Nigeria
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Abanyom
[abm] Cross River state: Ikom LGA, Abangkang, main village. Population: 12,500 (1986). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Abanyum, Befun, Bofon, Mbofon. Dialects: None known. Other Bakor varieties not intelligible unless acquired. Lexical similarity: 71% with Nkem-Nkum [isi], 72% with Nnam [nbp], 66%–68% with Ekajuk [eka], 65%–67% with Nde-Nsele-Nta [ndd], 56% with Efutop [ofu]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid, Bakor.
Abishi
[pcn] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA. Population: 8,100 (2013 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Abisi, Bisi, Piti, Pitti. Dialects: Ngmbang (Ribam, Riban, Ribang), Abishi. Lexical similarity: 65% between dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Piti-Atsam.
Abon
[abo] Taraba state: Kurmi LGA, Abong town, southeast of Baissa. Population: 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. Population: 25,000 (Faraclas 1989). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Autonym: Abuan. Dialects: Central Abuan, Emughan, Otapha (Otabha), Okpeden. Central dialect understood by all others. Lexical similarity: 70% with Odual [odu]. 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. Population: 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. Population: 5,000 (1993). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Achipa, Acipanci, Zubazuba. Dialects: Boroma (Taboroma), Randeggi, Bobi. Lexical similarity: 83% with Randeggi and Bobi, 52% with Shama-Sambuga [sqa], 47%–63% with Kamuku [cdr], 42%–44% with Cahungwarya [nat], 15%–20% with Cicipu [awc]. 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. Population: 300,000 (2011 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kadara. Dialects: Eneje (Aji), Ada (E’da, Misiyen), Adara (Kadara, Misiyo). Adara 75% of Eneje, 66% of Ada; Ada: 75% of Adara, 80% of Eneje; Eneje: 100% of Adara, 96% of Ada; among the 3 dialects, speakers use the vernacular with each other. Lexical Similarity: 28% with Ekhwa [ikv], 32% with Ajiya (Idon) [idc]; Dialects: Adara 64% with Eneje, 57% with Ada; Eneje 70% with Ada. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Northern.
Aduge
[adu] Kogi state: Ijumu and Okehi LGAs; Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA. Population: 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. Population: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Afada, 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. Population: 70,000 (1987 UBS). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: North Idoma, Ochekwu. 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. Population: 12,000 (Faraclas 1989). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ibami, Ro Bambami, Wa Bambani, Wagoi. Dialects: Iko. 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. Population: 20,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Agwaguna, Akurakura, Gwune, Okurikan, “Akunakuna” (pej.). Dialects: Abayongo (Bayino, Bayono), Abini (Abiri, Obini), Adim (Dim, Odim), Orum, Erei (“Enna” (pej.), Ezei), Agwagwune, Etono (Etuno). A dialect cluster. 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. Population: 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. Population: 18,000 (2008 M. Rueck, K. Hannelová, and Z. Yoder). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Inyeng (Hanyeng, Ningon, Nyeng), Shakara (Isakara, Tari), Indung (Andung, Indun, Nandu, Ndun). Nyeng 94% intelligible of Ndun, Shakara 88% of Nyeng and Ndun. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Central, West-Central.
Ajawa
Ajiya
[idc] Kaduna state: Kajuru LGA. Population: 5,000 (Blench 2011). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ajuli, Idon, Idong, Misiwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Northern.
Ake
[aik] Nassarawa state: Lafia LGA, 3 villages. Population: 3,000 (Blench 1999b). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Aike, Akye, Kapon. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Eggon [ego]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B.
Akpa
Akpes
[ibe] Ekiti state; Ondo state: Akoko North East and Akoko North West LGAs; Kogi state: Ijumu LGA. Population: 10,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ibaram-Efifa. Dialects: Akunnu (Akpes), Ase, Daja, Efifa, Esuku (Echuku), Gedegede, Ikorom, Ibaram, Iyani. A dialect subgroup. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Akpes.
Akuku
Akum
[aku] Taraba state: Ekban, Konkom, and Manga villages near Cameroon border. Population: Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Aakuem, Anyar, Oakuem. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Yukuben-Kuteb.
Alago
[ala] Nassarawa state: Doma, Keana, Lafia, Nasarawa, and Obi LGAs. Population: 35,100 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Arago, Aragu, Argo, Idoma Nokwu. Autonym: Alago. Dialects: Doma, Agwatashi, Keana, Assaikio, Aloshi, Ana, Ibi, Akpanaja. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Idoma.
Alumu-Tesu
[aab] Nassarawa state: Wamba LGA, near Wamba. Alumu dialect in 7 villages; Tesu in 1. Population: 7,000 (Blench 1999b). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Alumu, Arum-Cesu, Arum-Chessu, Arum-Tesu. Dialects: Alumu (Arum), Tesu. Related to Toro [tdv]. The 2 dialects have only intonation differences. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Alumic.
Ambo
[amb] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, 1 village east of Baissa. Population: 1000 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. Population: 12,300 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Amap, Amon, Among, Ba. Autonym: Timap. Dialects: None known. Reportedly not similar to other languages. 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. Population: 2,550,000 (2015). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Anang, Annang. Autonym: Anaañ. Dialects: Ikot Ekpene, Abak, Ukanafun. 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. Population: Ethnic population: 300 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bunta. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Unclassified.
Arabic, Shuwa
[shu] Borno state: Bama, Dikwa, Konduga, and Ngala LGAs; widespread in Borno and Yobe states following livestock movement. Population: 100,000 in Nigeria (1973 SIL). 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. Population: 48,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). 45,000 Igashi; 3,000 Uro. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: North Akoko. Dialects: Oyin, Uro, Arigidí, Erúsú (Erushu), Ojo, Udo (Ido, Oke-Agbe, Òwòn Ùdò), Afa (Affa, Òwòn Àfá), Òge (Òwòn Ògè), Aje, Ese (Òwòn Èsé), Igashi (Ìgàshí, Ìgásí, Òwòn Ìgásí). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Akokoid.
