,100 (2013 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Abisi, Bisi, Piti, Pitti. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Piti-Atsam.
Abon
[abo] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Abong town, east of Baissa. Users: 1,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Abong, Abõ, Ba’ban. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid.
Abua
[abn] Rivers state: Ahoada and Degema LGAs. Users: 25,000 (Faraclas 1989). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Autonym: Abuan. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta, Abua-Odual.
Abureni
[mgj] Bayelsa state: Brass LGA, Agrisaba (Obo-Emeke), 4 towns; Nembe LGA, Okoroba; Ogbia LGA, Idema and Opume; Rivers state: 2 areas. Users: Ethnic population: 4,000 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Mini. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta.
Acipa, Eastern
[acp] Kaduna state: Birnin Gwari LGA, Bobi, Igwama, and Randeggi towns; Niger state: Kontagora LGA. Users: 5,000 (1993). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Achipa, Acipanci, Səgəmuk, Zubazuba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Adara
[kad] Kaduna state: Kachia and Kajuru LGAs; Niger state: Muya and Paikoro LGAs. Users: 300,000 (2011 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kadara, Èdà. Autonym: Ànda. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Northern.
Aduge
[adu] Kogi state: Ijumu and Okehi LGAs; Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA. Users: 1,900 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern.
Afade
[aal] Borno state: Kala/Balge LGA, 12 villages. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Afaɗә, Afada, Afadee, Afadeh, Affade, Kotoko, Mogari. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, B, B.1, Kotoko Proper, North.
Agatu
[agc] Benue state: Agatu, Apa, and Oturkpo LGAs; Kogi state: northeast; Nassarawa state: Nasarawa and Toto LGAs. Users: 70,000 (1987 UBS). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: North Idoma. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Idoma.
Agoi
[ibm] Cross River state: Akamkpa and Obubra LGAs; Yakurr LGA, Agoi-Ekpo, Agoi-Ibami, Ekom-Agoi, and Itu-Agoi towns. Users: 12,000 (Faraclas 1989). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ibami, Ro Bambami, Wa Bambani, WaGoi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Agoi-Doko-Iyoniyong.
Agwagwune
[yay] Cross River state: Abi and Biase LGAs; Ebonyi state: Afikpo North and Afikpo South LGAs. Users: 20,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Agwaguna, Akurakura, Okurikan, “Akunakuna” (pej.). Autonym: Gwune. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Ubaghara-Kohumono, Kohumono.
Àhàn
[ahn] Ekiti state: Ekiti East LGA, Omuo town; Kogi state: Ijumu LGA; Ondo state: Akoko North West LGA, Ajowa and Igashi towns. Users: 300 (2000 R. Blench). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ahaan. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Ayere-Ahan.
Ahwai
[nfd] Kaduna state: Sanga LGA, 25 villages surrounding Ahwai mountain. Users: 18,000 (2008 M. Rueck, K. Hannelová, and Z. Yoder). 3,400 Anyeng, 3,600 Andung, and 11,000 Shakara (2008 M. Rueck, K. Hannelová, and Z. Yoder). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Central, West-Central.
Ajawa
[ajw] Bauchi state. Users: No known L1 speakers. The last speaker either died or shifted to Hausa [hau] by 1940 (Ogbonna 2016). Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Aja, Ajanci. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.
Ajiri
[afo] Benue state: Agatu LGA, Benue river areas; Nassarawa state: Awe and Nasarawa LGAs. Users: 100,000 (Decker et al 2021c). Ethnic population: 105,000 (Decker et al 2021c). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Afao, Afo, Afu, Aho, Epe. Autonym: Ajiri, Eloyi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Eloyi.
Ajiya
[idc] Kaduna state: Kajuru LGA. Users: 5,000 (Blench 2011). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ajuli, Idon, Idong, Misiwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Northern.
Akpa
[akf] Benue state: Ohimini and Oturkpo LGAs. Users: 26,900 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Akweya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Yatye-Akpa.
Akpes
[ibe] Ekiti state; Ondo state: Akoko North East and Akoko North West LGAs; Kogi state: Ijumu LGA. Users: 10,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ibaram-Efifa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Akpes.
Akuku
[ayk] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA; Kogi state: Okene. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Southern.
Akum
[aku] Taraba state: Ekban, Konkom, and Manga villages near Cameroon border. Users: Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Aakuem, Anyar, Oakuem. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Yukuben-Kuteb.
Akye
[aik] Nassarawa state: Lafia LGA, 4 villages. Users: 4,000 (Decker et al 2021d). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Aike, Ake, Ekwenunga, Kapon. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B.
Alago
[ala] Nassarawa state: Doma, Keana, Lafia, Nasarawa, and Obi LGAs. Users: 100,000 (Blench 2019). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Arago, Aragu, Argo, Idoma Nokwu. Autonym: Alago. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Idoma.
Ambo
[amb] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, 1 village east of Baissa. Users: 1,000. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Timap. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid.
Amo
[amo] Kaduna state: Lere LGA; Plateau state: Bassa LGA. Users: 12,300 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Amap, Amon, Among, Ba. Autonym: Timap. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Amo.
Anaang
[anw] Abia state: Obi Ngwa, Ugwunagbo, and Ukwa East LGAs; Akwa Ibom state: Abak, Essien Udim, Ikot Ekpene, Oruk-Anam, and Ukanafun LGAs; Rivers state: Khana and Oyigbo LGAs. Users: 2,890,000 (2020). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Anang, Annang. Autonym: Anaañ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Efik.
Áncá
[acb] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Antere area, Nca village. Users: Ethnic population: 300 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bunta. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Unclassified.
Aninka
[aqk] Kaduna state: Jema’a and Sanga LGAs; Nassarawa state: Wamba LGA. Users: 500 (2020 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kurmi, Ninka, Nka, Sanga. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Arabic, North Levantine Spoken
[apc] Users: 62,000 in Nigeria (2021 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South, Arabic.
Arabic, Shuwa
[shu] Borno state: Bama, Dikwa, Konduga, and Ngala LGAs; widespread in Borno and Yobe states following livestock movement. Users: 200,000 in Nigeria (2020 Joshua Project). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: Arabe Choa, Chadian Arabic, Shua Arabic, Shuwa, Western Sudanic Arabic. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South, Arabic.
Arigidi
[aqg] Ondo state: Akoko North East and Akoko North West LGAs; Ekiti state: Ekiti East LGA; Kogi state: Ijumu LGA, very small border area. Users: 48,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). 45,000 Igashi; 3,000 Uro. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: North Akoko. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Akokoid.
Arum
[aab] Nassarawa state: Wamba LGA, near Wamba. Arum dialect in 7 villages; Tesu in 1. Users: 10,000 (Decker et al 2021g). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Alomo-Atesu, Alumu, Alumu-Tesu, Arum-Cesu, Arum-Chessu, Arum-Tesu, Təsu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Alumic.
Ashe
[ahs] Abuja Capital Territory: Bwari LGA; Kaduna state: Jema’a, Jaba, and Kagarko LGAs; Nassarawa state: Karu LGA. Users: 40,000 (2012 J. Barnhoorn), increasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ache, Ala, Ishe, Koro Makama, Koron Ache, Koron Ala, Ìzɛ. Autonym: Ishɛ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Koro.
Asu
[aum] Niger state: Kontagora and Mashegu LGAs, villages south of Kontagora. Users: 4,200 (Decker et al 2021e). Ethnic population: 10,000 (Decker et al 2021e). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Abewa, Ebe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe.
Atoro
[tdv] Kaduna state: Sanga LGA; Nassarawa state: Wamba LGA, Turkwan village northeast of Wamba. Users: 3,500 (Decker et al 2021g). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Toro, Turkpa, Turkpan, Turkwan. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau.
Atsam
[cch] Kaduna state: Kauru LGA. Users: 30,000 (Barrett 1982). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Cawai, Cawe, Cawi, Chawai, Chawe, Chawi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Piti-Atsam.
Awak
[awo] Gombe state: Akko and Kaltungo LGAs. Users: 6,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Awok, Nìín Yěbù. Autonym: Yěbù. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Awak.
Ayere
[aye] Ekiti state; Kogi state: Ijumu LGA; Ondo state: Akoko North West and Akolo North East LGAs. Users: 3,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Iluwu, Mayin nuwu, Oyuwu, Uwu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Ayere-Ahan.
Ayu
[ayu] Kaduna state: Sanga LGA, Agamati, Amantu, Ambel, Anka, Arau, Diger, Gwade, Ikwa, Kongon, and Tayu villages. Users: 800 (2003 SIL). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Aya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Ayu.
Baan
[bvj] Rivers state: Eleme, Gokana, and Tai LGAs, Ban-Ogoi and other villages. Users: 5,000 (1990). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Baan-Ogoi, Goi, Ogoi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Ogoni, West.
Baangi
[bqx] Niger state: Mariga LGA, Mariga and Bangi towns and surrounding area. Users: 14,000 (Decker et al 2021j). Ethnic population: 28,000 (Decker et al 2021j). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Abaangi, Baabga, Baganci, Bangawa, Bangi, Cibaangi, Vu-Baangi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari.
Baatonum
[bba] Kwara state: Baruten LGA. Users: 100,000 in Nigeria (1995 R. Jones). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Baatonun, Baatonun-Kwara, Barba, Bariba, Batonnum, Batonu, Berba, Bogung, Borgawa, Borgu, Burgu, Zana. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Bariba.
Bacama
[bcy] Adamawa state: Lamurde, Numan, Demsa, Guyuk, Girei, Yola North and Yola South LGAs; Kaduna state: northeast of Kaduna town; Kogi state: confluence of Benue and Niger rivers. Users: 304,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Abacama, Bacama-Bwatiye, Bachama, Bashama, Bashamma, Besema, Bwaatye, Bwareba, Bwatiye, Gboare, Kwaa–Ɓwaare. Autonym: Ɓwaare. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Bade
[bde] Yobe state: Bade, Jakusko, Borsari and Bade LGAs; Jigawa state: Guri LGA; Bauchi state: Zaki LGA. Users: 356,000 (2020). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Badanci, Bedde, Bede, Gidgid. Autonym: Gabaden. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.1, Bade Proper.
Bakpinka
[bbs] Cross River state: Akamkpa LGA. Users: No known L1 speakers. Last speakers probably survived into the early 2010s. Ethnic population: 4,000 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Begbungba, Iyongiyong, Iyoniyong, Uwet. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Agoi-Doko-Iyoniyong.
Bali
[bcn] Adamawa state: Demsa and Numan LGAs, at Bali on Jalingo road. Users: 2,000 (1991 R. Blench). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bibaali, Ekpali, Ibaali. Autonym: Abaali, Maya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang.
Bangwinji
[bsj] Gombe state: Balanga, Billiri, and Kaltungo LGAs. Users: 6,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Bangunje, Bangunji. Autonym: Bangjinge. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Tula.
Bankal
[jjr] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA, Din, Luda, Nyamrat, and Zungur; Dass LGA, Bajar, Dott, Lir; Tafawa-Balewa LGA, Bagel; Toro LGA, Kufai and Luchi. Users: 75,000 (2011 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bankala, Bankalanci, Baranci, Jaranchi, Jaranci, Jarancin Kasa, Jarawa, Jarawan Kasa, Zhar. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Barikanchi
[bxo] Kano state; found in military barracks. Users: No known L1 speakers. Ethnic population: No ethnic community. Status: 9 (Second language only). Classification: Pidgin, Hausa based.
Basa
[bzw] Benue state: Makurdi LGA; Kogi state: Ankpa and Bassa LGAs: confluence of Niger and Benue rivers; Nassarawa state: Nasarawa LGA; enclave on Nassarawa-Benue border. Users: 326,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Abacha, Abatsa, Basa-Benue, Bassa, Rubasa, “Bassa-Komo” (pej.), “Bassa-Kwomu” (pej.). Autonym: Rubassa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Basa.
Basa-Gumna
[bsl] Niger state: Chanchaga LGA; Plateau state: Nasarawa LGA. Users: No known L1 speakers. The last fluent speaker shifted to Hausa [hau] by 1987. Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Basa, Basa Kuta, Basa-Kaduna, Bassa-Kaduna, Bassa-Kuta, Gwadara Basa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Basa.
Basa-Gurmana
[buj] Niger state: Chanchaga and Rafi border LGAs, Kafin Gurmana. Users: 2,000 (Blench 1987). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Koromba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Basa.
Bassa-Kontagora
[bsr] Niger state: Mariga LGA, northeast of Kontagora. Users: No known L1 speakers. Last speakers may have survived to the early 2000s. Ethnic population: 30,000. Status: 9 (Dormant). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Basa.
Bata
[bta] Adamawa state: Demsa, Fufore, Girei, Maiha, Song, and Yola North LGAs. Users: 302,000 in Nigeria (2020). Total users in all countries: 304,500. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Batta, Bete, Birsa, Bwaatye, Bwatiye, Demsa Bata, Dunu, Eastern Bwatiye, Gboati, Gbwata, Gbwate. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Batu
[btu] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, east of Baissa, below Mambila escarpment. Users: 25,000 (SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid.
Bauchi
[bsf] Niger state: Rafi and Shiroro LGAs. Users: 20,000 (Blench 1988), decreasing. Ethnic population: 32,000 (Decker et al 2021k). Population is difficult to estimate, especially in the case of the Bauchi, where civil unrest has caused the area unsafe to visit. Many Bauchi people have fled the area as refugees. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bauchi-Guda, Bauci, Baushi, Kushi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Baushi-Gurmana.
Beele
[bxq] Bauchi state: a few villages. Users: No known L1 speakers. Reported to have 120 speakers in 1922 (Temple and Temple 1922). Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Bele, Bellawa, Àbéélé. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
Bekwarra
[bkv] Benue state: Vandeika LGA; Cross River state: Bekwara LGA. Users: 100,000 (1989 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bekwara, Bekworra, Yakoro. Autonym: Ebekwara. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Belning
[glb] Plateau state: Pankshin LGA, Pankshin district, Dungkulom, Dunglim, Korom, Langung, and Zong villages. Users: 500 (2020 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Balning, Belnəng. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1.
Bena
[yun] Adamawa state: Gombi, Guyuk, and Song LGAs, Song to Yola road settlements. Users: 95,000 (1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Binna, Buna, Ebina, Ebuna, Gbinna, Purra, Yangeru, Yangur, Yongor, Yungirba, Yungur, Ɓәna, “Lala” (pej.). Autonym: Ebәna, Ɓə́ná-Yungur. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur, Yungur-Roba.
Berom
[bom] Bauchi state; Kaduna state: Jema’a LGA; Plateau state: Barakin Ladi, Jos South, Riyom LGAs. Users: 1,320,000 (2020). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Afango, Akuut, Baho, Berum, Birom, Gbang, Kibbo, Kibbun, Kibo, Kibyen, Lêm Berom, Sine, “Shaushau” (pej.), “Shosho” (pej.). Autonym: Cèn Bèrom. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Beromic.
Bete
[byf] Taraba state: Takum LGA, Bete town, foot of Bete mountain. Users: 50 (1992). Ethnic population: 3,000. Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid.
