Ijaw

The Ijaw, also known as Izon or Ijo, are a Niger Delta ethnic group primarily located in southern Nigeria. They are concentrated in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States, with smaller communities in Ondo State and other parts of the Niger Delta. The Ijaw Nation comprises numerous subgroups and languages, reflecting a long history of riverine settlement and trade.

The Ijaw languages form the Ijoid branch of the Niger-Congo family. The most widely spoken is Izon (Izon language), but many other Ijaw languages are spoken by subgroups such as Andoni, Nembe, Kalabari, Ogbia, and Esan-like communities. Literacy in local languages is complemented by use of English in education and official contexts.

Culturally, the Ijaw are traditionally riverine people whose livelihoods center on fishing, trading, boat building, and market networks along creeks and rivers. Social life features a system of chiefs and local councils, along with age grades and masquerade performances. Cultural festivals, yam rites, and elaborate craft traditions are noted aspects of Ijaw heritage. Today many Ijaw people practice Christianity and Islam, while indigenous beliefs persist in some communities.

Historically, Ijaw communities engaged in long-distance coastal and river trade, shaping interactions with neighboring groups and European traders. In the post-colonial era, the Ijaw have been active in Nigeria’s politics and in movements addressing resource control and environmental and economic issues related to oil extraction in the Niger Delta. The region’s environmental and developmental challenges continue to influence Ijaw society and its relations with the Nigerian state.