Ashe
[ahs] Abuja Capital Territory: Bwari LGA; Kaduna state: Jema’a, Jaba, and Kagarko LGAs; Nassarawa state: Karu LGA. Population: 40,000 (2012 J. Barnhoorn), increasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ala, Koro Makama, Koron Ache, Koron Ala. Autonym: Ishe. Dialects: Unorr, Uchek. Most similar to Koro Wachi [bqv], then to Duya [ldb], and Nyankpa [yes]. These 4 languages are often referred to as the Koro Cluster. 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. Population: 5,000 (1998 R. Blench). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Abewa, Ebe. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe.
Atsam
[cch] Kaduna state: Kauru LGA. Population: 30,000 (Barrett 1982). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Cawai, Cawe, Cawi, Chawai, Chawe, Chawi. Dialects: None known. Reportedly most similar to Abishi [pcn]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Piti-Atsam.
Awak
[awo] Gombe state: Akko and Kaltungo LGAs. Population: 6,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Awok, Yebu. 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 5,000 (1990). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Baan-Ogoi, Goi, Ogoi. Dialects: Ka-Ban, Kesari. 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. Population: 15,000 (1996). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Cibaangi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari.
Baatonum
[bba] Kwara state: Baruten LGA. Population: 100,000 in Nigeria (1995 R. Jones). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Baatonun, Baatonun-Kwara, Barba, Bargu, 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. Population: 150,000 (1992 CAPRO). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Abacama, Bachama, Bashama, Bashamma, Besema, Bwaatye, Bwareba, Bwatiye, Gboare. Dialects: Mulyen (Mulwyin, Mwulyin), Opalo (Opolo), Wa-Duku, Central Bwatiye (Demsa, Demsa Bata). In Bata dialect subgroup. Bacama and Central Bwatiye [bcy] 54%–68% of non-riverine Bata [bta] dialects (Furo and Song); Upriver dialects have contact with downriver dialects due to fishing practices. Lexical similarity: Bacama [bcy] 89% with Central Bwatiye [bcy], 81% with Njoboliyo [bta], 86% with Furo [bta], 84% with Song Bata [bta]. 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. Population: 250,000 (2007 IMB). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Badanci, Bedde, Bede, Gidgid. Autonym: Gabaden. Dialects: Gashua Bade (Mazgarwa), Southern Bade (Bade-Kado), Western Bade (Amshi, Maagwaram, Magwaram), Shirawa (Shira). Amshi 91% and Southern 87% of all Bade dialects. Ngizim [ngi] and Duwai [dbp] not intelligible of Bade. Shirawa dialect is extinct (2018 R. Blench). Lexical similarity: 63% with Ngizim [ngi], 61% with Duwai [dbp]. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.1, Bade Proper.
Bakpinka
[bbs] Cross River state: Akamkpa LGA. Population: 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. Population: 2,000 (1991 R. Blench). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bibaali, Ekpali, Ibaali. Autonym: Abaali, Maya. Dialects: None known. Adequate intelligibility of Kpasham [pbn]; low intelligibility of Yotti [yot]; no intelligibility of Yendang [ynq]. Lexical similarity: 54% with Kpasham [pbn]; 35% with Yotti [yot]; 8% with Yendang [ynq]. 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. Population: 6,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Bangunji. Autonym: Bangjinge. Dialects: Kaalo, Naaban. Noun class system reportedly similar to Waja [wja] and Tula [tul]. 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. Population: 75,000 (2011 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bankala, Bankalanci, Baranci, Jaranchi, Jaranci, Jarancin Kasa, Jarawa, Jarawan Kasa, Zhar. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Gwak [jgk], Duguri [dbm], and Bada [bau]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Barikanchi
[bxo] Kano state; found in military barracks. Population: 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. Population: 100,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Abacha, Abatsa, Basa-Benue, Bassa, Rubasa, Rubassa, “Bassa-Komo” (pej.), “Bassa-Kwomu” (pej.). Dialects: North-south dialect division along Benue River. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Basa.
Basa-Gumna
[bsl] Niger state: Chanchaga LGA; Plateau state: Nasarawa LGA. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 150,000 in Nigeria (1992). 3,500,000 Bwaatye (Bata and Bacama [bcy]) (2006 census). Total users in all countries: 152,500. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Batta, Bete, Birsa, Bwaatye, Bwatiye, Demsa Bata, Dunu, Eastern Bwatiye, Gboati, Gbwata, Gbwate. Dialects: Zumu (Jimo, Zomo), Wadi (Wa’i), Malabu, Kobotachi, Ribaw (Ribow), Njoboliyo, Garoua (Garua), Jirai, Furo, Song Bata. Bacama [bcy] and Central Bwatiye [bcy] 54%–68% of non-riverine dialects (Furo and Song); Njoboliyo [bta] 87% of Furo [bta], Song [bta], and Central Bwatiye [bcy]; Njoboliyo [bta] 73% of Bacama. Upriver dialects have contact with downriver dialects due to fishing practices. Dialect chain: Bacama [bcy] 89% with Central Bwatiye [bcy], 81% with Njoboliyo [bta], 86% with Furo [bta], 84% with Song Bata [bta]. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Batu
[btu] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, east of Baissa, below Mambila escarpment. Population: 25000 Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Dialects: Amanda-Afi, Angwe, Kamino. A language subgroup. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid.
Bauchi
[bsf] Niger state: Rafi and Shiroro LGAs. Population: 20,000 (Blench 1988). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bauci, Baushi, Kushi. Dialects: Wayam-Rubu, Madaka (Adeka), Supana. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Baushi-Gurmana.