Bete-Bendi
[btt] Cross River state: Boki, Obanliku, and Obudu LGAs. Users: 100,000 (2006 L. Otronyi), increasing. Some elderly monolinguals. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bette-Bendi, Dama. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Bijim
[jbm] Bauchi state: Tafawa Balewa LGA; Plateau state: Pankshin LGA. Users: 10,000 (2020 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bijimawa, Vaghat, Vaghat-Ya-Bijim-Legeri. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Bille
[bil] Adamawa state: Demsa LGA, along Bille river. Users: 38,000 (2012 M. Rueck, Z. Yoder, and K. Hannelová). Elderly are monolingual. Ethnic population: 42,000. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Bile, Bili, Billanchi, Kun-Ɓíilé, ɓa Ɓíilé. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Bina
[byj] Kaduna state: Kauru and Lere LGAs. Users: 7,000 (2000). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Abin, Bin, Binawa, Bogana, Ibin, Tibin. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
Bisã
[bqp] Kebbi state: Bagudo LGA, 35 villages; Kwara state: south of Kanji reservoir; Niger state: Borgu LGA. Users: 15,000 (2015 R. Jones). 20,000 ethnic Laaru, Lupa and Kambari. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bariba, Bisayã, Boussa, Busa, Busa-Bisã, Busano, Bussanchi, Bussawa. Autonym: Bisã. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa.
Biseni
[ije] Rivers state: Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, Niger river east bank, Forcados river exit; Bayelsa state: Sagbama LGA, small area. Users: 4,800 (Voegelin and Voegelin 1977). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Amegi, Buseni, Northeast Central Ijo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, West, Inland Ijo.
Bitare
[brt] Taraba state: Kurmi LGA, near Baissa. Users: 46,300 in Nigeria (Blench 2003). Total users in all countries: 52,300. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Asha, Njwande, Yukutare. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid.
Bo-Rukul
[mae] Plateau state: Bokkos LGA, Barkul, Mabo, Mwa, and Richa villages. Users: 2,000 (Blench 1999b). 1,000 in each dialect. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Mabo-Barkul, Mabo-Barukul, “Kaleri” (pej.). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Southeastern.
Boga
[bvw] Adamawa state: Hong LGA. Users: 10,000 (Blench and Zeitlyn 1990). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Boka. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Eastern.
Boghom
[bux] Plateau state: Kanam, Shendam, and Wase LGAs. Users: 50,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bogghom, Boghorom, Bohom, Bokiyim, Borrom, Burma, Burom, Burrum, Burum, Burumawa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Boghom.
Boko
[bqc] Kebbi state: Bagudo LGA, Senji north to Demmo, Kaoje, and Kenugbe, 35 villages; Niger state: Borgu LGA; possibly in Kwara state. Users: 50,000 in Nigeria (2012 R. Jones). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bòó, Bo’o, Bokonya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa.
Bokobaru
[bus] Kwara state: Kaiama LGA, some in Baruten LGA; 35 villages. Users: 62,000 (2012 R. Jones). 10,800 in Kaiama, 51,200 in surrounding villages. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bariba, Busa-Bokobaru, Bussanchi, Bussawa, Zogbeya, Zogbme, Zugweya. Autonym: Zogben. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa.
Bokyi
[bky] Cross River state: Boki LGA. Users: 275,000 in Nigeria (2020). Total users in all countries: 282,900. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Boki, Nfua, Nki, Okii, Osikom, Osukam, Uki, Vaaneroki. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Bole
[bol] Bauchi state: Alkaleri, Darazo, and Dukku LGAs; Gombe state: Dukku LGA; Plateau state: Wase LGA; Yobe state: Fika LGA. Users: 228,000 (2020). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Am Pìkkà, Ampika, Anika, Bolanchi, Bolanci, Bolawa, Bolewa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
Bu
[zbu] Bauchi state: Toro LGA. Users: 3,000 (2019 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Buu, Zaranda, Zarandawa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper.
Bu
[jid] Kaduna State: Sanga LGA; Nassarawa state: Wamba LGA. Users: 20,000 (2017 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ibut, Jida, Jida-Abu, Jidda-Abu, Nakare. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Bukpe
[ukp] Cross River state: Ikom and Obudu LGAs. Users: 21,500 (2013 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ukpe, Ukpe-Bayobiri. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Bukwen
[buz] Taraba state: 1 village near Takum. Users: 1,000. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Beboid.
Bumaji
[byp] Cross River state: Obudu LGA, Bumaji town. Users: 11,400 (2000). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Bura-Pabir
[bwr] Adamawa state: Gombi LGA; Borno state: Askira-Uba and Biu LGAs; Yobe state: south. Users: 507,000 (2020). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Babir, Babur, Barburr, Bourrah, Bura, Burra, Huve, Huviya, Kwojeffa, Mya Bura, Pabir. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 1.
Burak
[bys] Gombe state: Billiri and Kaltungo LGAs, Burak town. Users: 4,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Buurak, Shongom. Autonym: nyuwǎ Ɓúúrák. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
Bure
[bvh] Bauchi state: Kirfi LGA, Bure village. Users: 20 (Batic 2011), decreasing. Ethnic population: 500. Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Bubure. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
Buru
[bqw] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Batu area, 1 village. Users: 1,000. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Unclassified.
Cahungwarya
[nat] Niger state: Rafi LGA, Kagara and Maikujeri town areas. Users: 20,000 (2003 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Hungworo, Ingwe, Ingwo, Ngwai, Ngwe, Ngwoi, Nkwoi, Ungwai, Ungwe. Autonym: Cәhungwә̀ryə̀. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Cakfem-Mushere
[cky] Plateau state: Mangu LGA. Users: 5,000 (1990 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chakfem, Chokfem. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1.
Cara
[cfd] Plateau state: Bassa LGA, 10 villages. Users: 3,000 (1999 R. Blench). Ethnic population: 7,000 (2019 SIL). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Chara, Facara, Fachara, Fakara, Nfachara, Pakara, Tariya, Tera, Terea, Teriya, Terri. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Central, North-Central.
Centúúm
[cet] Gombe state: Balanga LGA, Cham town. Users: No known L1 speakers. Last speaker likely died around 2010, when a search failed to find any remaining speakers (Blench 2019). Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Cen Tuum, Jaabɛ, Jalaa, Jalabɛ. Classification: Language isolate.
Chinese, Mandarin
[cmn] Users: 3,800 in Nigeria (2021 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese.
Chinese, Wu
[wuu] Users: 5,600 in Nigeria (2021 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese.
Chinese, Yue
[yue] Users: 9,400 in Nigeria (2021 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese.
Cicipu
[awc] Kebbi state: Sakaba LGA, Sakaba; Niger state: Mariga LGA, Kakihum and Kumbashi. Users: 20,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Achipa, Acipa, Acipanci, Cipu, Tocipu, Western Acipa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Cineni
[cie] Borno state: Gwoza LGA, Cineni village. Users: 3,000 (1998). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Cinene. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Glavda.
Cishingini
[asg] Kebbi state: east of Niger river from Yelwa area south to Nasko and Ngaski; Niger state: Agwara and Borgu LGAs, west of Niger river. Users: 100,000 (2004 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Agwara Kambari, Aschingini, Ashaganna, Ashingini, Chisingini, Kambari, Kamberchi, Kamberri, Tsishingini, Yauri, “Maunchi” (pej.), “Mawanchi” (pej.). Autonym: Cishingini. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari.
Ciwogai
[tgd] Bauchi state: Ganjuwa LGA, Tsagu village area. Users: 2,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Sago, Tsaganci, Tsagu. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.
C’Lela
[dri] Kebbi state: Donko-Wasagu, Sakaba, and Zuru LGAs; Niger state: Rijau LGA; west Zamfara state: Gummi LGA border area. Users: 90,000 (1993 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Cala-Cala, Chilala, Chilela, CˀLela, Dakakari, Dakarci, Dakarkari, Dakkarkari, Kalla-Kalla, Kolela, Lalawa, Lela, Zuru. Autonym: C’Lela. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka.
Daba
[dbq] Adamawa state: Mubi LGA, 1 village between Bahuli and Mubi. Users: 1,000 in Nigeria (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Dabba. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.7.
Dadiya
[dbd] Adamawa state: Lamurde LGA, between Bambam and Dadiya; Gombe state: Balanga LGA; Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA. Users: 70,000 (2014 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Daadiya, Dadia, Loodiya, Nda Dia. Autonym: Nyiyo Daddi̱ya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Dadiya.
Damakawa
[dam] Kebbi state: Sakaba LGA, 3 or 4 villages. Kilo village is central. Users: No known L1 speakers. Last fluent speakers probably survived into the late 20th century. Ethnic population: 750. Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Tidama’un. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka.
Dass
[dot] Bauchi state: Akleri, Dass, and Toro LGAs; Plateau state: Shendam LGA. Users: 8,830 (1971 census). 1,130 Lukshi, 4,700 Durr-Baraza, 700 Wandi and Zumbul, 2,300 Dot (1971 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Barawa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3.
Defaka
[afn] Rivers state: Opobo-Nkoro LGA, Nkoro town in Niger delta. Users: 200 (2001 R. Blench). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Afakani, Defaka-Nkooro. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Defaka.
Degema
[deg] Rivers state: Degema LGA, Degema town (Atala dialect) and Usokun-Degema (Usokun dialect) communities. Users: 10,000 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Delta.
Dendi
[ddn] Kebbi state: Argungu and Bagudo LGAs, on upper Niger river. Users: 2,050 in Nigeria (2000). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Dandawa, Dandi, Songhay. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Songhai, Southern.
Deno
[dbb] Bauchi state: Darazo LGA, 45 km northeast of Bauchi town; Gombe state: Dukku LGA. Users: 6,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Be, Denawa, Denwa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
Dera
[kna] Adamawa state: Guyuk LGA; Borno state: Biu LGA; Gombe state: Balanga LGA. Users: 20,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Kanakuru. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Dera.
Dghwede
[dgh] Borno state: Gwoza LGA. Users: 30,000 (1980 UBS). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Azaghvana, Dehoxde, Hude, Johode, Tghuade, Toghwede, Traude, Wa’a, Zaghvana. Autonym: Dghwéɗè. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Glavda.
Dibo
[dio] Abuja Capital Territory: Abaji LGA, areas along Gurare river; Niger state: Agaie, Katcha, and Lapai LGAs. Users: 215,000 (2020). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ganagana, Ganagawa, Shitako, Zhitako, Zitako. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi.
Dikaka
[cfa] Adamawa state: Lamurde LGA; Gombe state: Balanga and Kaltungo LGAs. Users: 25,000 (1998). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Dijim-Bwilim. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Cham-Mona.
Diri
[dwa] Bauchi state: Darazo and Ningi LGAs. Users: 7,200 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Buwane, Diriya, Dirya, Diryanci, Diryawa, Sago, Tsagu. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.
Dirim
[dir] Taraba state: Bali LGA. Users: 9,000 (1992 CAPRO). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Daka, Dakka, Dirin, Dirrim. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Dakoid.
Doka
[dbi] Kaduna state: Kachia LGA, 1 village. Users: 11,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kadara Doka. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Northern.
Doko-Uyanga
[uya] Cross River state: Akamkpa LGA, a few villages. Users: 200. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Basanga, Dosanga, Iko, Uyanga. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Agoi-Doko-Iyoniyong.
Dong
[doh] Adamawa state: Mayo Belwa LGA; Taraba state: Zing LGA. Users: 5,000 (1998 R. Blench). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Donga. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Dakoid.
Duguri
[dbm] Bauchi state: Alkaleri and Bauchi LGAs; Plateau state: Kanam LGA. Users: 65,000 (2008 M. Rueck), decreasing. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Dugarwa, Duguranci, Dugurawa, Dukuri, Dõõri. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Duhwa
[kbz] Plateau state: Bokkos LGA, Sha District, Mindat village. Users: 3,000 (Decker et al 2021h). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Karfa, Kerifa, Nzuhwi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper.
Dulbu
[dbo] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA, Dulbu village. Users: 100 (1993). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Dungu
[dbv] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA, Dungi town. Users: 1,100 (2000). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Dingi, Dungi, Dunjawa, Dwingi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
Duwai
[dbp] Kano state: Hadejia LGA; Yobe state: Bade LGA. Users: 11,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Eastern Bade, Evji. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.1, Duwai.
Duya
[ldb] Kaduna state: Jaba, Jema’a, and Kagarko LGAs; Nassarawa state: Karu LGA. Users: 78,000 (2012 W. Bai). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Adong, Adṹ, Idun, Jaba Duya, Jaba Lunga, Lungu, Ungu. Autonym: Idṹ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Koro.
Dza
[jen] Adamawa state: Lamurde and Numan LGAs; Gombe state: Balanga LGA; Taraba state: Ardokola, Gassol, Ibi, Jalingo, Karim Lamido, and Lau LGAs; main town is Dza by Benue river. Users: 100,000 (2014 NBTT). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ja, Janjo, Jen, Jenjo, Èédzá. Autonym: nnwa’ Dzâ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
Ebira
[igb] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA; Kwara state: Kogi, Okehi, and Okene LGAs; Nassarawa state: Nasarawa LGA. Users: 2,210,000 (2020). 900,000 monolinguals. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Egbira, Egbura, Ibara, Igbarra, Igbira, Igbirra, Katawa, Kotokori, Kwotto. Autonym: Ebira. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Ebira-Gade.
Ebughu
[ebg] Akwa Ibom state: Mbo and Oron LGAs. Users: 5,000 (1988). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Oron. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ebughu.
Edo
[bin] Delta state: Ike North East and Ike South LGAs; Edo state: Benin City, north Oredo, Orhionmwon, Ovia South West, Ovia North East, and south Uhunmwonde LGAs; Ondo state: Irele and Ose LGAs. Users: 2,030,000 in Nigeria (2020). Total users in all countries: 2,031,670. Status: 4 (Educational). De facto language of provincial identity in Edo, Delta, and Ondo states, used in education. Alternate Names: Addo, Benin, Bini, Oviedo, Ovioba. Autonym: Edo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Edo-Esan-Ora.
Efai
[efa] Akwa Ibom state: Mbo LGA. Users: 6,320 in Nigeria (2000). Total users in all countries: 7,210. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Effiat. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Efai.
Efik
[efi] Akwa Ibom state: Itu town; Cross River state: Calabar municipality, Akamkpa and Odukpani LGAs. Users: 2,693,000 in Nigeria, all users. L1 users: 693,000 in Nigeria (2020). L2 users: 2,000,000. Total users in all countries: 2,698,620 (as L1: 698,620; as L2: 2,000,000). Status: 3 (Wider communication). De facto language of provincial identity in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, all domains. The Efik Bible, published in 1868, was the very first translation into any Nigerian language and is used widely throughout the region. Following translation of Efik Bible, adopted as church language in surrounding area. Now used throughout Cross River State in church, market, business, and media domains. Alternate Names: Calabar. Autonym: Efik. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Efik.
Efutop
[ofu] Cross River state: Ikom LGA. Users: 10,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Agbaragba, Ofutop. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid, Bakor.
Eggon
[ego] Nassarawa state: Akwanga, Awe, Doma, Karu, Keana, Keffi, Kokona, Lafia, Nasarawa Egon, Nassarawa, Obi, Toto, and Wamba LGAs. Users: 268,000 (2020). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Egon, Hill Mada, Mada Dutse, Mada Eggon, Mo Egon. Autonym: onumu Egon. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B.
Ehueun
[ehu] Ekiti state: Aiyekire LGA. Users: 14,200 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ekpenmen, Ekpimi, Epimi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Osse.
Ejagham
[etu] Cross River state: Akampka, Calabar, Idom, and Odukpani LGAs. Users: 67,300 in Nigeria (2000). Total users in all countries: 116,700. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ekoi, Jagham. Autonym: Éjághám. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid.
