Ibibio

The Ibibio are an ethnic group indigenous to southern Nigeria, primarily in Akwa Ibom State, with communities in neighboring Cross River, Rivers, and Abia States, and a sizable diaspora in urban centers such as Lagos. The Ibibio language is part of the Niger-Congo language family, in the Benue-Congo branch, within the Cross River group; it is closely related to Efik, and together these languages form a language continuum that is often referred to as Ibibio–Efik.

Traditionally, the Ibibio organized into various kingdoms and settlements along the Cross River basin before and during early contact with Europeans in the 19th century. Under colonial rule these communities encountered missionary activity, western education, and new administrative structures, which shaped modern social and political life.

Today, the Ibibio are predominantly Christian, with communities retaining some traditional beliefs and practices. Cultural expression includes music and dance forms and masquerade traditions, which are often featured in celebrations and rites of passage. The economy is largely based on agriculture, fishing, and trading, with yams, cassava, palm oil, and palm kernel as staples, complemented by urban commerce in Akwa Ibom and other cities.

Administratively, Akwa Ibom is the core region associated with the Ibibio, but there are sizable populations in neighboring states. The Ibibio are one of the largest ethnic groups in southern Nigeria, contributing to the region’s linguistic and cultural diversity.