Beele
Bekwarra
[bkv] Benue state: Vandeika LGA; Cross River state: Bekwara LGA. Population: 100,000 (1989 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bekworra, Ebekwara, Yakoro. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Bena
[yun] Adamawa state: Gombi, Guyuk, and Song LGAs, Song to Yola road settlements. Population: 95,000 (1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Binna, Buna, Ebina, Ebuna, Gbinna, Purra, Yangeru, Yongor, Yungur, “Lala” (pej.). Autonym: 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. Population: 1,000,000 (2010 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Afango, Berum, Birom, Gbang, Kibbo, Kibbun, Kibo, Kibyen, Lêm Berom, “Shosho” (pej.). Dialects: Ropp, Fan, Heikpang, Foron, Du, Gyel, Zawan, Kuru, Vwang, Riyom, Rim, Bachi, Gashish. Three dialect groups: Eastern (Ropp, Fan, Heikpang, Foron, Du), Central (Gyel, Zawan, Kuru, Vwang), Western (Riyom, Rim, Bachi, Gashish). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Beromic.
Bete
[byf] Taraba state: Takum LGA, Bete town, foot of Bete mountain. Population: 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. Population: 100,000 (2006 L. Otronyi), increasing. Some elderly monolinguals. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bette-Bendi, Dama. Dialects: Bete (Bette, Mbete), Bendi. Bete intelligible of Bendi. Lexical similarity: 82% with Bendi; 64%–72% with Obanliku [bzy], 35% with Ukpe-Bayobiri [ukp], 30%–33% with Alege [alf] and Ubang [uba]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Bille
[bil] Adamawa state: Demsa LGA, along Bille river. Population: 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, Kunbille. Dialects: None known. Bile [bil], Mbula-Bwazza [mbu], and Kulung [bbu] mutually unintelligible (less than 25%). Lexical similarity: 48% with Mbula-Bwazza [mbu], 33% with Kulung [bbu]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Bina
[byj] Kaduna state: Kauru and Lere LGAs. Population: 7,000 (2000). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Abin, 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. Population: 15,000 (2015 R. Jones). 20,000 ethnic Laaru, Lupa and Kambari. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bariba, Bisayã, Busa, Busa-Bisã, Busano, Bussanchi, Bussawa. Autonym: Bisã. Dialects: New Busa, Wawa. New Busa and Wawa dialects inherently intelligible. New Busa is prestigious, but Wawa dialect is viewed as purer and used for literature. New Busa has Hausa [hau]-influenced phonology. Illo Busa dialect has Boko [bqc] influence. Lexical similarity: 91% with Bokobaru [bus], 85% with Boko [bqc], 57% with Kyanga [tye], 56% with Shanga [sho], 50% with Bisa [bib] in Burkina Faso and Ghana. 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. Population: 4,800 (Voegelin and Voegelin 1977). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Amegi, Buseni, Northeast Central Ijo. Dialects: None known. Not fully intelligible with other languages in Ijo language subgroup. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, West, Inland Ijo.
Bitare
[brt] Taraba state: Kurmi LGA, near Baissa. Population: 46,300 in Nigeria (Blench 2003). Total users in all countries: 52,300. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Njwande, Yukutare. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Abon [abo]. 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. Population: 2,000 (Blench 1999b). 1,000 in each dialect. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Mabo-Barkul, Mabo-Barukul, “Kaleri” (pej.). Dialects: Bo, Rukul. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Southeastern.
Boga
[bvw] Adamawa state: Hong LGA. Population: 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. Population: 50,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bogghom, Boghorom, Bohom, Bokiyim, Borrom, Burma, Burom, Burrum, Burum. Dialects: None known. Related to Mangas [zns]. 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. Population: 50,000 in Nigeria (2012 R. Jones). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bo’o, Bokonya. Dialects: Illo Busa (Busa). Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa.
Bokobaru
[bus] Kwara state: Kaiama LGA, some in Baruten LGA; 35 villages. Population: 62,000 (2012 R. Jones). 10,800 in Kaiama, 51,200 in surrounding villages. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bariba, Busa-Bokobaru, Bussanchi, Bussawa. Autonym: Zogben. Dialects: Kaiama, village Bokobaru. Kaiama dialect speakers and those in other villages have good mutual inherent intelligibility. Distinct from Boko [bqc] of Benin or Busa [bqp]. Lexical similarity: 86% with Boko [bqc], 91% with Bisã [bqp], 62% with Kyanga [tye], 54% with Shanga [sho], 50% with Bisa [bib] of Burkina Faso and Ghana. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa.
Bokyi
[bky] Cross River state: Boki LGA. Population: 140,000 in Nigeria (1989 SIL). Total users in all countries: 143,700. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Boki, Nfua, Nki, Okii, Osikom, Osukam, Uki, Vaaneroki. Dialects: Basua (Bashua), Irruan (Eerwee, Erwan), Boje (Bojie), Kwakwagom, Nsadop, Osokom, Wula (Baswo, Kecwan, Okundi), Oku, Boorim, Oyokom, Abo (Abu), Eastern Bokyi (East Boki). 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. Population: 100,000 (1990). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ampika, Bolanchi, Bolanci, Bolawa, Bolewa, Borpika. Dialects: Bara, Fika (Anpika, Fikankayen, bòo Pìkkà). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
Bu
[jid] Kaduna State: Sanga LGA; Nassarawa state: Wamba LGA. Population: 20,000 (2017 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ibut, Jida, Jida-Abu, Jidda-Abu, Nakare. Dialects: Bu (Abu), Nkadan (Jida, Ninkada). 2 ethnically and geographically distinct groups, but reportedly linguistically similar. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Bukpe
[ukp] Cross River state: Ikom and Obudu LGAs. Population: 21,500 (2013 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ukpe, Ukpe-Bayobiri. Dialects: Ukpe, Bayobiri (Bayobre, Bayobri). Dialect cluster (Crozier and Blench 1992). Lexical similarity: 60%–64% with Ubang [uba], 60%–65% with Alege [alf], 35% with Bete-Bendi [btt]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Bukwen
[buz] Taraba state: 1 village near Takum. Population: 1000 Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Beboid.