Ekajuk
[eka] Cross River state: Ogoja LGA, Bansara, Ebanibim, Mfom, Ntara, and Nwang towns. Users: 63,000 (Yoder et al 2008). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Akajo, Akajuk. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid, Bakor.
Eki
[eki] Cross River state: northeast of Efik, south of Idere. Users: 5,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo.
Ekit
[eke] Akwa Ibom state: Eket and Esit Eket LGAs. Users: 443,000 (2020). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Eket, Ekid. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ekit.
Ekpeye
[ekp] Bayelsa state: Yenegoa LGA; Rivers state: Ahoada East and Ahoada West LGAs. Users: 30,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ekkpahia, Ekpabya, Ekpaffia. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Ekpeye.
Elege
[alf] Cross River state: Obudu LGA. Users: 16,300 (2013 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Alege, Alegi, Ugbe, Uge. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Eleme
[elm] Rivers state: Eleme LGA. Users: 58,000 (1990 UBS). 2,900 monolinguals. Status: 5 (Developing). Autonym: Eleme. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Ogoni, West.
Emai-Iuleha-Ora
[ema] Edo state: Owan East LGA; Ondo state: Akoko South West, Akoko North East, and Ose LGAs; Ekiti state: Ondo border areas southeast. Users: 231,000 (2020). Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Aoma, Ivbiosakon, Kunibum. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Edo-Esan-Ora.
Engenni
[enn] Bayelsa state: Yenagoa LGA; Rivers state: Ahoada West LGA. Users: 20,000 (1980 UBS). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ngene. Autonym: Egene. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Delta.
English
[eng] Users: 60,024,000 in Nigeria, all users. L1 users: 24,000 in Nigeria (2021 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity. L2 users: 60,000,000 (Crystal 2003a). Status: 1 (National). De facto national language. Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English.
Enwan
[env] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA. Users: Ethnic population: 14,000 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
Enwan
[enw] Akwa Ibom state: Mbo LGA. Users: 15,000 (1998 B. Connell). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Enwang, Oron. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Enwang-Uda.
Epie
[epi] Bayelsa state: Yenagoa LGA. Users: 140,000 (2021 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Epie-Atissa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Delta.
Eruwa
[erh] Delta state: Isoko LGA. Users: 850 (Ekiugbo and Diffre-Odiete 2018). Ethnic population: 2,000 (Ekiugbo and Diffre-Odiete 2018). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Arokwa, Erakwa, Erohwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern.
Esan
[ish] Delta state: Aniocha North LGA; Edo state: Esan Central, Esan North-East, Esan South-East, Esan West LGAs. Users: 651,000 (2020). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Esa, Isa, Ishan. Autonym: Awain. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Edo-Esan-Ora.
Esimbi
[ags] Taraba state: south-southeast of Wukari. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Aage, Age, Bogue, Eshimbi, Essimbi, Isimbi, Mburugam, Simpi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid.
Etebi
[etb] Akwa Ibom state: Esit Eket LGA. Users: 15,000 (1989). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ekit.
Etkywan
[ich] Taraba state: Bali, Sardauna, Takum, and part of Wukari LGAs. Users: 50,200 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Etekwe, Icen, Ichen, Itchen, Kyanton, Nyidu. Autonym: Kentu, Kyãtõ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Kpan-Icen.
Etsako
[ets] Edo state: Etsako Central, Etsako East, and Etsako West LGAs; Kogi state: Ajaokuta LGA. Users: 511,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Afenmai, Etsakor, Iyekhee, Yekhee, “Kukuruku” (pej.). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
Etulo
[utr] Benue state: Gboko LGA; Taraba state: Wukari LGA. Users: 10,000 (1988 R. Shain). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Eturo, Turumawa, Utur. Autonym: Etulo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Etulo.
Evant
[bzz] Cross River state: Obanliku LGA. Users: 10,000 in Nigeria (1996 SIL). Total users in all countries: 11,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Avand, Avande, Balegete, Belegete, Evand, Ovand, Ovande, Ovando. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid.
Ezaa
[eza] Benue state: Ado LGA; Ebonyi state: Ezaa North, Ezaa South, Ishielu, Ivo, Ohaukwu, and Onicha LGAs; Enugu state: Nkanu East LGA. Users: 738,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Eza, Ezza. Autonym: Ezaa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Fali Muchella
[fli] Adamawa state: Mubi North, Mubi South LGAs. Users: 25,000 (2010 Z. Yoder et al.). 5,500 in the language area; 5,000 outside, many of whom return each summer. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Fali, Fali of Mubi, Fali of Muchella, Vimtim, Yimtim. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Fali of Baissa
[fah] Taraba state. Users: No known L1 speakers. Few left (Crozier and Blench 1992). Last speakers may have survived into the 2000s. Status: 10 (Extinct). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Unclassified.
Fam
[fam] Taraba state: Bali LGA, 17 km east of Kungana. Users: 1,000 (1984). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kɔŋa, Konga. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Fam.
Firan
[fir] Plateau state: Riyom LGA, Ganawuri district, 12 villages. Users: 5,000 (2019 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Afiran, Fəràn, Faran, Fɨràn, Forom, Foron, Kwakwi, yes Bèfɨràn. Autonym: Firan. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Central, South-Central.
French
[fra] Users: 8,300 in Nigeria (2021 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French.
Fulfulde, Adamawa
[fub] Adamawa and Taraba states: Yola area. Users: 7,610,000 all Fulfulde in Nigeria (1991 SIL). Status: 5 (Dispersed). De facto language of provincial identity in Adamwa and Taraba states. Alternate Names: Eastern Fulfulde, Fillanci, Fula, Fulani, Fulatanchi, Fulbe, Fulfulde. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fula, Eastern.
Fulfulde, Benin-Togo
[fue] Niger state: west of Kainji reservoir. Users: Status: 5* (Developing). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fula, West Central.
Fulfulde, Nigerian
[fuv] Widespread. Users: 16,500,000 in Nigeria (2020), increasing. Total users in all countries: 16,585,000. Status: 3 (Wider communication). Used as LWC in the market in Bauchi, Gombe, and Borno states. Alternate Names: Fulɓe, Fulani, Fulatanci, Hausa States Fulfulde. Autonym: Fulfulde. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fula, East Central.
Fum
[fum] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Antere, on Cameroon border. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields.
Fungwa
[ula] Niger state: Rafi LGA. Users: 3,000 (Decker et al 2021k). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Afungwa, Ayungo, Chi-Fungwa, Cifungwa, Tufungwa, Ula, Ura, Yungo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Fyer
[fie] Plateau state: Pankshin LGA, Fyer district. Users: 26,100 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Fer, Fier. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Fyer.
Gaa
[ttb] Adamawa state: Ganye LGA on Tiba plateau, between Garba Sbege and Jada. Users: 10,000 (1997 R. Boyd). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tiba, Tәbaya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Dakoid.
Ga’anda
[gqa] Adamawa state: Gombi LGA; Guyuk, Mubi, and Song LGAs; Borno state: Biu LGA. Users: 43,000 (1992). Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Ga’ana, Ga’andu, Ganda, Kaandecha, Makwar, Mokar. Autonym: Kaandata. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Eastern.
Gade
[ged] Abuja Capital Territory: Abuja Municipal Area Council and Kuje LGA; Nassarawa state: Nasarawa and Toto LGAs. Users: 72,100 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gede. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Ebira-Gade.
Galambu
[glo] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA. Users: Ethnic population: 25,000 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Galambe, Galambi, Galembi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
Gamo-Ningi
[bte] Bauchi state: Ningi LGA. Users: No known L1 speakers. Last known speaker survived into the early 1980s. Ethnic population: 15,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 9 (Dormant). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Ganang
[gne] Plateau state: Gashish Kuk village area, Nye and Iny settlements, southeast of Jos. Users: 3,000 (2007), decreasing. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Gashish. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Central, South-Central.
Gbagyi
[gbr] Abuja Capital Territory: Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Kuje, and Kwali LGAs; Kaduna state: Birnin-Gwari, Chikun, Giwa, Igabi, Kachia, Kagarko, Kanuru, and Soba LGAs; Kaduna city; Kogi state: Kogi LGA; Niger state: Chanchaga, Rafi, Shiroro, and Suleija LGAs; Nassarawa state: Keffi and Nasarawa LGAs. Users: 1,290,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: East Gwari, Gbagye, Gwari, Gwari Matai, Ibagyi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Gbagyi-Gbari.
Gbari
[gby] Abuja Capital Territory: Gwagwalada; Kogi state: Kogi LGA; Niger state: Zungeru to Kaduna river north, southeast through Agaie, Chanchaga, Lapai, Minna, Paiko, Rafi, and Suleija LGAs. Users: 550,000 (2020). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gbari Yamma, Gwari Yamma, Nkwa, West Gwari. Autonym: Gbari. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Gbagyi-Gbari.
Gbaya, Northwest
[gya] Taraba state: Bali LGA. Users: Very few in Nigeria. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Baya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Northwest.
Gengle
[geg] Adamawa state: Fufore and Mayo Belwa LGAs. Users: 4,000. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Momu, Wegele, Yagele. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye.
Gera
[gew] Bauchi state: Bauchi and Ganjuwa LGAs, Bauchi town. Users: 200,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Fyandigere, Fyandigeri, Gerawa, Rawam. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
German, Standard
[deu] Users: 4,100 in Nigeria (2021 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, High German, German, Middle German, East Middle German.
Geruma
[gea] Bauchi state: Bauchi, Ganjuwa, South Ningi, and Toro LGAs. Users: 9,030 (2000). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Geerum, Gerema, Germa, Gyeermu. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
Ghotuo
[aaa] Edo state: Owan East LGA, Ogbodo. Users: 9,000 (1994). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Otuo, Otwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
Gibanawa
[gib] Kebbi state: Jega LGA. Users: No known L1 speakers. Ethnic population: No ethnic community. Status: 9 (Second language only). Alternate Names: Gembanawa, Gimbanawa, Jega. Classification: Pidgin, Hausa based.
Giiwo
[kks] Bauchi state: Alkaleri, Bauchi, and Darazo LGAs. Users: 14,000 (1998 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bu Giiwo, Kirfi, Kirifawa, Kirifi, Ma Giiwo. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
Glavda
[glw] Borno state: Gwoza LGA, mainly Nggoshe village; Agapalawa, Amuda, Ashigashiya, Kerawa, Pelekwa, and Vale villages. Users: 28,500 in Nigeria (2000). Total users in all countries: 31,300. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Galavda, Galvaxdaxa, Gelebda, Glanda, Guelebda, Wakura. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Glavda.
Goemai
[ank] Nassarawa state: Awe and Lafia LGAs; Plateau state: Shendam LGA. Users: 380,000 (2020). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ankwai, Ankwe, Ankwei, Gamai, Kemai. Autonym: Ga̱mai. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2.
Gokana
[gkn] Rivers state: Gokana and Ogoni LGAs. Users: 100,000 (1989). Status: 5 (Developing). Autonym: Gokana. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Ogoni, East.
Gude
[gde] Borno state: Askira-Uba LGA; Adamawa state: Mubi LGA. Users: 68,000 in Nigeria (1987). Total users in all countries: 88,000. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Cheke, Goudé, Mapodi, Mapuda, Mocigin, Motchekin, Mubi, Mudaye, Shede, Tchade. Autonym: Guɗe. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Gudu
[gdu] Adamawa state: Song LGA. Users: 5,000 (1993). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gudo, Gutu. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Guduf-Gava
[gdf] Borno state: Gwoza LGA, mainly Cikide, Gava, and Guduf. Users: 55,900 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Afkabiye, Gudupe. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Glavda.
Gun
[guw] Lagos state; Ogun state: Ado-Odo-Ota, Badagry, and Idiroko LGAs. Users: 459,000 in Nigeria (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Egun, Gugbe, Gun-Alada, Gun-Gbe, Seto-Gbe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Kwa, Left Bank, Gbe, Aja.
Gupa-Abawa
[gpa] Abuja Capital Territory: Abaji LGA; Kogi state: Kogi LGA; Niger state: Lapai LGA, Edzu and Gupa areas. Users: 15,000 (1989 R. Blench). 10,000 or more Gupa, 5,000 Abawa. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe.
Gurmana
[gvm] Niger state: Shiroro LGA, Gurmana town area. Users: 3,000 (1989). Status: 8a (Moribund). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Baushi-Gurmana.
Guruntum-Mbaaru
[grd] Bauchi state: Alkaleri and Bauchi LGAs. Users: 15,000 (1993). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Gurdun, Gurdung, Guruntum. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Guruntum.
Gvoko
[ngs] Adamawa state: Michika LGA; Borno state: Gwoza LGA. Users: 20,000 in Nigeria (1990). Total users in all countries: 21,000. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gavoko, Ghboko, Gәvoko, Kuvoko, Nggweshe, Ngoshe Sama, Ngoshi, Ngossi, Ngweshe-Ndaghang, Ngweshe-Ndhang. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Glavda.
Gwa
[gwb] Bauchi state: Toro LGA. Users: 980 (2000). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Gwak
[jgk] Bauchi state: Dass and Tafawa-Balewa LGAs, Bar, Buyital, Dulem, Garam, Gital, Kardam, Kumgas, and Michiyan Kuka. Users: 70,000 (2011 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bankalawa, Gingwak, Jar, Jaracin Kasa, Jaranchi, Jaranci, Jarancin Kasa, Jarawa, Jarawan Bununu, Jarawan Kasa, Lasjar. Autonym: Gwak. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Gwamhi-Wuri
[bga] Kebbi state: Wasugu-Danko LGA; Zamfara state: Gummi LGA. Users: 16,000 (2000). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Banganci, Bangawa, Lyase, Lyase-Ne. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka.
Gwandara
[gwn] Abuja Capital Territory: Bwali and Kwai LGAs; Kaduna state: Kaura LGA; Nassarawa state: Akwanga, Keffi, Lafia, and Nasarawa LGAs; Niger state: Gurara and Suleija LGAs; Plateau state: Riyom LGA. Users: 27,300 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kwandara. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.1.
Gyaazi
[gyz] Bauchi state: Toro LGA. Users: 5,000 (2019 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bagba, Gaejawa, Gejawa, Geji, Gezawa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper.
Gyem
[gye] Bauchi state: Toro LGA. Users: 2,000 (Blench 2019). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Agyem, Gema, Gemawa, Gyam, Gyemawa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Gyong
[kdm] Kaduna state: Jema’a LGA. Users: 25,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Agoma, Gong, Gwong, Kagoma, Kwong. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Hyamic.
Hasha
[ybj] Nassarawa state: Wamba LGA, Kwaan, Hashasu, and Husu villages. Users: 5,000 (Decker et al 2021i). Ethnic population: 5,000 (Decker et al 2021i). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ayashim, Ayashin, Iyashi, Yashi, “Ahoso” (pej.), “Makanja” (pej.). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B.
Hausa
[hau] Widespread. Users: 55,800,000 in Nigeria, all users. L1 users: 37,900,000 in Nigeria (2020). L2 users: 17,900,000 (2018). Total users in all countries: 77,063,700 (as L1: 50,770,700; as L2: 26,293,000). Status: 2 (Provincial). De facto provincial language in northern region. Spoken as L2 in the north. Alternate Names: Abakwariga, Haoussa, Hausawa, Mgbakpa, “Habe” (pej.), “Kado” (pej.). Autonym: Hausa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.1.
Hausa Sign Language
[hsl] Scattered in northern Nigeria, especially Kano state. Users: 20,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 12,000–24,000, assuming 0.3%–0.6% of total Hausa population. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: HSL, Harshen bebaye na kasar Hausa, Maganar Bebaye, Maganar Hannu. Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language.
Hide
[xed] Adamawa state: Michika LGA, on Cameroon border, 1 village area; Borno state: Gwoza LGA. Users: 4,000 in Nigeria (2001 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Ftour, Gra, Hdi, Hedi, Tourou, Tur, Turu, Turu-Hide, Xedi, Xide, Xәdi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Lamang.
Hohumono
[bcs] Cross River state: Obubra LGA. Users: 30,000 (1989). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bahumono, Bhahumono, Ediba, Ekumuru, Humono, Kohumono, Ohumono. Autonym: Hohumono. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Ubaghara-Kohumono, Kohumono.
Holma
[hod] Adamawa state: north of Sorau on Cameroon border. Users: No known L1 speakers. Last known speaker survived into the early 1990s (1987 R. Blench). Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Bali Holma, Da Holmaci. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Hõne
[juh] Gombe state: Akko, Billiri, and Shomgom LGAs. Futuk, Kaltanga, Kashere, Pindiga, and Tumu (Pindiga dialect); Andamin, Digare, Dizi, Gobirawa, Gwana, Jukon, Kasan Dare, Katagum, Konan Kuka, and Kwaya villages (Gwana dialect); Taraba state: Karim-Lamido LGA. Users: 7,000 (Storch 1999). Ethnic population: Much more than 7,000 (Storch 1999). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Kona. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Jukun.
Horom
[hoe] Plateau state: Bokkos LGA. Users: 1,500 (1998 R. Blench). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Barom, “Kaleri” (pej.). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Southeastern.
Hwana
[hwo] Adamawa state: Girei, Shelleng, and Song LGAs, some in Gombi LGA; Borno state: Hawul LGA. Users: 32,000 (1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Fiterya, Hona, Hwona. Autonym: Tuftera. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Eastern.
Hya
[hya] Adamawa state: Michika and Mubi North LGAs; Boppa, Gameta, Ligwe, Mukta, Shike, Tukwri, and Vi villages. Users: 2,000 in Nigeria (2008 SIL). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Ghye, Hwate, Mukta, Munta, Za. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.3.
Hyam
[jab] Kaduna state: Jema’a and Kachia LGAs. Users: 300,000 (2014 NBTT). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ham, Hum, Hyamhum, Jabba, Jeba. Autonym: Jaba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Hyamic.
Ibaas
[cen] Plateau state: Barakin Ladi LGA, southeast of Jos. Zaron village is center. Users: Ethnic population: 50,000 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Aficen, Biken, Cen, Chen, Forom, Icen, Icen FiForon, Icen Ibaas, Ichen, Itchen. Autonym: Ibaas. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Central, South-Central.
Ibani
[iby] Rivers state: Bonny and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs. Users: 60,000 (1989 UBS). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bonny, Obani, Okoloba, Okuloma, Ubani. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Eastern, Northeastern, Eastern.
Ibibio
[ibb] Abia state: Arochukwa and Ukwa East LGAs; Akwa Ibom state: Etinan, Ikono, Ikot Abasi, Itu, Nsit Ikpe, Mkpat Enin, Nsit-Ubium, Onna, Uruan, and Uyo LGAs; Rivers state: Opobo-Nkoro and Oyigbo LGAs; possibly Cross River state. Users: 10,700,000 in Nigeria, all users. L1 users: 6,200,000 in Nigeria (2020). L2 users: 4,500,000 (2013 SIL). Total users in all countries: 10,759,000 (as L1: 6,259,000; as L2: 4,500,000). Status: 3 (Wider communication). De facto language of provincial identity in Akwa Ibom, Abia, and Rivers states; possibly in Cross River state, used in education, various media. Ibibio is the LWC of Akwa Ibom state. Alternate Names: Ibibyo. Autonym: Ibibio. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Efik.
Ibino
[ibn] Akwa Ibom state: Ibeno LGA. Users: 10,000 (Faraclas 1989). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ibeno, Ibuno. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ibino.
Ibuoro
[ibr] Abia state: Arochukwa LGA; Akwa Ibom state: Ibiono Ibom LGA. Users: 5,000 (1988). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ibuoro.
Iceve-Maci
[bec] Cross River state: Obanliku LGA, 5 villages on Cameroon border including Amana. Users: 5,000 in Nigeria (1990). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Iceve, Utse, Utser, Utseu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid.
Idere
[ide] Akwa Ibom state: Itu LGA; Cross River state: Odukpani LGA. Users: 5,000 (1988). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo.
Idesa
[ids] Edo state: Owan East LGA, Otuo. Users: 5,690 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Southern.
Idoma
[idu] Benue state: Ogbadibo and Okpokwu LGAs; Enugu state: Igbo-Eze North, Isi-Uze, and Udenu LGAs; Kogi state: Ankpa and Olamabolo LGAs. Users: 976,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). De facto language of provincial identity in Kogi, Benue, and Enugu states, primary education, radio and TV media. Autonym: Idoma. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Idoma.
Igala
[igl] Anambra state: Anambra West LGA; Edo state: Esan Southeast LGA; Enugu state: Uzo-Uwani LGA; Kogi state: Bassa, Dekina, Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela-Odolu, and Ofu LGAs. Users: 1,620,000 (2020). Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Igara. Autonym: Igala. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Igala.
Igbo
[ibo] Widespread, southeast. Users: 30,700,000 in Nigeria (2020). Total users in all countries: 30,775,190. Status: 2 (Provincial). De facto provincial language in southeastern region. Main LWC of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states. Alternate Names: Ebo, Ibo, Unege. Autonym: Igbo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Igede
[ige] Benue state: Oju, Okpokwu, and Otukpo LGAs; Cross River state: Ogoja LGA; Ebonyi state: Izzi LGA. Users: 461,000 (2020). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Egedde, Egede, Igedde. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Idoma.
Iguta
[nar] Bauchi state: Toro LGA; Plateau state: Bassa, Jos-North, and Jos-East LGAs. Users: 10,000 (Decker et al 2021a). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Anaguta, Eguta, Guta, Naraguta, Narkuta. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Igwe
[igw] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA. Users: 47,800 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
Ihievbe
[ihi] Edo state: Owan East LGA, Ebetse, Ihievbe Ogbe, and Iyakhora villages. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central.
Ijo, Southeast
[ijs] Bayelsa state: Brass, Nembe, Ogbia, and South Ijaw LGAs; Rivers state: Akuku Toru LGA. Users: 71,500 (Voegelin and Voegelin 1977). 66,600 Nembe, 4,900 Akassa. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Brass Ijo, Brass-Nembe, Ijaw, Nembe-Akassa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, East.
Ika
[ikk] Delta state: Ika North East and Ika South LGAs; Edo state: Igueben and Orhionmwon LGAs. Users: 22,800 (2000). Status: 5* (Developing). Autonym: Ika. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Iko
[iki] Akwa Ibom state: Obolo LGA, Atabrikang, Iko, and Ikonta villages. Users: 5,000 (1988). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Iko.
Ikpeshi
[ikp] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA. Users: 5,320 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ekpeshe, Ikpeshe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
Iku-Gora-Ankwa
[ikv] Kaduna state: Kachia LGA. Users: Ethnic population: 13,000 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ekhwa, Iku. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Northern.
Ikulu
[ikl] Kaduna state: Kachia, Kauru, and Zangon Kataf LGAs. Users: 50,000 (1998). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ankulu, Bekulu, Ikolu, Kulu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Northern.
Ikwere
[ikw] Imo state: Ohaji-Egbema LGA; Rivers state: Emuoha, Ikwerre, Obio-Akpor, and Port Harcourt LGAs. Users: 651,000 (2020), increasing. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ikwerri, Ìwhnuruòhnà. Autonym: Ikwerre. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Ikwo
[iqw] Cross River state: Abi and Obubura LGAs; Ebonyi state: Ikwo LGA. Users: 260,000 (2012 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Autonym: Ikwo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Ilue
[ilv] Akwa Ibom state: Oron LGA; possibly Cross River state. Users: 5,000 (1988), decreasing. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Idua. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ilue.
Isekiri
[its] Delta state: Ethiope West, Warri North, and Warri South LGAs; Edo state: Ikpoba-Okha, Oredo, and Ovia Southwest LGAs. Users: 940,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Chekiri, Dsekiri, Irhobo, Iselema-Otu, Ishekiri, Itsekiri, Iwere, Izekíri, Jekri, Selemo, Shekiri, Tshekeri, Warri. Autonym: Iṣekiri. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri.
Isoko
[iso] Bayelsa state: Sagbama LGA; Delta state: Ethiope East, Isoko North, and Isoko South, Ndokwa West, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Ukwuani LGAs; Edo state: Orhionmwon LGA. Users: 681,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Autonym: Isoko. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern.
Itang
[uta] Benue state: Kwande LGA; Cross River state: Obanliku LGA. Users: 15,000 (2006 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Itank, Otang, Otanga, Otank, Utanga, Utange, Utank. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid.
Iten
[etx] Kaduna state: Kaura LGA; Plateau state: Riyom LGA. Users: 40,000 (Blench 2003). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Aten, Eten, Etien, Ganawuri, Niten, Ten, ìtên, “Jal” (pej.). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Beromic.
Ito
[itw] Akwa Ibom state: Uruon LGA; Cross River state. Users: 5,000 (1988). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ibuoro.
Itu Mbon Uzo
[itm] Abia state: Ini LGA; Akwa Ibom state: Arochukwa LGA. Users: 5,000 (1988). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Itu Mbon Uso, Itu Mbuzo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ibuoro.
Ivbie North-Okpela-Arhe
[atg] Edo state: Akoko-Edo and Etsako LGAs, Ate, Okpekpe, and Okpella villages. Users: 20,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Autonym: Okphela. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
Iyayu
[iya] Ekiti state: Aiyekire LGA. Users: 24,700 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Idoani. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Osse.
Iyive
[uiv] Ekiti state: Aiyekire LGA. Users: 1,000 in Nigeria (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Ndir, Uive, Yiive. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid.
Izere
[izr] Bauchi State: Tafawa-Balewa and Toro LGAs; Plateau State: Jos East, Jos North, and Mangu LGAs. Users: 50,000 (1993 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Afizare, Afizarek, Afizere, Afudelek, Afusare, Feserek, Fezere, Fizere, Hill Jarawa, Izarek, Izer, Jarawa, Jarawan Dutse, Jari, Jos-Zarazon, Zarek. Autonym: Izere. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Central, South-Central.
Izii
[izz] Benue state: Ado LGA; Cross River state: Yala LGA; Ebonyi state: Abakaliki, Ebonyi, and Izzi LGAs. Users: 540,000 (2012 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Ezzi, Izhi, Izi, Izzi. Autonym: Izii. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Izon
[ijc] Bayelsa state: Ekeremor, Sagbama, South Ijaw, and Yenagoa LGAs; Delta state: Burutu, Warri North, and Warri South West LGAs; Edo state: Ovia North East and Ovia South West LGAs; Ondo state: Ese-Odo and Ilaje LGAs. Users: 2,440,000 (2020). 100,000 Kolokuma (1991 UBS). Status: 4 (Educational). De facto language of provincial identity in Baylesa, Delta, Ondo, and Edo states, used in education and media. Alternate Names: Central-Western Ijo, Ezon, Ijaw, Ijo, Ijon, Izo, Uzo. Autonym: Ịzọn. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, West Ijo.
Izora
[cbo] Plateau state: Bassa LGA. Users: 19 (2016 R. Blench). Ethnic population: 3,000 (Blench 2019). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Azora, Chokobo, Cikobu, Cokobanci, Cokobawa, Cokobo, Ndazora, Zora. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Jakattoe
[jrt] Plateau state: Shendam LGA, Dokan Tofa district, Dokan Tofa village. Users: 500 (2019 R. Blench). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Chakato, Jakato, Jorto. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper.
Janji
[jni] Kaduna state: Lere LGA; Plateau state: Bassa LGA. Users: 1,150 (2000). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ajanji, Anafejanzi, Jenji, Tijanji. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Jara
[jaf] Borno state: Biu and Kwaya-Kusar LGAs; Gombe state: Akko and Yamaltu-Deba LGAs. Users: 46,300 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Jera. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Western.
Jere
[jer] Bauchi state: Toro LGA; Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA; Plateau state: Bassa LGA. Users: 64,000 (1995 CAPRO). 15,000 Buji, 15,000 Gusu, 30,000 Jere, 4,000 Ribina. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Jeere, Jera. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Jiba
[juo] Adamawa state: Lamurde LGA; Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA; villages northwest of Kalingo. Users: 2,000 (Voegelin and Voegelin 1977). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Bajibaro, Jibə, Jibe, Jibi, Jukun Kona, Kona. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Kororofa.
Jibu
[jib] Adamawa state: Toungo LGA; Taraba state: Bali and Gashaka LGAs. Users: 30,000 (1997 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Jibanci, Jibawa. Autonym: Jibu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Jukun.
Jilbe
[jie] Borno state: Jilbe town, Cameroon border area. Users: 100 (1999 H. Tourneux). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Yilbe, Zoulbou. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, B, B.1.
Jimi
[jmi] Bauchi state: Ganjuwa LGA, Jimi village. Users: 1,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Bi-Gimu. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Eastern.
Jiru
[jrr] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA. Users: 3,420 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Atak, Bakula, Kir, Wiyap, Zhiru. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Wurbo.
Jju
[kaj] Kaduna state: Jema’a and Kachia LGAs. Users: 610,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Bajju, Baju, Kache, Kaje, Kajji. Autonym: Jju, Kәjju. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Central, South-Central.
Ju
[juu] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA, Ju village. Users: 900 (1993). Status: 6b (Threatened). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Guruntum.
Jukun Takum
[jbu] Benue state: Katsina-Ala LGA; Taraba state: Bali and Takum LGAs. Users: 40,000 in Nigeria (1979 UBS), L2 users. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Diyi, Jukun, Njikum, Takum-Donga. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Jukun.
Kaan
[ldl] Adamawa state: Numand, Shellen, and Song LGAs. Users: 10,000 (1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kan, Libbo, Libo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur, Libo.
Kadung
[dkg] Bauchi state: Tafawa Balewa LGA; Plateau state: Mangu and Pankshin LGAs. Users: 18,000 (2020 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kwàŋ, Kadun, Kwang, Kwanga, Kwangka, Kwanka, Kwanka-Boi-Bijim. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Kaivi
[kce] Kaduna state: Lere LGA. Users: 2,320 (2000). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kaibi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
Kakanda
[kka] Kogi state: Kogi LGA; Niger state: Agaie and Lapai LGAs; Niger river centered on Budã. Users: 20,000 (1989 R. Blench). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Adyaktye, Akanda, Hyabe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe.
Kalabari
[ijn] Rivers state: Akulga, Asaritoru, Degema, and Port Harcourt LGAs. Users: 507,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Ịjọ. Autonym: Kalaḇari Bibi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Eastern, Northeastern, Eastern.
Kam
[kdx] Taraba state: Bali LGA, Mayo Kam and Kamijim villages. Users: 5,000 (1993). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Nyingwom, Nyiwom, Yimwom. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Kam.