Bumaji
[byp] Cross River state: Obudu LGA, Bumaji town. Population: 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. Population: 250,000 (1987 UBS). 200,000 Pabir (1993). 32,000 in Adamawa state (1992). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Babir, Babur, Barburr, Bourrah, Bura, Burra, Huve, Huviya, Kwojeffa, Mya Bura, Pabir. Dialects: Pela (Bura Pela, Hill Bura), Hyil Hawul (Bura Hyilhawul, Plain Bura). Kofa [kso] may be a related language. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 1.
Burak
[bys] Gombe state: Billiri and Kaltungo LGAs, Burak town. Population: 4,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Buurak. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
Bure
[bvh] Bauchi state: Kirfi LGA, Bure village. Population: 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. Population: 1000 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. Population: 20,000 (2003 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Hungworo, Ingwe, Ingwo, Ngwe, Ngwoi, Nkwoi, Ungwe. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 50%–52% with Kamuku [cdr] dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Cakfem-Mushere
[cky] Plateau state: Mangu LGA. Population: 5,000 (1990 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chakfem, Chokfem. Dialects: Jajura, Kadim, Kaban, Mushere, Chakfem. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1.
Cara
[cfd] Plateau state: Bassa LGA, Teriya village. Population: 3,000 (1999 R. Blench). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Chara, Fachara, Fakara, Nfachara, Pakara, Tariya, Tera, Teriya, Terri. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Central, North-Central.
Centúúm
[cet] Gombe state: Balanga LGA, Cham town. Population: 200 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Cen Tuum, Jalaa. Classification: Language isolate.
Cicipu
[awc] Kebbi state: Sakaba LGA, Sakaba; Niger state: Mariga LGA, Kakihum and Kumbashi. Population: 20,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Achipa, Acipanci, Western Acipa. Dialects: Tirisino (Karishen), Tidipo (Kadonho), Tizoriyo (Mazarko), Tidodimo (Kadedan), Tikula (Maburya), Ticuhun (Kakihum), Tikumbasi (Kumbashi). Mutually unintelligible with linguistically most similar Tsuvadi [tvd]. Lexical similarity: about 95% among dialects; 50% with Tsuvadi [tvd], 15%–20% with Eastern Acipa [acp]; 18% with Cahungwarya [nat]; 16%–17% with Shama [sqa]; 15%–17% with Kamuku [cdr]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Cineni
[cie] Borno state: Gwoza LGA, Cineni village. Population: 3,000 (1998). Status: 6b (Threatened). Dialects: None known. Lexical similarity: 85% with Glavda [glw], 78%–82% with Guduf-Gava [gdf], 60% with Dghwede [dgh], 53% with Gvoko [ngs], 45% with Hdi [xed], 44% with Vemgo-Mabas [vem], and 42% with Lamang [hia] (Hamm 2004). 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. Population: 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. Dialects: Rofia. Kambari subgroup member, which includes Tsishingini [tsw] and Tsikimba [kdl]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari.
Ciwogai
C’Lela
[dri] Kebbi state: Donko-Wasagu, Sakaba, and Zuru LGAs; Niger state: Rijau LGA; west Zamfara state: Gummi LGA border area. Population: 90,000 (1993 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Cala-Cala, Chilala, Chilela, Dakakari, Dakarkari, Dakkarkari, Kolela, Lalawa. Autonym: Lela. Dialects: Lila (Senchi, Southern Lela, Zuru), Dabai (Central Lela), Ribah, Adoma (Aroma, Northern Lela, Roma, Roma-Na, Yelmo). Lexical similarity: 93%–98% with dialects at Rade, Ribah, Dabai, and Senchi, 55% with ut-Hun [uth], 54% with the Fakai sub-group, 47% with Gwamhi-Wuri [bga], 20% with Acipa [acp]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka.
Como Karim
[cfg] Plateau state: Wase LGA; Taraba state: Jalingo and Karim Lamido LGAs, near Lau. Population: 11,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Asom, Bakula, Chomo, Kinzimba, Kirim, Kiyu, Nuadhu, Shomo Karim, Shomoh, Shomong. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Wurbo.
Cori
[cry] Kaduna state: Jema’a LGA, 1 village. Population: 1,000 (2004). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Chori. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Hyamic.
Daba
[dbq] Adamawa state: Mubi LGA, 1 village between Bahuli and Mubi. Population: 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. Population: 70,000 (2014 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Daadiya, Dadia, Loodiya. 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. Population: No known L1 speakers. Last fluent speakers probably survived into the late 20th century. Ethnic population: 750. Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Tidama’un. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to C’lela [dri], Tsuvadi [tvd], and Cicipu [awc]. 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. Population: 8,830. 1,130 Lukshi, 4,700 Durr-Baraza, 700 Wandi and Zumbul, 2,300 Dot (1971 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Barawa. Dialects: Lukshi (Dekshi), Durr-Baraza (Bandas), Zumbul (Boodla), Wandi (Wangday), Dot (Dott, Dwat, Zodi). A dialect subgroup. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3.
Defaka
[afn] Rivers state: Opobo-Nkoro LGA, Nkoro town in Niger delta. Population: 200 (2001 R. Blench). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Afakani, Defaka-Nkooro. Dialects: None known. Related to the Ijo group. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Defaka.
Degema
[deg] Rivers state: Degema LGA, Degema town (Atala dialect) and Usokun-Degema (Usokun dialect) communities. Population: 10,000 (1999 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Dialects: Atala, Usokun. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Delta.
Dendi
[ddn] Kebbi state: Argungu and Bagudo LGAs, on upper Niger river. Population: 2,050 in Nigeria (2000). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Dandawa, Songhay. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Songhai, Southern.
Deno
[dbb] Bauchi state: Darazo LGA, 45 km northeast of Bauchi town; Gombe state: Dukku LGA. Population: 6,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). 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. Population: 20,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Kanakuru. Dialects: Shani, Shellen, Gasi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Dera.