Kamantan
[kci] Kaduna state: Kachia LGA. Users: 10,000 (Barrett 1982). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Angan, Kamanton. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Kami
[kmi] Abuja Capital Territory: Kwali LGA; Niger state: Lapai LGA, Ebo town, and 11 villages. Users: 5,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe.
Kamo
[kcq] Gombe state: Akko, Billiri, and Kaltungo LGAs. Users: 20,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kamu, Ma, Nyima. Autonym: Nubama. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Awak.
Kamuku
[cdr] Kaduna state: Birnin Gwari LGA; Niger state: Chanchaga, Mariga, and Rafi LGAs. Users: 45,000 (2010 Z. Yoder et al.). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: ’Yara, Cinda-Regi-Tiyal, Tiyal, Tiyar, Tu’yara, Tucipu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Kamwe
[hig] Adamawa state: Michika LGA, Mandara mountains. Users: 607,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Hiji, “Higgi” (pej.), “Higi” (pej.). Autonym: Kamwə, Vәcәmwe. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.3.
Kanufi
[kni] Kaduna state: Jema’a LGA, Apod and Akpurkpod villages. Users: 10,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Anib, Aninib, Karshi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Kanuri
Kanuri, Manga
[kby] Bauchi, Jigawa, and Yobe states. Users: 200,000 in Nigeria (1993). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: Kanouri, Kanoury, Kànòrí, Manga. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Saharan, Western, Kanuri.
Kanuri, Yerwa
[knc] Borno state: Bama, Gwoza, Kaga, Konduga, Kukawa, Maiduguri, Monguno, and Ngala LGAs; Gombe state: 1 enclave in each of Akko, Kwami, and Yamaltu-Deba LGAs; Yobe state: Damaturu, Fika, Fune, Geidam, Gujba, and Nguru LGAs. Users: 8,150,000 in Nigeria, all users. L1 users: 7,650,000 in Nigeria (2020). L2 users: 500,000. Total users in all countries: 8,825,500 (as L1: 8,325,500; as L2: 500,000). Status: 3 (Wider communication). De facto language of provincial identity in Borno, Yobe, and Gombe states, used in education; widespread use generally. Alternate Names: Borno, Bornu, Central Kanuri, Kanouri, Kanoury, “Beriberi” (pej.). Autonym: Kanuri, Yerwa Kanuri. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Saharan, Western, Kanuri.
Kapya
[klo] Taraba state: Takum LGA, Kapya. Users: 200 (2004). Status: 6b (Threatened). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Yukuben-Kuteb.
Karekare
[kai] Bauchi state: Gamawa and Misau LGAs; Gombe state: Dukku LGA small area; Yobe state: Fika and Nangere LGAs. Users: 385,000 (2020). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Karai Karai, Karai-karai, Karaikarai, Kerekere, Kerikeri, Kәrekәre. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Karekare.
Karimjo
[cfg] Plateau state: Wase LGA; Taraba state: Jalingo and Karim Lamido LGAs, near Lau. Users: 11,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Asom, Bakula, Chomo, Como Karim, Khiyu, Kinzimba, Kirim, Kiyu, Nuadhu, Shomo Karim, Shomoh, Shomong. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Wurbo.
Kariya
[kil] Bauchi state: Ganjuwa LGA, Kariya village near Miya town. Users: 2,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kariyu, Kauyawa, Keriya, Lipkawa, Vinahә, Wihә. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.
Khana
[ogo] Akwa Ibom state: Oruk Anam LGA, Wiisoe village; Rivers state: Khana LGA. Users: 434,000 (2020). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kana, Ogoni. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Ogoni, East.
Kholok
[ktc] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA, near Didango. Users: 2,500 (Voegelin and Voegelin 1977). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kode, Koode, Kwoode, Pia, Pitiko, Widala, Wurkum. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
Kibaku
[ckl] Borno state: Askira-Uba, Chibok, and Damboa LGAs. Users: 200,000 (2014 NBTT). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chibak, Chibbak, Chibbuk, Chibok, Chibuk, Cibak, Cibuk, Cíbɔ̀k, Kibbaku, Kikuk, Kyibaku. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 1.
Kinuku
[kkd] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA, 7 villages. Users: 3,000 (2016 R. Blench). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Anu, Kinugu, Kinuka, Nu, Tinu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
Kiong
[kkm] Cross River state: Akampka and Odukpani LGAs, Akpap village, Akamkpa area northeast of Akpap. Users: 100 (2004). Ethnic population: 570. Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Akayon, Akoiyang, Iyoniyong, Okonyong, Okoyong, Äkäyöñ, Ökönyöñ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Kiong-Korop.
Kir-Balar
[kkr] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA, Kir Bajang’leand Kir Bengbet villages. Users: 3,050 (1993). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kir, Kirr. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Boghom.
Kirike
[okr] Rivers state: Ogu-Bolo, Okrika, and Port Harcourt LGAs. Users: 463,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Okrika. Autonym: Kịrịkẹ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Eastern, Northeastern, Eastern.
Kirya-Konzel
[fkk] Adamawa state: Mubi LGA. Users: 5,800 (2011 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Karya, Kirya, Konzal. Autonym: myá Kákíryà, myá Kónzə̀l. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.3.
Koenoem
[kcs] Plateau state: Shendam LGA. More than 12 loosely collected villages; Lafidi is main village. Users: 3,000 (2016 R. Blench). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kanam, Kanem, Korenoem. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2.
Kofa
[kso] Adamawa state: Song LGA, north of Belul road, north of Yola. Users: 1,100 (2003). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kota. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 1.
Kofyar
[kwl] Nassarawa state: Lafia LGA; Plateau state: Mangu and Qua’an Pan LGAs. Users: 110,000 (2000). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Koffiar. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1.
Koma
[kmy] Adamawa state: Fufore and Ganye LGAs, Alantika and Koma Vomni mountains. Users: 32,000 in Nigeria (1989). Total users in all countries: 35,000. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kuma. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Duru, Voko-Dowayo, Vere-Dowayo, Vere-Gimme, Vere.
Kono
[klk] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA, Kona village. Users: 5,520 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Konu, Kowono, Kwono. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
Koro Nulu
[vkn] Niger state: Tafa LGA, Dogon Kurmi, Ija Koro, Kabwei, and Shere. Users: 4,000 (2020 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ija Koro, Koro Afiki, Koro Ija. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Southern.
Koro Wachi
[bqv] Kaduna state: Kachia and Kagarko LGAs; Nassarawa state: Keffi LGA. Users: 106,000 (2006 SIL). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Agere, Begbere-Ejar, Koro Agwe, Koro Makama. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Koro.
Koro Zuba
[vkz] Abuja Capital Territory: Abuja area council, Idu; Gwagwalada area council, Abuchi, Anagada, Dutsen Alhaji, Gapa, and Tungan Maje; Niger state: Gurara LGA, Dumwa, Iwa, Lahu, Laka, Numbwa, Tuchi, and Waga; Suleja LGA, Gwazunu and Zumwa; Tafa LGA, Chachi. Users: 11,000 (2020 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Koro Ganagana, Zuba Koro. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Southern.
Korop
[krp] Cross River state: Akampka and Odukpani LGAs. Users: 10,200 in Nigeria (Dimmendaal and Voeltz 2007). Total users in all countries: 17,640. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Durop, Kurop, Ododop. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Kiong-Korop.
Kpan
[kpk] Taraba state: Sardauna, Takum, and Wukari LGAs, Gayan, Gindin Dutse, Kato Bagha, Likam, Suntai, and Wukari. Users: 11,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Abakan, Hwaso, Hwaye, Ibukwo, Ikpan, Kpanten, Kpwate, Nyatso, Nyonyo, Yorda. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Kpan-Icen.
Kpasham
[pbn] Adamawa state: Numan LGA, Kpasham town, on Numan-Jalingo road. Users: 3,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: ’Balo, Kpasam, Maya, Nyisam, Passam. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang.
Kpati
[koc] Taraba state: Takum and Wukari LGAs. Users: No known L1 speakers. Extinct by 1980s. Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Bati, Dong, Kam. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Ngemba.
Kubi
[kof] Bauchi state: Ganjuwa LGA. Users: No known L1 speakers. The last speaker either died or shifted to Hausa [hau] by 1940 (Ogbonna 2016). Ethnic population: 1,500 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Be, Denawa, Deno, Denwa, Kuba, Kubawa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
Kuce
[ruk] Kaduna state: Kajuru LGA; Plateau state: Bassa LGA. Users: 100,000 (Blench 2003). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bace, Bache, Ce, Che, Inchazi, Rukuba, Sale. Autonym: Kuche. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Kudu-Camo
[kov] Bauchi state: Ningi LGA. Users: 42 (1990 M. Bross). Ethnic population: 2,000 (Dimmendaal and Voeltz 2007). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Kuda-Chamo, Kudawa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Kugama
[kow] Adamawa state: Fufore LGA. Users: 5,000 (1995). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kugamma, Wegam, Yamale, Yamalo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang.
Kugbo
[kes] Rivers state: Abua-Odual LGA; Bayelsa, north Brass LGA. Users: 2,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta, Kugbo.
Kukele
[kez] Benue state: Oju and Okpokwu LGAs; Cross River state: Ogoja LGA; Ebonyi state: Abakaliki LGA. Users: 180,000 (2011 U. Francis), increasing. 45,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 180,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bakele, Ukele, Ukelle. Autonym: Kukele. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Koring-Kukele, Kukele.
Kulere
[kul] Plateau state: Bokkos LGA. Users: 15,600 (1990). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Akande, Akandi, Kande, Korom Boye, Tof. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper.
Kulung
[bbu] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA, Balasa, Bambur, and Kirim; Wukari LGA, Gada Mayo. Users: 40,000 (2012 M. Rueck, Z. Yoder, and K. Hannelová). Elderly are monolingual. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bakuli, Bakulu, Bakulung, Bambur, Kukulung, Kulu, Kuluno, Wo, Wurkum. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Kumba
[ksm] Adamawa state: Fufore and Mayo Belwa LGAs. Users: 3,420 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Isaro, Sate, Yofo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye.
Kupa
[kug] Kogi state: Lokoja LGA, Abugi area, 52 villages; Niger state: Katcha LGA. Users: 20,000 (1998 R. Blench). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe.
Kurama
[krh] Kaduna state: Ikara and Saminaka LGAs; Kano state: Tudun Waya LGA. Users: 40,300 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Akurmi, Akurumi, Azumu, Bagwama, Tikurami. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
Kushi
[kuh] Gombe state: Shomgom LGA, about 20 villages. Users: 11,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chong’e, Goji, Kushe, Memme Goji. Autonym: Fo Goji. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper.
Kusur-Myet
[tdl] Bauchi state: Tafawa Balewa LGA; Plateau State: Kanke and Pankshin LGAs, about 30 villages. Users: 16,000 (Decker et al 2021b). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ansur, Dishili, Naas-Dishili, Nsur, Sur, Suru, Tapshin, Tapshinawa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Tarokoid.
Kutep
[kub] Taraba state: Takum LGA. Users: 44,600 in Nigeria (2000). Total users in all countries: 47,600. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Kutev, Mbarike, “Jompre” (pej.), “Zumper” (pej.). Autonym: Kuteb. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Yukuben-Kuteb.
Kutto
[kpa] Gombe state: Funakaye LGA, 2 villages. Users: 3,000 (1995). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kupto, Kúttò. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper.
Kuturmi
[khj] Kaduna state: Kachia LGA. Users: 10,500 (2000). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Northern.
Kwa
[kwb] Adamawa state: Lamurda and Numan LGAs, Gyakan and Kwa towns, near Munga; Taraba state: Karim-Lamido LGA. Users: 7,000 (1992). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Baa, Kwah, nyaa Báà. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Kwa.
Kwaami
[ksq] Bauchi state: Gombe LGA. Users: 10,000 (1990). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Komawa, Kwam, Kwamanchi, Kwami, Kwom. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper.
Kyak
[bka] Adamawa state: Lamurda LGA small area; Gombe state: Balanga LGA; Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA. Users: 10,000 (Blench 2019). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bambuka, Nyakyak. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
Kyanga
[tye] Kebbi state: Tungan Bage, Tungan Noma, Kasati, Tondi, Sarahu, Samba, and Kangiwa villages. Users: 14,000 in Nigeria (2015 R. Jones). Ethnic population: 200,000. Total users in all countries: 15,000. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Canga, Changa, Kenga, Kyangawa, Kyanggana, Kyenga, Kã, Tienga, Tyanga, Tyenga. Autonym: Kyangganya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Kyanga.
Kyoli
[cry] Kaduna state: Jaba LGA, 6 villages. Users: 7,500 (2019 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chori, Cori, Girlor-Kyoli. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Hyamic.
Labir
[jku] Bauchi state: Alkaleri and Bauchi LGAs. Users: 500 (2008 E. Hannelova et al.), decreasing. Ethnic population: 13,000. Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Jaaku, Jakanci, Jaku, Jakun, Labur. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Laka
[ksp] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA, Lau. Users: 5,000 in Nigeria (1995). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Godogodo, Kaba Laka, Laga, Laka of Lau, Lakka, Lau, Lau Haabe. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Satellite-Core, Satellites, Central Sudanic, West, Bongo-Bagirmi, Sara-Bagirmi, Sara, Sara Proper.
Lala-Roba
[lla] Adamawa state: Gombi LGA; Borno state. Users: 46,000 (1993). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gworam, Ɓәna. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur, Yungur-Roba.
Lamang
[hia] Adamawa state: Michika LGA; Borno state: Gwoza LGA. Users: 40,000 (1993). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gbuhwe, Laamang, Waha. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Lamang.
Lame
[bma] Bauchi state: Toro LGA, Lame district. Users: 10,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Lamja-Dengsa-Tola
[ldh] Adamawa state: Mayo Belwa LGA, Ganglamja area between Mayo Belwa and Tola. 13 villages. Lamja central town is Ganglamja; Dengsa are south of Lamja. Users: 3,420 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Dakoid.
Laru
[lan] Niger state: Borgu LGA, Karabonde, Leshigbe, Luma, Monnai, Sansanni, and Shagunu villages on Niger river banks. Users: 5,000 (1995 R. Jones). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Laranchi, Larawa, Laro, Sengwe, Shen, Shen-Gwe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kainji Lake.
Leelau
[ldk] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA, between Bambuka and Karim-Lamido town, near Lake Mungah. Users: 5,000 (Adelberger 1995). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bakula, Lelau, Lelo, Munga, Munga Lelau. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
Legbo
[agb] Cross River state: Obubra LGA; Ebonyi state: Afikpo LGA. Users: 60,000 (1989). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Agbo, Gbo, Igbo, Igbo Imaban, Imaban, Itigidi, Leggbo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Mbembe-Legbo, Legbo.
Lemoro
[ldj] Bauchi state: Toro LGA; Kaduna state: Lere LGA. Users: 10,000 (1998 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Anemoro, Anowuru, Emoro, Limorro. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Lenyima
[ldg] Cross River state: Obubra LGA. Users: Ethnic population: 13,000 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Anyima, Inyima. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Mbembe-Legbo, Legbo.
Lere
[gnh] Kaduna state: Lere LGA. Users: No known L1 speakers (2018 R. Blench). Ethnic population: 16,300 (2000). Status: 9 (Dormant). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Leyigha
[ayi] Cross River state: Obubra LGA. Users: 10,000 (1989). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Asiga, Assiga, Ayiga, Ayigha, Yigha. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Mbembe-Legbo, Legbo.