Dghwede
[dgh] Borno state: Gwoza LGA. Population: 30,000 (1980 UBS). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Azaghvana, Dehoxde, Hude, Johode, Tghuade, Toghwede, Traude, Wa’a, Zaghvana. Dialects: None known. Lexical similarity: 69%–70% with Guduf-Gava [gdf], 64% with Gvoko [ngs]. 60% with Cineni [cie], 52% with Glavda [glw], and 50% with Hdi [xed], Lamang [hia], and Vemgo-Mabas [vem] (Hamm 2004). 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. Population: 100,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). 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. Population: 25,000 (1998). Status: 5* (Developing). Dialects: Dijim (Cam, Cham), Bwilim (Fitilai, Mona, Mwana, Mwano, Mwomo, Mwona). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Cham-Mona.
Diri
[dwa] Bauchi state: Darazo and Ningi LGAs. Population: 7,200 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Diriya, Dirya, Diryawa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.
Dirim
Doka
[dbi] Kaduna state: Kachia LGA, 1 village. Population: 11,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Northern.
Doko-Uyanga
[uya] Cross River state: Akamkpa LGA, a few villages. Population: 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. Population: 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; Taraba state: Ibi LGA, one enclave. Population: 65,000 (2008 M. Rueck), decreasing. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Doori, Dugarwa, Duguranchi, Dugurawa, Dukuri. Dialects: Gar Duguri, Badara Duguri, Northeast Duguri, Southwest Duguri. Intelligibility: 85%–91% of Mbat [bau], 75%–83% of Gwak [jgk], 67%–81% of Kantana [mma], 70%–75% of Bankal [jjr]; 71%–86% of Mbat [bau], 54%–68% of Gwak, 64%–66% of Bankal [jjr], 24% of Labir [jku]. Lexical similarity: 78%–86% between Duguri dialects; dialectal differences barely acknowledged by users; 75% with Mbat [bau], 67% with Gwak [jgk], 65% with Bankal [jjr], 41% with Labir [jku]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Duhwa
[kbz] Nassarawa state: Akwanga LGA, Kerifa village; Plateau state: Barkin Ladi and Bokkos LGAs. Population: 800 (1973 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Karfa, Kerifa, Nzuhwi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper.
Dulbu
[dbo] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA, Dulbu village. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 78,000 (2012 W. Bai). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Adong, Idun, Jaba Duya, Jaba Lunga, Lungu, Ungu. Dialects: None known. Lexically similarity: with Ashe [ahs], Koro Wachi [bqv], and Nyankpa [yes]. These four languages are often referred to as the Koro Cluster. 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. Population: 100,000 (2014 NBTT). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: E Idza, Janjo, Jen, Jenjo. Autonym: Ngwa Idza. 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. Population: 1,820,000 (2015). 900,000 monolinguals. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Egbira, Egbura, Ibara, Igbarra, Igbira, Igbirra, Katawa, Kotokori, Kwotto. Autonym: Ebira. Dialects: Okene (Hima, Ihima), Igara (Etuno), Koto (Bira, Biri, Egu, Igu, Ika, Panda). A dialect subgroup. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Ebira-Gade.
Ebughu
[ebg] Akwa Ibom state: Mbo and Oron LGAs. Population: 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. Population: 1,640,000 in Nigeria (2015). Total users in all countries: 1,641,670. 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. Population: 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. Population: 2,400,000 in Nigeria, all users. L1 users: 400,000 in Nigeria (1998). L2 users: 2,000,000. Total users in all countries: 2,405,260 (as L1: 405,260; as L2: 2,000,000). Status: 3 (Wider communication). De facto language of provincial identity in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, all domains. Used as LWC throughout the Cross River State in the church; also, in market, business, and media domains. The Efik Bible, published in 1868, was the very first translation into any Nigerian language and is used widely throughout the region. 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. Population: 10,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Agbaragba, Ofutop. Dialects: None known. Other Bakor varieties not intelligible unless acquired. Lexical similarity: 66%–68% with Nde-Nsele-Nta [ndd]. 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. Population: 140,000 (1990). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Egon, Hill Mada, Mada Dutse, Mada Eggon, Mo Egon. Dialects: 25 dialects locally recognized, but their status is unclear. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B.
Ehueun
Ejagham
[etu] Cross River state: Akampka, Calabar, Idom, and Odukpani LGAs. Population: 67,300 in Nigeria (2000). Total users in all countries: 116,700. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ekoi. Dialects: Southern Ejagham (Abakpa, Aqua, Ekin, Kwa, Qua), Western Ejagham, Eastern Ejagham. 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. Population: 63,000 (Yoder et al 2008). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Akajo, Akajuk. Dialects: Esham, Ebanimbim, Mfom, Ekagongho. Nnam [nbp] intelligible to Ekajuk. Other Bakor varieties not intelligible unless acquired. Lexical similarity: 93%–97% with dialects, 87%–90% with Nnam [nbp], 63%–67% with Nkem-Nkum [isi], 66%–68% with Abanyom [abm], 57%–59% with Nde-Nsele-Nta [ndd], 52%–53% with Efutop [ofu]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid, Bakor.
Eki
[eki] Cross River state: northeast of Efik, south of Idere. Population: 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. Population: 200,000 (1989). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Eket. 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. Population: 30,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ekkpahia, Ekpabya, Ekpaffia. Dialects: Ako, Upata, Ubye, Igbuduya. Related to Igbo [ibo]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Ekpeye.
Elege
[alf] Cross River state: Obudu LGA. Population: 16,300 (2013 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Alege, Alegi, Ugbe, Uge. Dialects: None known. Related to Gayi [bzy] (Bisu of Obanliku subgroup) of Nigeria and Cameroon. Lexical smilarity: 60%–65% with Bukpe [ukp], 53%–58% with Ubang [uba], 30%–33% with Bete-Bendi [btt]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Eleme
[elm] Rivers state: Eleme LGA. Population: 58,000 (1990 UBS). 2,900 monolinguals. Status: 5 (Developing). Autonym: Eleme. Dialects: Nchia, Odido. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Ogoni, West.