Lidzonka
[add] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, 1 village on Cameroon border. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Adere, Adiri, Dzodinka. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nkambe.
Limbum
[lmp] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Mambila uplands. Users: Few in Nigeria (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Kambu, Wimbum. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nkambe.
Lokaa
[yaz] Cross River state: Obubra LGA. Users: 232,000 (2020). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Loka, Loke, Loko, Lokǝ, Lokö, Luko, Yaka, Yakurr, Yakö. Autonym: Lokạạ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Loko.
Longuda
[lnu] Adamawa state: Guyuk LGA; Gombe state: Balanga LGA. Users: 99,000 (2020 Joshua Project). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Languda, Longura, Nunguda, Nungura, Nunguraba. Autonym: Nungurama Nyuar. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Longuda.
Loo
[ldo] Gombe state: Kaltungo and Shongom LGAs; Taraba state: Karim Lamido and Lau LGAs, Bambuka to Karim-Lamido road. Users: 8,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Lo, Loh, Shungo, Shunhu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
Lopa
[lop] Kebbi state: Ngaski LGA, Gafara, Lopa, and Raishe; Niger state: Magama LGA, Cifamini, Kwanga, and Gungun Tagwaye; east Kainji Reservoir. Lopa to Wara (Ollop dialect). Users: 5,000 (1996 R. Blench). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Djiri, Kirikjir, Lopawa, Lupa, Ollaran, Rop. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kainji Lake.
Lubila
[kcc] Cross River state: Akamkpa LGA, Ojo Akangba and Ojo Nkomba. Users: 11,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kabila, Kabire, Lubilo, Ofor, Ojor. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Loko.
Lufu
[ldq] Taraba state: Takum LGA, Lufu, and Lufu Jauro. Users: Ethnic population: 3,200 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 8a (Moribund). Classification: Unclassified.
Luri
[ldd] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA, Kayarda and Luri villages. Users: No known L1 speakers. Last known speakers survived through the first decade of the 2000s (Caron 2004). Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Lúr. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper.
Maaka
[mew] Yobe state: Gulani LGA, Bara town area. Users: 10,000 (1993). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Maga, Magha, Maha, Maka. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
Mada
[mda] Kaduna state: Jema’a LGA on southern border; Kaura LGA; Nassarawa state: Akwanga and Nasarawa-Eggon LGAs. Users: 100,000 (1993 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Madda, Yidda. Autonym: Mada. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Mafa
[maf] Borno state: Gwoza LGA. Users: 4,910 in Nigeria (2000). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Bula, Bulahai, Natakan, “Matakam” (pej.). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.5.
Mághdì
[gmd] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA. Users: 2,000 (1992). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Lee Mághdì, Tala, Widala. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
Mak
[pbl] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA, northeast of Karim Lamido town, Banbuka to Karim-Lamido road. Users: 5,690 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Leemak, Lemak, Panya, Panyam, Zo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
Mala
[ruy] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA. Users: 6,630 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Amala, Rumaiya, Rumaya, Tumala. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
Mama
[mma] Nassarawa state: Akwanga LGA. Users: 2,000 (2011). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Kantana, Kwarra. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Mambila, Nigeria
[mzk] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Mambila plateau. Users: 99,000 (1993). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bang, Lagubi, Mabila, Mambere, Mambilla, Nor, Nor Tagbo, Tongbo, Western Mambila. Autonym: Ju Nɔri. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Mambila.
Mangas
[zns] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA, Mangas village. Users: 100 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ma’as, Mantsi, Pyik Mantsi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Boghom.
Marghi Central
[mrt] Adamawa state: Mubi and Michika LGAs; Borno state: Askira-Uba and Damboa LGAs. Users: 237,000 (2020). Madube: 4,000, Mulgwe: 6,000 (2014 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Central Margi, Marghi. Autonym: Margi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 2.
Marghi South
[mfm] Adamawa state: Michika and Mubi LGAs; Borno state: Askira-Uba LGA. Users: Ethnic population: 166,000 (2006 J. Leclerc). 135,000 in Marghi Central, Marghi South, and Putai languages (1999). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Margi ti ntәm. Autonym: Margi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 2.
Mashi
[jms] Taraba state: near Takum. Users: 1,000. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Beboid.
Mawa
[wma] Bauchi state: Toro LGA, possibly Mara village. Users: Status: Unattested. Classification: Unclassified.
Mbat
[bau] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA; Gombe state: Alkakeri LGA; Plateau state: Kanam LGA. Users: 40,000 (2006 SIL), increasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bada’, Badanchi, Badawa, Bat, Garaka, Jar, Jarawan Kogi, Kanna, Mbada, Mbadawa, Plains Jarawa, River Jarawa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Mbe
[mfo] Cross River state: Ogoja LGA. Users: 65,000 (2011 F. Ekpong). 15,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 65,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ketuen, Western Mbube. Autonym: Mbe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Mbe.
Mbembe, Cross River
[mfn] Cross River state: Ikom, Obubra, and Yala LGAs; Ebonyi state: Abakaliki and Izzi LGAs. Users: 236,000 (2020). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ekokoma, Ifunubwa, Oderiga, Ofunobwam, Okam, Wakande. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Mbembe-Legbo, Mbembe.
Mbembe, Tigon
[nza] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Kurmi district. Users: 20,000 in Nigeria (1987). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Akonto, Akwanto, Mbémbe, Noale, Tigon, Tigong, Tigum, Tigun, Tukun. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Mbembe.
Mboi
[moi] Adamawa state: Fufore, Gombi, and Song LGAs. Users: 19,000 (1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gena, Mboire, Mboyi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur, Mboi.
Mbongno
[bgu] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Kakara town. Users: 3,000 in Nigeria (Blench 1999b). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bungnu, Bungun, Bunu, Gbunhu, Kakaba, Kamkam. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Magu-Kamkam-Kila.
Mbula-Bwazza
[mbu] Adamawa state: Demsa, Girei, Numan, Shelleng, and Song LGAs. Users: 100,000 (2012 M. Rueck, Z. Yoder, and K. Hannelová). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Mburku
[bbt] Bauchi state: Darazo LGA. Users: 12,000 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Barke, Barko, Burkunawa, Kariya, Lipkawa, Mburkanci, Vә Mvәran, Wudufu, Wuufu. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.
Mgbolizhia
[gmz] Benue state: Ado LGA; Ebonyi state: Ohaukwu LGA. Users: 190,000 (2012 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Mgbo, Ngbo. Autonym: Mgbolizhia. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Migili
[mgi] Nassarawa state: Awe and Lafia LGAs, 20 villages. Users: 40,000 (2006 R. Blench). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Jili, Koro Lafia, Koro of Lafia, Ligili, Megili, Mijili. Autonym: Lijili. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Southern.
Mindat
[mmf] Plateau state: Bokkos LGA, Mindat village near Sya. Users: 1,500 (Decker et al 2021h). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Mundat. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper.
Mingang Doso
[mko] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA. 1 village area. Users: 3,000 (1995 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Doso, Munga, Munga Doso, Ngwai Mungàn. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
Miship
[mjs] Plateau state: Pankshin and Qua’an-Pan LGAs, possibly some in Mangu and Shendam LGAs. Users: 30,000 (Decker et al 2021f). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chip, Cip, Ship. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1.
Miya
[mkf] Bauchi state: Ganjuwa LGA, Miya town. Users: 30,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Miyanci, Miyawa, Muya, vә́na mίy. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.
Moo
[gwg] Gombe state: Balanga and Shomgom LGAs, Bambuka to Karim-Lamido road area, near Gomu Mountain. Users: 5,000 (1998). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gomu, Gwom, Gwomo, Gwomu, Ngwaa Móò, Yáá Mòò. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
Mumuye
[mzm] Adamawa state: Fufore, Ganye, Mayo Belwa, Numan, and Yola LGAs; Taraba state: Bali, Jalingo, Karim Lamido, Yorro, and Zing LGAs. Users: 784,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Yoro. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye.
Mvanip
[mcj] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA. Users: 100 (Blench 1999b). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Magu, Mvanlip, Mvano, Mvanon, Mvanöp. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Magu-Kamkam-Kila.
Mwaghavul
[sur] Plateau state: Barakin-Ladi and Mangu LGAs. Users: 150,000 (2016 R. Blench). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: Mwahavul, Sura. Autonym: Mwaghavul. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1.
Nde-Gbite
[ned] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA southeast, Antere. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Biti, Bötö. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Unclassified.
Nde-Nsele-Nta
[ndd] Cross River state: Ikom LGA. Users: 19,500 (1987). 12,000 Nde, 3,000 Nsele, 4,500 Nta. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid, Bakor.
Ndoe
[nbb] Cross River state: Ikom LGA. Users: 7,340 (2000). Status: 6b (Threatened). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid.
Ndoola
[ndr] Taraba state: Bali, Gashaka, and Sardauna LGAs. Users: 60,400 in Nigeria (2000). Total users in all countries: 62,520. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ndola, Ndoro, Njoyame, Nundoro. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Ndoro.
Ndunda
[nuh] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, near Mvanip, on Tea Estate road, northwest of Gembu. Users: 350 (Blench 1999b). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Magu-Kamkam-Kila.
Ngamo
[nbh] Bauchi state: Darazo LGA; Gombe state: Nafada-Bajoga LGA: Yobe state: Fika LGA. Users: 60,000 (1993). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gamawa, Gamo, Ngamawa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
Ngas
[anc] Plateau state: Kanam, Langtang, Pankshin, Shendam and Wase LGAs; Taraba state: Ibi LGA. Users: 693,000 (2020). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Angas, Karang, Kerang. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1.
Nggwahyi
[ngx] Borno state: Askira-Uba LGA. Users: 2,000 (1995). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ngwaxi, Ngwohi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2.
Ngizim
[ngi] Yobe state: Damaturu LGA. Users: 80,000 (1993). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ngezzim, Ngizmawa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.1, Bade Proper.
Ngwaba
[ngw] Adamawa state: Gombi LGA at Fachi and Guduniya, and Hong LGA. 2 villages. Users: 10,000 (1993 CAPRO). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Goba, Gombi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Nigerian Sign Language
[nsi] Scattered. Users: 800,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 600,000–1,000,000 deaf signers, based on 0.3%–0.5% of the general population. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: NSL. Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language.
Nikyob-Nindem
[kdp] Kaduna state: Jema’a LGA. Users: 12,000 (2008). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kaningdom-Nindem, Kaningdon-Nindem, Kaningkom-Nindem, Kaningkon-Nindem, Kaninkom-Nindem, Kaninkon-Nindem, Ninkyob-Nindem. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Ninzo
[nin] Kaduna state: Jema’a LGA; Nassarawa state: Akwanga LGA. Users: 50,000 (Blench 2003). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Akiza, Amar Tita, Ancha, Fadan Wate, Gbhu, Gbhu D Amar Randfa, Hate, Incha, Kwasu, Ninzam, Ninzom, Nunzo. Autonym: Ninzo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Njerep
[njr] Taraba state, Somié village. Users: No known L1 speakers (Connell and Zeitlyn 2000). The last fluent speaker, Wajiri Bi, died in 1998. 6 rememberers (Connell and Zeitlyn 2000). Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Njerup. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Njerup.
Nkari
[nkz] Abia state: Arochukwa LGA; Akwa Ibom state: Ini LGA. Users: 5,000 (1998 B. Connell). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Ibuoro.
Nkem-Nkum
[isi] Cross River state: Ogoja LGA. Users: 51,000 (Yoder et al 2008), increasing. 26,600 Nkem, 24,400 Nkum. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid, Bakor.
Nkoroo
[nkx] Rivers state: Opobo-Nkoro LGA. Users: 4,550 (1989 UBS). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Nkoro. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Eastern, Northeastern.
Nkukoli
[nbo] Cross River state: Akamkpa, Ikom, and Obubra LGAs juncture, Iko Ekperem development area. Users: 10,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ekuri, Lokoli, Lokukoli, Nkokolle. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Loko.
Nnam
[nbp] Cross River state: Ikom and Ogoja LGAs. Users: 3,000 (1987 O. Asinya). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ndem. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid, Bakor.
Nshi
[nsc] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Antere, Nkiri. Users: Status: Unattested. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Unclassified.
Nteng
[nqt] Plateau state: Qua’an Pan LGA, Doemak district, Do’op, Gorom, Gyer, Gyergu, Jepmorop, Koelakan, Kwaki, and Lo’on villages; Nasarawa state: Lafia LGA, Gyergu village. Users: 3,500 (2020 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chasoekoeh, Jasikit. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1.
Numana
[nbr] Kaduna state: Jemaa and Sanga LGAs; Nassarawa state: Akwanga LGA. Users: 50,000 (2008 K. Hannelova et al.). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Arak, Inmwen, Nimana, Numana-Nunku-Gbantu-Numbu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Nungu
[rin] Kaduna state: Jema’a, Kaura, and Sanga LGAs; Nassarawa state: Akwanga, Nasarawa-Eggon, and Wamba LGAs; Plateau state: Riyom and Bokkos LGAs. Users: 50,000 (1999). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Lindiri, Rendre, Rindiri, Rindre, Wamba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Nupe-Nupe-Tako
[nup] Kogi state: Kogi LGA; Kwara state: Edu LGA; Niger state: Agaie, Gbako, Lapai, and Mariga LGAs; possibly Abuja Capital Territory. Users: 2,020,000, all users. L1 users: 1,820,000 (2020). L2 users: 200,000 (Wiesenfeld 1999). Status: 3 (Wider communication). De facto language of provincial identity in Niger, Kwara, and Koji states; possibly in Abuja Capital Territory, widespread. Alternate Names: Nufawa, Nupeci, Nupenchi. Autonym: Nupe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe.
Nya Huba
[hbb] Adamawa state: Gombi, Hong, Maiha, and Mubi LGAs; Borno state: Askira-Uba LGA. Users: 355,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Chobba, Hәba, Kilba. Autonym: Huba. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 2.
Nyam
[nmi] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA, Ndallang, Andami village. Users: Ethnic population: 100 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Nyambolo. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
Nyankpa
[yes] Kaduna state: Jema’a LGA; Nassarawa state: Karu LGA. Users: 70,000 (2012 SIL), increasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Anaŋkpa, Nyenkpa, Yasgua, Yeskwa. Autonym: Nnaŋkpa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Koro.
Nyong
[muo] Adamawa state: Mayo Belwa LGA; Taraba state: Zing LGA. 6 villages. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chukkol, Daganyonga, Mubako, Mumbake, Nyɔŋ, Nyoking, Nyongnepa, Peti, Teteka, Yapeli. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Leko.
Nzanyi
[nja] Adamawa state: Maiha LGA. Users: 77,000 in Nigeria (1993). Total users in all countries: 86,000. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Jeng, Jenge, Kobochi, Kobotshi, Mzangyim, Njai, Njanyi, Njei, Njeing, Njeny, Nzangi, Zani, Zany. Autonym: Wur Nzanyi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Obolo
[ann] Akwa Ibom state: Eastern Obolo LGA, islands and peninsulas off south coast; Rivers state: Andoni LGA. Users: 250,000 (2012 U. Aaron), increasing. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Andone, Andoni, Andonni. Autonym: Obolo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo.
Obulom
[obu] Rivers state: Port Harcourt LGA, Abuloma town. Users: 3,420 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Abuloma. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta.