Eloyi
[afo] Benue state: Agatu LGA, Benue river areas; Nassarawa state: Nasarawa LGAs. Population: 25,000 (2000 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Afao, Afo, Afu, Aho, Epe, Keffi. Autonym: Eloyi. Dialects: Mbeci, Mbeji, Mbamu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Eloyi.
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. Population: 100,000 (Schaefer 1987). Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Ivbiosakon, Kunibum. Dialects: Ivhimion, Emai, Iuleha, Ora. Dialect subgroup. 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. Population: 20,000 (1980 UBS). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Egene, Ngene. Dialects: Ediro, Inedua, Ogua, Zarama. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Delta.
English
[eng] Population: 60,000,000 in Nigeria (Crystal 2003a), L2 users. Status: 1 (National). De facto national language. Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English.
Enwan
[env] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA. Population: 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. Population: 15,000 (1998 B. Connell). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: 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. Population: 12,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Epie-Atissa. Dialects: Atisa (Atissa). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Delta.
Eruwa
Esan
[ish] Delta state: Aniocha North LGA; Edo state: Esan Central, Esan North-East, Esan South-East, Esan West LGAs. Population: 300,000 (Okojie 1994). 7,000 Ekpon in 7 villages (1998). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Anwain, Esa, Isa, Ishan. Dialects: Igueben, Ekpoma (Ekpon, Ekunma), Uromi (Uronmun), Ubiaja (Ubiaza), Irrua (Uruwa), Ugboha (Owoha), Egoro (Egholo), Ewohimi (Ebhoikimi), Opoji (Ukpozi), Ewu (Eilu), Ewatto (Ebhoato), Ogwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Edo-Esan-Ora.
Esimbi
[ags] Taraba state: south-southeast of Wukari. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 50,200 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Etekwe, Icen, Ichen, Itchen, Kentu, Kyanton, Kyato, Nyidu. 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. Population: 274,000 (1995 UBS). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Afenmai, Etsakor, Iyekhee, Yekhee, “Kukuruku” (pej.). Dialects: Auchi, Uzairue, South Ibie (South Ivbie), Uwepa-Uwano (Weppa Wano), Avianwu (Fugar), Aviele, Ivhiadaobi, Ekperi. 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. Population: 10,000 (1988 R. Shain). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Eturo, Turumawa, Utur. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Etulo.
Evant
[bzz] Cross River state: Obanliku LGA. Population: 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. Dialects: None known. Lexical similarity: 50% with Iceve-Maci [bec], Tiv [tiv], and Otank [uta]. 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. Population: 590,000 (2012 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Eza, Ezza. Autonym: Ezaa. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Igbo [ibo]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Fali
[fli] Adamawa state: Mubi North, Mubi South LGAs. Population: 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 of Mubi, Fali of Muchella, Vimtim, Yimtim. Dialects: Vin (Uroovin, Uvin, Vimtim), Huli (Bahuli, Urahuli), Madzarin (Madzara, Muchella, Ura Madzarin), Bwin (Bagira, Bween, Urambween). Bwin about 92% intelligible of other dialects and 71% of Zizilvakan [ziz], Huli at least 85% of other dialects and 59% of Zizilivakan, Madzara 61% of Huli, Vin 71% of Madzara. Lexical similarity: 61%–82% between the dialects, 47%–59% with Zizilivakan [ziz], 15%–23% with Kirya-Konzal [fkk], 14%–18% with Hya [hya]. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Fali of Baissa
[fah] Taraba state. Population: 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. Population: 1,000 (1984). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Dialects: None known. Not closely related to other languages. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Fam.
Firan
[fir] Kaduna state: scattered; Plateau state: Riyom LGA, Kwakwi Station south of Jos. Population: 2,500 (Blench 2003). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Faran, Foron, Kwakwi, Yes Firan. Dialects: None known. Related to Izere [izr]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Central, South-Central.
Fulfulde, Adamawa
[fub] Adamawa and Taraba states: Yola area. Population: 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. Population: Status: 5* (Developing). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fula, West Central.
Fulfulde, Nigerian
[fuv] Widespread. Population: 14,400,000 in Nigeria (2015), increasing. Total users in all countries: 14,485,000. Status: 3 (Wider communication). Used as LWC in the market in Bauchi, Gombe, and Borno states. Autonym: Fulfulde. Dialects: Kano-Katsina, Bororo (Aku, Fulfulde Caka Nigeria, Mbororo, Nomadic Fulfulde, Woylaare), Sokoto. Intelligibility 40%–50% of Fulfulde [fub] Cameroon. Lexical similarity: highest with Central-Eastern Niger Fulfulde [fuq], then Adamawa Fulfulde [fub], then Benin-Togo Fulfulde [fue], then Western Niger Fulfulde [fuh], and Maasina Fulfulde [ffm]. A member of macrolanguage Fulah [ful]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Atlantic, Northern, Senegambian, Fula-Wolof, Fula, East Central.
Fum
[fum] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Antere, on Cameroon border. Population: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields.
Fungwa
[ula] Niger state: Rafi LGA. Population: 1,000 (1992 R. Blench). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Afungwa, Tufungwa, Ula, Ura. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Fyer
[fie] Plateau state: Pankshin LGA, Fyer district. Population: 26,100 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Fier. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Fyer.
Gaa
[ttb] Adamawa state: Ganye LGA on Tiba plateau, between Garba Sbege and Jada. Population: 10,000 (1997 R. Boyd). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tiba. 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. Population: 43,000 (1992). Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Ga’ana, Ga’andu, Ganda, Kaandecha, Makwar, Mokar. Autonym: Kaandata. Dialects: Ga’anda, Gabin. 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: No known L1 speakers. Last known speaker survived into the early 1980s. Ethnic population: 15,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 9 (Dormant). Dialects: Gamo (Ba-Buche, Ba-Mbutu, Buta, Mbotu, Mbuta), Ningi. Formerly a dialect subgroup. 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. Population: 3,000 (2007), decreasing. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Gashish. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Izere [izr]. 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. Population: 700,000 (1991 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: East Gwari, Gbagye, Gwari, Gwari Matai, Ibagyi. Dialects: Tawari, Kuta, Diko, Karu, Kaduna, Louome, Vwezhi, Ngenge (Genge, Gyange, Gyengyen). 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. Population: 350,000 (2002 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gbari Yamma, Gwari Yamma, Nkwa, West Gwari. Dialects: Kwali, Izem, Gayegi, Gbagyi Nkwa, Paiko, Botai, Jezhu, Kong, Kwange (Agbawi, Kangye, Wake, Wi), Wahe. Lexical similarity: 89%–98% with major dialects, 66%–78% with Gbagyi dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Gbagyi-Gbari.
Gbaya, Northwest
[gya] Taraba state: Bali LGA. Population: Very few in Nigeria. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Baya. Dialects: Gbeya (Gbea). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Northwest.
Geji
[gji] Bauchi state: Toro LGA. Population: 6,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gejawa, Gezawa, Kayauri. Dialects: Bolu (Magang, Pelu), Geji (Gaejawa, Gezawa, Gyaazi), Zaranda (Buu). Geji dialect subgroup, in Barawa [dot] language subgroup. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper.
Gengle
[geg] Adamawa state: Fufore and Mayo Belwa LGAs. Population: 4000 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. Population: 200,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gerawa, Rawam. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
Geruma
[gea] Bauchi state: Bauchi, Ganjuwa, South Ningi, and Toro LGAs. Population: 9,030 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gerema, Germa. Dialects: Sum, Duurum. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper.
Ghotuo
[aaa] Edo state: Owan East LGA, Ogbodo. Population: 9,000 (1994). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
Gibanawa
[gib] Kebbi state: Jega LGA. Population: 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. Population: 14,000 (1998 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bu Giiwo, Kirfi, Kirifawa, Kirifi. 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. Population: 28,500 in Nigeria (2000). Total users in all countries: 31,300. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Galavda, Galvaxdaxa, Gelebda, Glanda, Guelebda. Dialects: Bokwa, Ngoshie (Ngweshe), Glavda. Lexical similarity: 85% with Cineni [cie], 70%–72% with Guduf-Gava [gdf], 52% with Dghwede [dgh], 51% with Gvoko [ngs], 44% with Hdi [xed], and 43% with Lamang [hia] and Vemgo-Mabas [vem] (Hamm 2004). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Glavda.
Goemai
[ank] Nassarawa state: Awe and Lafia LGAs; Plateau state: Shendam LGA. Population: 200,000 (1995). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ankwai, Ankwe, Ankwei, Gamai, Kemai. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2.
Gokana
[gkn] Rivers state: Gokana and Ogoni LGAs. Population: 100,000 (1989). Status: 5 (Developing). Autonym: Gokana. Dialects: Bodo, Bomu, Dere, Kibangha. 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. Population: 68,000 in Nigeria (1987). Total users in all countries: 88,000. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Cheke, Goude, Mapodi, Mapuda, Mocigin, Motchekin, Mudaye, Shede, Tchade. Autonym: Guɗe. Dialects: Different dialects are spoken in Cameroon and Nigeria. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Gudu
[gdu] Adamawa state: Song LGA. Population: 5,000 (1993). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gudo, Gutu. Dialects: Kumbi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Guduf-Gava
[gdf] Borno state: Gwoza LGA, mainly Cikide, Gava, and Guduf. Population: 55,900 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Afkabiye, Gudupe. Dialects: Cikide (Chikide), Guduf, Gava (Yaghwatadaxa, Yawotataxa). Lexical similarity: 78%–82% with Cineni [cie], 72% with Glavda [glw], 70% with Dghwede [dgh], 61% with Gvoko [ngs], 48% with Hdi [xed] and Vemgo-Mabas [vem], and 47% with Lamang [hia] (Hamm 2004). 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. Population: 259,000 in Nigeria (2000). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Egun, Gugbe, Gun-Alada, Gun-Gbe, Seto-Gbe. Dialects: Alada (Alada-Gbe), Asento, Gbekon, Gun (Egun, Goun, Gu), Phela, Savi, Weme, Seto. 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. Population: 15,000 (1989). 10,000 or more Gupa, 5,000 Abawa. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Dialects: Gupa, Abawa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe.
Gurmana
[gvm] Niger state: Shiroro LGA, Gurmana town area. Population: 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. Population: 15,000 (1993). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Gurdung, Guruntum. Dialects: Dooka, Gar, Gayar, Karakara, Kuuku, Mbaaru. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Guruntum.
Gvoko
[ngs] Adamawa state: Michika LGA; Borno state: Gwoza LGA. Population: 20,000 in Nigeria (1990). Total users in all countries: 21,000. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gavoko, Gevoko, Ghboko, Kuvoko, Nggweshe, Ngoshe Sama, Ngoshe-Ndhang, Ngoshi, Ngossi, Ngweshe-Ndaghan. Dialects: None known. Related to Glavda [glw] and Guduf [gdf]. High level of intelligibility with Hdi [xed] as a result of contact. Lexical similarity: 68% with Hdi [xed], 64% with Dghwede [dgh] and Vemgo-Mabas [vem], 61% with Lamang [hia], 59%–61% with Guduf-Gava [gdf], 53% with Cineni [cie], and 51% with Glavda [glw] (Hamm 2004). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Glavda.
Gwa
Gwak
[jgk] Bauchi state: Dass and Tafawa-Balewa LGAs, Bar, Buyital, Dulem, Garam, Gital, Kardam, Kumgas, and Michiyan Kuka. Population: 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. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Bankal [jjr], Duguri [dbm], and Bada [bau]. 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. Population: 16,000 (2000). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Banganci, Bangawa, Lyase, Lyase-Ne. Dialects: Gwamhi (Abaangi, Banga, Banganci, Bangawa, Gwamfanci, Gwamfi Gwamfawa), Wuri (Wuranci, Wurawa), Mba (Kokanawa). Dialects have slight lexical and tonal differences. Lexical similarity: 57% with ut-Ma’in [gel], 47% with ut-Hun [uth], 43% with C’lela [dri]. 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. Population: 27,300 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kwandara. Dialects: Gwandara Karashi, Gwandara Koro, Gwandara Southern (Kyan Kyar), Gwandara Eastern (Toni), Gwandara Gitata, Nimbia. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.1.