O’chi’chi’
[xoc] Rivers state: Etche LGA, Ikwewengwo and Umuebulu. Users: No known L1 speakers. The last speakers survived into the 2000s (2003 R. Blench). Status: 10 (Extinct). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta.
Odual
[odu] Bayelsa state: Ogbia LGA; Rivers state: Abua-Odual LGA. Users: 18,000 (1989). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Onu Oḍual, Saka. Autonym: Ọḍual. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta, Abua-Odual.
Odut
[oda] Cross River state: Odukpani LGA. Users: 20 (1980 R. Blench). May be extinct (Dimmendaal and Voeltz 2007). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Kiong-Korop.
Ogbah
[ogc] Rivers state: Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA in north Niger delta; Bayelsa state: Sagbama LGA. Users: 334,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Ogba, Olu Ọgba. Autonym: Ọgba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Ogbia
[ogb] Bayelsa state: Brass and Ogbia LGAs; Rivers state: Abua-Odual LGA. Users: 393,000 (2020). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ogbinya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta.
Ogbogolo
[ogg] Rivers state: Ahoada LGA. 1 town. Users: 10,000 (1995). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Obogolo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta.
Ogbronuagum
[ogu] Rivers state: Degema LGA, Bukuma village near Buguma. Users: 12,000 (2000 E. Kari). Ethnic population: 12,000 (2000 E. Kari). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Agum, Bukuma, Obronuagum. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta.
Oko-Eni-Osayen
[oks] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA; Kogi state: Okene LGA, Magongo and Ogori towns. Users: 39,300 (2005 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ogori-Magongo, Oko. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Oko.
Okobo
[okb] Akwa Ibom state: Okobo LGA. Users: 50,000 (Connell and Hajek 1991). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Okobo.
Okodia
[okd] Bayelsa state: Sagbama LGA; Rivers state: Ogba-Egbena-Ndoni LGA. Users: 3,600 (Voegelin and Voegelin 1977). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Akita, Okordia. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, West, Inland Ijo.
Okpamheri
[opa] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA; Ekiti state: Aiyekire, Ekiti East, Emure, and Ise-Orun LGAs; Kogi state: Ogori-Magongo LGA; Ondo state. Users: 91,500 (2021 IMB). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Opameri. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Southern.
Okpe
[oke] Delta state: Okpe, Sapele, Ughelli South, and Uvbie LGAs, southeast of Warri. Users: 25,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ukpɛ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern.
Okpe
[okx] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA. Users: 8,700 (2004). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Southern.
Oloma
[olm] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Southern.
Olulumo-Ikom
[iko] Cross River state: Ikom LGA. Users: 30,000 (Faraclas 1989). 5,000 Olulumo, 25,000 Ikom. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Lulumo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, East-West, Ikom.
Oring
[org] Benue state: Okpokwu LGA; Ebonyi state: Ishielu LGA. Users: 75,000 (1989). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Koring, Orri, Orrin, Orringorrin. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Koring-Kukele, Koring.
Oro
[orx] Akwa Ibom state: Oron, Udung Uko, and Urue-Offrong-Oruko LGAs. Users: 75,000 (1989). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Oron. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Oro.
Oruma
[orr] Bayelsa state: Ogbia LGA, Ibelebiri and Oruma towns. Users: 5,000 (1995). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tugbeni, Tugbeni Kạạmạ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, West, Inland Ijo.
Ososo
[oso] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA; Kogi state: Adavi and Okene LGAs. Users: 19,000 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
Pa’a
[pqa] Bauchi state: Bauchi and Ningi LGAs. Users: 8,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Afa, Afanci, Afawa, Fa’awa, Foni, Fucaka, Fuucəka, Pa’anci, Pa’awa, Paha, Pala. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.
Panawa
[pwb] Bauchi state: Toro LGA, 5 villages; Plateau state: Bassa LGA. Users: 3,500 (Blench 2003). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bugel, Bujiyel, anaPanawa, iPanawa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos.
Pangseng
[pgs] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye.
Pangu
[png] Niger state: Rafi LGA, Gumna and Tegina districts, Kaduna, Minna, Kontagora, and Bida towns; Sabon Gari Pangu is center. Users: 30,000 (2003 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Akwa, Arĩ, Arringeu, Panganci, Pongo, Pongu, Rin, Tə-rĩ, Tara, Tarin, Tariya. Autonym: Ta̱rin. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Pere
[pfe] Adamawa state: Ganye LGA. Users: Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Kotofo, Kotopo, Kotpojo, Pare, Patapori, Peer, Peere, Potopo, Potopore, “Koutin” (pej.), “Kutin” (pej.), “Kutine” (pej.), “Kutinn” (pej.). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Duru, Voko-Dowayo, Kutin.
Pero
[pip] Gombe state: Kaltungo LGA, Burak, Gundalf, Gwandum, Kushi, and Yapito; Taraba state: Karim-Lamido LGA; possibly Bauchi state. Users: 25,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Filiya, Pìpéerò, Walo. Autonym: Péerò. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper.
Piapung
[pcw] Plateau state: Mikang LGA, Piapung district. Users: 3,000 (2016 R. Blench). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Piapum, Pirpum, Pyapun, Pyapung. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2.
Pidgin, Nigerian
[pcm] Widespread. Users: 120,650,000, all users. L1 users: 4,650,000 (2020). L2 users: 116,000,000 (2020). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Evolved as a result of language contact with the British colonists in 1800. Lingua franca across Nigeria. Alternate Names: Anglo-Nigerian Pidgin, Broken English, Brokin, Brokun, Nigerian Creole English, Nigerian Pidgin English, Pidgin, Pijin. Autonym: Naijá. Classification: Creole, English based, Atlantic, Krio.
Piya-Kwonci
[piy] Bauchi state; Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA. 21 villages or more. Users: 5,000 (1992). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Pia, Pitiko, Piya, Wurkum. Autonym: Ambandi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper.
Polci
[plj] Bauchi state: Bauchi, Dass, and Toro LGAs. Users: 22,000 (1995 CAPRO). 2,000 Zul (1995), 4,000 Buli (1993), 400 Langas (1993), 15,000 Polci, 250 Baram (1993), 800 Dir (1993). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Palchi, Palci, Palsawa, Polchi, Ɓarawa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper.
Psikye
[kvj] Adamawa state: northeast of Michika, south of Madagali, in Mandara mountains. Users: 12,000 in Nigeria (1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kamsiki, Kapsiki, Ptsake. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.3.
Putai
[mfl] Adamawa state: Madagali and Michika LGAs; Borno state: Akira-Uba, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Hawul, Kaga, and Konduga LGAs. Users: 50. Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Marghi West. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 1.
Pyam
[pym] Plateau state: Barkin Ladi, Jos, and Mangu LGAs. Users: 31,000 (1996 census). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Fem, Fyam, Fyem, Genawa, Gyem, Gyema, Paiem, Pem, Pyem. Autonym: Pyam. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Southeastern.
Pye
[pai] Plateau state: Pankshin LGA, southeast. 12 villages. Users: 8,000 (2019 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Pai, Pe, Piyeh, “Dalong” (pej.). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Tarokoid.
Rang
[rax] Taraba state: Zing LGA. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye.
Reshe
[res] Kebbi state: Yauri LGA; Niger state: Borgu LGA; Niger river banks, north of Busa. Users: 44,000 (1993 SIL). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bareshe, Gunga, Gunganchi, Gunganci, Gungawa, Tsureja, Yaurawa. Autonym: Tsureshe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Reshe.
Rigwe
[iri] Kaduna state: Kauru LGA; Plateau state: Jos North, Jos South, and Bassa LGAs. Users: 40,000 (1985 UBS). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Aregwe, Idafan, Iregwe, Irigwe, Kwal, Kwan, Kwoll, Miango, Miyango, Nkarigwe, Nnerigwe, Nyango, Yirigwe. Autonym: Rigwe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Central, South-Central.
Rogo
[rod] Kaduna state: Birnin Gwari LGA; Niger state: Mariga and Rafi LGAs, Ucanja town area, northwest of Kagara. Users: Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Burogo, Shiyabe, TɔRɔgɔ, Toshiyabe, Ucanja Kamuku, Urogo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Rom
[tdk] Plateau state: Pankshin LGA, Tambes village. 6km northwest of Pankshin town. Users: 2,000 (2019 SIL). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Marom, Tambas, Tambes, Tembis. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Fyer.
Ron
[cla] Plateau state: Barakin-Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu LGAs; possibly Nassawara state. Users: 228,000 (2020). 20,000 Shagau (Manguna). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Challawa, “Cala” (pej.), “Chala” (pej.), “Challa” (pej.). Autonym: Run. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper.
Ruma
[ruz] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA. Users: 5,090 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Arumaruma, Bagwama, Rurama, Ruruma, Turama, Turuma. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
Samba Daka
[ccg] Adamawa state: Ganye and Mayo Belwa LGAs; Taraba state: Bali, Gashaka, Jalingo, and Zing LGAs. Users: 107,000 (2000). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Chamba, Chamba Daka, Daka, Dakka, Dekka, Deng, Jama, Sama, Samabu, Samba, Tchamba, Tikk, Tsamba. Autonym: Sama Mum. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Dakoid.
Samba Leko
[ndi] Adamawa state: Jada LGA; Benue state: Kwande LGA; Taraba state: Bali, Donga, and Takum LGAs; five separate enclaves. Users: 62,000 in Nigeria (2000). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Chamba Leko, Lego, Leko, Lekon, Ndi, Samba, Samba Leeko, Suntai. Autonym: Sama. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Leko.
Sambe
[xab] Kaduna state: Sambe village 10 km west of Agamati town. Users: 2 (Blench 2019). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B.
Sanga
[xsn] Bauchi state: Toro LGA; Kaduna state: Lere LGA; Plateau state: Bassa LGA. Users: 15,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Asanga, Isanga. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Sasaru
[sxs] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA. Users: 12,500 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
Saya
[say] Bauchi state: Bogoro, Dass, Tafawa-Balewa, and Toro LGAs; Plateau state: Kanem and Mangu LGA borders. Users: 300,000 (2013 SIL). 7,000 Sigidi (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Sayanci, Sayara, Sayawa, Seiyara, Seya, Seyawa, Vigzar, Vikzar, Zaar. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper.
Shall-Zwall
[sha] Bauchi state: Dass LGA. Users: 8,900 (2004). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Beromic.
Shama-Sambuga
[sqa] Kaduna state: Birnin Gwari LGA; Niger state: Mariga and Rafi LGAs. Users: 5,000 (1995 S. and S. Dettweiler). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tushama, Ushama. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Shamang
[xsh] Kaduna state: Jema’a and Kachia LGAs. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Samang, Samban. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Hyamic.
Shanga
[sho] Kebbi state: Lopo, Sakace, Kawama, and Sawa villages, within a km of the Niger river. Users: 5,400 (2015 R. Jones). Ethnic population: 20,000 (2010 R. Jones). There is ethnic Shanga population speaking Hausa [hau] in Shanga, Dugu Tsofo, and some other villages in Kebbi State between Kaoje and Yauri, Niger river, both sides. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Shangawa, Shonga, Shongawa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Kyanga.
Shau
[sqh] Bauchi state: Toro LGA, Mana and Shau villages. Users: No known L1 speakers. 1 old man in 1975 (Sommer 1992). Last speaker probably survived into the 1980s. Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Lìsháù, Sho. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Sheni
[scv] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA. Users: 6 (2004 R. Blench). Ethnic population: 1,500. Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Seni, Shaini, Shani, Shenanci, Shenne, tiSeni. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Shiki
[gua] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA, Gubi and Guru towns north of Bauchi town. Users: Ethnic population: 1,200 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Guba, Gubawa, Gubi, Mashiki. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Shoo-Minda-Nye
[bcv] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA, Benue river banks. Users: 10,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bakula. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Unclassified.
Shuwa-Zamani
[ksa] Kaduna state: Kajuru LGA. Users: 1,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kauru, Kuzamani, Rishuwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
Siri
[sir] Bauchi state: Ningi LGA. Users: Ethnic population: 3,800 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Sirawa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.
Somyev
[kgt] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Jabu, Kikau, Kila Yang, Kuma, Mayo Daga, and Njike towns. Users: 15 (2000 B. Connell). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Kila, Somyewe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Magu-Kamkam-Kila.
Sorko
[bze] Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states, Lake Kainji. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Corogama, Jenaama Bozo, Jenama, Nononke, Sarkanci, Sarkawa, Sorogama, “Boso” (pej.), “Bozo” (pej.). Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Soninke-Bobo, Soninke-Boso, Boso, Jenaama.
Sukur
[syk] Adamawa state: Madagali LGA, Mandara mountains; Borno state: Gwoza LGA. Users: 14,800 (1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Adikimmu Sukur, Gemasakun, Sakul, Sugur. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.6.
Sya
[scw] Plateau state: Bokkos LGA, Sha district, Sha and surrounding villages. Users: 7,000 (2021 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Sha. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper.
Tagalog
[tgl] Users: 21,000 in Nigeria (2021 Joshua Project), based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Tagalog.
Tal
[tal] Plateau state: Pankshin LGA, 53 villages. Users: 10,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tal mwa. Autonym: Tal. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2.
Tala
[tak] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA, Kuka and Talan Kasa villages. Users: 1,000 (1993). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Guruntum.
Tamajaq, Tawallammat
[ttq] Sokoto state. Users: Few in Nigeria. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Azbinawa, Buzu, Tahoua Tamajeq, Tamajaq, Tamasheq, Tomacheck, Tuareg. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Berber, Tamasheq, Southern.
Tangale
[tan] Bauchi state: Alkaleri LGA, Futuk village; Gombe state: Akko, Balanga, Billiri, and Kaltungo LGAs. Users: 272,000 (2020). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Tangle. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper.
Tanjijili
[uji] Niger state: Chanchaga and Suleija LGAs, Kafin Koro on Minna to Abuja road. About 10 villages. Users: 8,540 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Jijili, Koro, Koro Funtu of Kafin Koro, Koro Funtu of Minna, Koro Funtu of Shakoyi, Ujijili. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Southern.
Tarjumo
[txj] Borno state. Users: No known L1 speakers. Ethnic population: No ethnic community. Status: 9 (Second language only). Alternate Names: Old Kanembu. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Saharan, Western, Kanuri.
Tarok
[yer] Plateau state: Kanam, Langtang, and Wase LGAs; Taraba state: Wukari LGA. Users: 520,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Appa, Taroh, Yergam, Yergem, Yergum. Autonym: iTárók. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Tarokoid.
Tedaga
[tuq] Borno state: northeast LGAs. A few villages. Users: 2,000 in Nigeria (Blench and Zeitlyn 1990). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Teda, Tudaga. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Saharan, Western, Tebu.
Tee
[tkq] Rivers state: Tai LGA. Users: 447,000 (2020). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tai. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Ogoni, East.
Tehl
[mtl] Plateau state: Shendam LGA. Users: 21,900 (1990). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Baltap, Montal, Teel, Tel, “Montol” (pej.). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2.
Teme
[tdo] Adamawa state: Mayo Belwa LGA, Mayo Belwa river banks. Users: 4,000 (1995). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tema. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye.
Tera
[ttr] Borno state: Kwayakusar LGA; Gombe state: Yamaltu-Deba LGA. Users: 101,000 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Western.
Tha
[thy] Taraba state: Lau area. Users: 1,000 (1998 U. Kleinewillinghöfer). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Joole Manga, Kapawa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
Tita
[tdq] Taraba state: Jalingo LGA, Hoai Petel. Users: 3,420 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Hoai Petel. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Wurbo.
Tiv
[tiv] Benue state: Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Gwer West, Katsina Ala, Kwande, Makurdi, Ushongo, and Vandeikya LGAs; Cross River state: Bekwara, Obanliku, Obudu, and Yala LGAs; Nassarawa state: Awe, Doma, Keana, Nassarawa, Lafia, and Obi LGAs; Plateau state: Qua’an Pan and Shendam LGAs; Taraba state: Bali, Takum, and Wukari LGAs. Users: 4,560,000 in Nigeria (2020). Status: 3 (Wider communication). De facto language of provincial identity in Benue, Nassarawa, Plateau, Taraba, and Cross River states, used in elementary education. Autonym: Tiv. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid.
Tiyaa
[tyy] Bauchi state: Bogoro LGA, Boi town. Users: 6,000 (2020 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ayaa, Boi, Boyawa, Kaye, Tiya, Ya. Autonym: Tiyaa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Tsikimba
[kdl] Kebbi state: Ngaski LGA, south Kainji lake; Niger state: Magama, Mariga, and Mashegu LGAs, Auna and Wara areas on Niger river. Users: 100,000 (2004 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Akimba, Auna, Kambari, Kamberchi, Kamberri, Kimba. Autonym: Tsikimba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari.
Tsishingini
[tsw] Kebbi state: Ngaski LGA, east of Kainji lake; Niger state: Kontagora, Magama, Mariga, Mashegu, and Rijau LGAs, Salka area. Users: 100,000 (2004 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ashingini, Cishingini, Kambari, Kamberchi, Kamberri, Salka. Autonym: Tsishingini. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari.
Tso
[ldp] Adamawa state: Lamurde LGA; Gombe state: Balanga LGA. Users: 16,000 (1992 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Cibbo, Cuyi Tsó, Kitta, Lotsu-Piri, Pire, Piri, Tsóbó. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Cham-Mona.
Tsucuba
[cbq] Kebbi state: Ngaski LGA, Wara. 8 villages. Users: 1,000 (2014 S. McGill). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Cuba, Urcibar. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kainji Lake.
Tsuvadi
[tvd] Kebbi state: Ngaski LGA; Niger state: Kontagora, Magama, Mariga, and Rijau LGAs. Users: 130,000 (2011 M. Hansley). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Abadi, Avadi, Evadi, Ibeto, Kamberi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari.
Tugbiri-Niragu
[grh] Kaduna state: Lere LGA, Gure and Kahugu villages. Users: 25,000 (2000), increasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gbiri-Niragu, Gure-Kahugu. Autonym: Tugbiri, Tugbiri-Niragu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
Tula
[tul] Gombe state: Kaltungo LGA. Users: 50,000 (2009 R. Blench). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Kotule, Kutule. Autonym: KiTulɛ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Tula.
Tumi
[kku] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA. Users: 2,270 (2000). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kitimi, Tutumi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
Tunzuii
[dza] Bauchi state: Toro LGA, 2 villages; Plateau state: Jos East LGA, 5 villages. Users: 2,500 (Blench 2003). Ethnic population: 4,500. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Dugusa, Duguza, Itunzu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Tyap
[kcg] Kaduna state: Chikun, Jema’a, Kaura, Kauru, Lere, and Zangon Kataf LGAs. Also other urban areas like Kano, Jos, Abuja and Lagos. Dialects: Kaduna state: Jema’a LGA (Fantswam and Tyuku dialects), Kaura LGA (Gworog, Sholyio, Takad, Tyap, and Tyecarat dialects), Zangon Kataf LGA (Tyap and Tyecarat dialects); Plateau state: Riyom LGA (Takad dialect). Users: 255,000 (2020). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Katab, Kataf. Autonym: Tyap. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Central, South-Central.
Ubaghara
[byc] Cross River state: Akampka LGA. Users: 30,000 (1985 UBS). 24,000 Biakpan. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Ubaghara-Kohumono, Ubaghara.
Ubang
[uba] Cross River state: Obudu LGA. Users: 11,100 (2013 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ùbâŋ. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Uda
[uda] Akwa Ibom state: Mbo LGA. Users: 10,000 (1988). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Enwang-Uda.
Uhami
[uha] Ekiti state: Ikere LGA. Users: 13,600 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ishua. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Osse.
Ukaan
[kcf] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA; Ekiti state: Akoko North East LGA; Kogi state: Ijimu LGA, Auga, Ayanran, and Ishe towns. Users: 18,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: AIKA (Ayanran-Ishe-Kakumo-Auga), Anyaran, Ikaan, Ikani, Ìkàn, Ìkã, Ùkãã. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Ukaan.
Ukpet-Ehom
[akd] Cross River state: Akamkpa LGA. Users: 11,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Akpet-Ehom. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Akpet.
Ukue
[uku] Ekiti state: Ado-Ekiti and Irepodun-Ifelodun LGAs. Users: 14,100 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ekpenmen, Ekpenmi, Epinmi, Ukpe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Osse.
Ukwa
[ukq] Cross River state: Akampka LGA. Users: 100 (2004). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Efik.
Ukwuani-Aboh-Ndoni
[ukw] Anambra state: Ogbaru LGA; Delta state: Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA; Edo state: Ndokwa East LGA; Rivers state: Oguta and Ohaji-Egbema Ndoni LGAs. Users: 315,000 (2020). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Ulukwumi
[ulb] Edo state: Esan South East LGA, west of Niger river. Users: 10,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Olukumi, Olukwumi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri.
Umon
[umm] Cross River state: Akampka LGA. 25 villages. Users: 20,000 (1995). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Amon. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Ubaghara-Kohumono, Kohumono.
Uneme
[une] Edo state: Agbazko, Akoko-Edo, and Etsako LGAs. Users: 19,800 (2000). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ileme, Ineme, Uleme. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
Urhobo
[urh] Bayelsa state: Sagbama LGA, Ofoni town; Delta state: Ethiope East, Ughelli North and Ughelli South LGAs, Sapele and Warri areas; Edo state: Ikpoba-Okha and Orhiomwon LGAs. Users: 1,110,000 (2020). Status: 5* (Developing). De facto language of provincial identity in Delta and Edo states, elementary education. Alternate Names: Biotu, “Sobo” (pej.). Autonym: Urhobo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern.
us-Saare
[uss] Kebbi state: Dukku, Wasagu, and Yauri LGAs. Users: 60,000 (2017 D. Heath). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Western Duka, Western Dukawa, es-Saare, əs-Saare. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka.
Usaghade
[usk] Cross River state: Odukpani LGA, Calabar area. Users: Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Isangele, Usakade, Usakedet. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Usaghade.
ut-Hun
[uth] Niger state: Rijau LGA. Users: 50,000 (2017 D. Heath). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Eastern Duka, Eastern Dukawa, Hun-ne, Hune, et-Hun, ət-Hun. Autonym: it-Hun. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka.
ut-Ma’in
[gel] Kebbi state: Sakaba LGA, Kur; Zuru LGA, Fakai district, migrants south; Zamfara state: Kebbe LGA. Users: 36,000 (1992 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Fakai, Fakanchi, Fakanci, Fakkanci, Gelanchi. Autonym: ut-Ma’in. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka.
Utugwang-Irungene-Afrike
[afe] Benue state: Vandeika LGA; Cross River state: Bekwarra, Obudu, and Ogoja LGAs. Users: 70,000 (2012 L. Otronyi). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ebe Cluster, Putukwam. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Uvbie
[evh] Delta state: Uvwie LGA. Users: 19,800 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Effurun, Evrie, Uvhria, Uvwie, “Evhro” (pej.). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern.
Uzekwe
[eze] Cross River state: Ogoja LGA. Users: 5,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ezekwe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Koring-Kukele, Kukele.
Vemgo-Mabas
[vem] Adamawa state: Michika LGA, Madagali district. Users: 10,000 in Nigeria (1993). Total users in all countries: 11,000. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Lamang.
Verre
[ver] Adamawa state: Fufore and Yole LGAs, Verre hills. Users: 104,000 in Nigeria (2000). Total users in all countries: 110,520. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kobo, Mom Jango, Vere, Were. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Duru, Voko-Dowayo, Vere-Dowayo, Vere-Gimme, Vere.
Viti
[vit] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Antere. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Vötö. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Unclassified.
Vono
[kch] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA. Users: 500 (1973 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kiballo, Kiwollo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
Vori
[sde] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA. Users: 3,000 (2016 R. Blench). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Fiti, Skrubu, Srubu, Surubu, Tivori, Zurubu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
Voro
[vor] Adamawa state: Guyuk and Song LGAs, Waltande, area hamlets. Users: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bena, Buna, Ebina, Ebuna, Woro, Yungur. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur, Yungur-Roba.
Vute
[vut] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Northeast Mambila plateau. Users: 1,000 in Nigeria (1973 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Babute, Bute, Buti, Fute, Mbute, Mbutere, Mfuti, Vutere, Wetere, Wute. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Suga-Vute, Vute.
Waja
[wja] Adamawa state: northern Michika LGA; Borno state: Gwoza LGA; Gombe state: Akko, Balanga, and Yamaltu Deba LGAs; Taraba state: Bali LGA. Users: 60,000 (1989 U. Kleinewillinghöfer). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Nyan Wiyau, Wiyaa, Wiyau, Wuya. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Tula.
Waka
[wav] Adamawa state: Demsa and Numan LGAs. Users: 5,000 (1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye.
Wandala
[mfi] Borno state: Bama, Damboa, Gwoza, and Konduga LGAs. Users: 20,000 in Nigeria (1993). 10,000 Gamargu, 9,300 Kirawa. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Mandara, Ndara. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Mandara.
Wannu
[jub] Benue state: Makurdi LGA, Iharev district, Abinsi town. Users: 4,000. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Abinsi, Awannu, Jukun Abinsi, River Jukun. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Kororofa.
Wapan
[juk] Benue state: Guma LGA; Nassarawa state: Awe and Lafia LGAs; Plateau state: Langtang South and Shendam LGAs; Taraba state: Gassol and Wukari LGAs. Users: 100,000 (1994 UBS). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Jinkum, Jukon, Juku, Juku Junkun, Jukum, Jukun Wapan, Jukun Wukari, Wakari, Wapã, Wukari. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Kororofa.
Wãpha
[juw] Plateau state: Langtang LGA, Kumbur village; Shendam and Wase LGAs, Wase Tofa village. Users: 1,610 (2000). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Jukun Wase, Wase, Wase Tofa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Jukun.
Warji
[wji] Bauchi state: Ningi LGA; Jigawa state: Birnin Kudu LGA. Users: 77,700 (2000). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Sar, Sarawa, Sirzakwai, Warja, Warjawa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.
Wom
[wom] Adamawa state: Fufore LGA. Users: 5,000 (Blench 1989). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Pere, Pereba, Perema. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Leko.
Yace
[ekr] Cross River state: Yala LGA, Aliforkpa, Imbuor, Maa, Osina, Uchu, and Wonyer. Users: 50,000 (2002). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ekpari, Iyace, Yache, Yatye. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Yatye-Akpa.
Yala
[yba] Benue state: Oju LGA; Cross River state: Ikom, Obubra, and Yala LGAs. Users: 278,000 (2020), increasing. 50,000 monolinguals. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Iyala. Autonym: Yala. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Idoma.
Yamba
[yam] Taraba state: Gashaka and Sardauna LGAs, Antere, and other border villages. Users: Few in Nigeria (1990 R. Blench). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Mbem, “Kaka” (pej.). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Mbam-Nkam, Nkambe.
Yangkam
[bsx] Plateau state: Kanam, Langtang, and Wase LGAs, on Amper-Bashar road, Bayar, Kiram, Pyaksam, and Tukur villages. Users: 100 (1996 R. Blench). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Bashar, Basharawa, Bashiri, Yankam. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Tarokoid.
Yedina
[bdm] Borno state: islands in Lake Chad. Users: 3,000 in Nigeria. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Boudouma, Buduma, Yedana, Yedima, Yedǝnami, Yidana. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, B, B.1, Buduma.
Yendang
[ynq] Adamawa state: Mayo Belwa; Taraba state: Karim Lamido, Lau, Yoro, and Zing LGAs, Jalingo; a village quarter of Yola. Users: 50,000 (1987). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kuseki, Nya Korok, Nya Yendang, Nyandang, Yadang, Yandang, Yendam, Yundum. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang.
Yoruba
[yor] Widespread, in southwest. Users: 44,600,000 in Nigeria, all users. L1 users: 42,600,000 in Nigeria (2020). L2 users: 2,000,000. Total users in all countries: 45,612,560 (as L1: 43,612,560; as L2: 2,000,000). Status: 2 (Provincial). De facto provincial language in southwestern region. Alternate Names: Yariba, Yooba, Yorùbá. Autonym: Èdè Yorùbá. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri.
Yotti
[yot] Taraba state: south of Mayo-Lope. 8 villages. Users: 3,000 (2011 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Wonkorok, Yoti. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang.
Yukuben
[ybl] Taraba state: Takum LGA, between Katsina Ala and Gamana rivers. About 20 villages. Users: 15,000 in Nigeria (1992). Total users in all countries: 15,950. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ayikiben, Balaabe, Balaaben, Boritsu, Nyikobe, Nyikuben, Oohum, Uhumkhegi, Uhumkiji, Uuhum, Uuhum-Gigi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Yukuben-Kuteb.
Ywom
[gek] Plateau state: Langtang, Mikang, and Shendam LGAs; Taraba state. Users: 10,000 (2016 R. Blench). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Garkawa, Gerka, Gerkanchi, Gerkawa, Gurka, Yioum, Yiwom. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Yiwom.
Zangwal
[zah] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA. Users: 100 (1993). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Twar, Zwangal. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Guruntum.
Zari
[zaz] Bauchi state: Dass, Tafawa Balewa, and Toro LGAs. Users: No known L1 speakers, but emerging L2 speakers. The last speaker died by the year 2000 (Campbell and Belew 2018). Ethnic population: 20,700 (2000 CAPRO). 20,000 Zakshi (1995 CAPRO), 1,000 Boto (Gunn 1953). Status: 9 (Reawakening). Alternate Names: Zariwa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper.
Zarma
[dje] Kebbi state: Argungu, Birnin Kebbi, and Bunza LGAs; Niger state: on Kontagora road; Yobe state: north of Nguru. Users: 87,800 in Nigeria (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Adzerma, Djerma, Dyabarma, Dyarma, Dyerma, Zabarma, Zarbarma, Zarma sanni, Zarmaciine, Zerma. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Songhai, Southern.
Zeem
[zua] Bauchi state: Toro LGA. Users: No known L1 speakers. Last speakers may have survived into the 2000s. Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Chaari. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper.
Zhire
[zhi] Kaduna state: Kagarko LGA, Kenyi district; 8 villages. Users: Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Banyi, Jabji, Kanyi, Kenyi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Hyamic.
Zizilivakan
[ziz] Adamawa state: Mubi North LGA, Jilvu town, near Cameroon border. Users: 6,000 in Nigeria (2010 Z. Yoder et al.). Total users in all countries: 6,200. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Fali of Jilbu, Jilvu, Zhilvu, Ziliva, Ziziliveken, Àmzírív. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Zumbun
[jmb] Bauchi state: Darazo LGA, Jimbim settlement. Users: 2,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Jimbin, Jimbinawa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.