Gyem
[gye] Bauchi state: Toro LGA. Population: 1,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: 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. Population: 25,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Agoma, Gong, Gwong, Kagoma, Kwong. Dialects: Hyàadèm, Shat, Shòo, Kpyàadam, Mgbyàn, Shàtam, Nyèt. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Hyamic.
Hasha
[ybj] Nassarawa state: Akwanga and Wamba LGAs, Bwora, Hashasu, and Kusu villages; Kaduna state: Sanga LGA; Plateau state: Bokkos LGA. Population: 3,000 (Blench 1999a). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Yashi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B.
Hausa
[hau] Widespread. Population: 48,300,000 in Nigeria, all users. L1 users: 33,300,000 in Nigeria (2015). L2 users: 15,000,000. Total users in all countries: 63,428,100 (as L1: 43,928,100; as L2: 19,500,000). Status: 2 (Provincial). De facto provincial language in northern region. Spoken as L2 in the north. Alternate Names: Abakwariga, Habe, Haoussa, Hausawa, Kado, Mgbakpa. Autonym: Hausa. Dialects: Kano, Katagum, Hadejiya, Sokoto, Gobirawa, Adarawa, Kebbawa, Zamfarawa, Katsina, Arewa. Barikanchi [bxo] is a Hausa pidgin used in military barracks. There is also a pidgin or market Hausa [gib]. Subdialects of Eastern Hausa: Kano, Katagum, Hadejiya; of Western Hausa: Sokoto, Katsina, Gobirawa, Adarawa, Kebbawa, Zamfarawa; of North Hausa: Arewa, Arawa. Abakwariga is a subgroup. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.1.
Hausa Sign Language
[hsl] Scattered in northern Nigeria. Population: Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Harshen bebaye na kasar Hausa, Maganar Hannu. Classification: Sign language.
Hide
[xed] Adamawa state: Michika LGA, on Cameroon border, 1 village area; Borno state: Gwoza LGA. Population: 4,000 in Nigeria (2001 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Ftour, Hdi, Hedi, Tourou, Tur, Turu, Turu-Hide, Xedi. Dialects: None known. Lexical similarity: 82% with Vemgo-Mabas [vem], 76% with Lamang [hia], 68% with Gvoko [ngs], 50% with Dghwede [dgh], 47%–48% with Guduf-Gava [gdf], 45% with Cineni [cie], and 44% with Glavda [glw] (Hamm 2004). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Lamang.
Hohumono
[bcs] Cross River state: Obubra LGA. Population: 30,000 (1989). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bahumono, Bhahumono, Ediba, Ekumuru, Humono, Kohumono, Ohumono. 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. Population: No known L1 speakers. Last known speaker survived into the early 1990s (1987 R. Blench). Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Bali Holma, Da Holmaci. Dialects: None known. Related to Nzanyi [nja]. 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. Population: 7,000 (Storch 1999). Ethnic population: Much more than 7,000 (Storch 1999). Status: 7 (Shifting). Dialects: Pindiga, Gwana. Gwana and Pindiga dialects mutually intelligible with difficulty. Reportedly similar to Wãpha [juw], Jiba [juo], Wapan [juk], Jukun Takum [jbu], and Jibu [jib], but not intelligible of them. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Jukun.
Horom
[hoe] Plateau state: Bokkos LGA. Population: 1,500 (1998 R. Blench). Status: 6a (Vigorous). 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. Population: 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. Population: 2,000 in Nigeria (2008 SIL). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Ghye, Hwate, Manta, Mukta, Munta, Za. Dialects: Manta. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.3.
Hyam
[jab] Kaduna state: Jema’a and Kachia LGAs. Population: 300,000 (2014 NBTT). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ham, Hyamhum, Jabba, Jeba. 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. Population: Ethnic population: 50,000 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Aficen, Biken, Cen, Chen, Forom, Icen, Icen FiForon, Icen Ibaas, Ichen. Autonym: Ibaas. Dialects: Icen, Ichen, Icen Ibaas. Lexical similarity with Izere [izr] but has added Berom [bom] prefixes to its own prefix system and employs Berom style consonant alternation. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Central, South-Central.
Ibani
[iby] Rivers state: Bonny and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs. Population: 60,000 (1989 UBS). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bonny, Ubani. Dialects: None known. Koin subgroup within the Ijo subgroup. 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. Population: 9,970,000, all users. L1 users: 5,470,000 (2015). L2 users: 4,500,000 (2013 SIL). 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. Autonym: Ibibio. Dialects: Enyong, Central Ibibio, Itak, Nsit. Several dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Efik.
Ibino
[ibn] Akwa Ibom state: Ibeno LGA. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 5,000 in Nigeria (1990). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Icheve, Oceve, Ochebe, Ocheve, Utse, Utser, Utseu. Dialects: Maci (Kwaya, Matchi, Motom, Motomo, Olit, Olithi, Oliti, Oliti-Akwaya), Bacheve (Baceve, Bechere, Becheve, Beheve). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid.
Idere
[ide] Akwa Ibom state: Itu LGA; Cross River state: Odukpani LGA. Population: 5,000 (1988). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo.
Idesa
Idoma
[idu] Benue state: Ogbadibo and Okpokwu LGAs; Enugu state: Igbo-Eze North, Isi-Uze, and Udenu LGAs; Kogi state: Ankpa and Olamabolo LGAs. Population: 600,000 (1991 UBS). Status: 5* (Developing). De facto language of provincial identity in Kogi, Benue, and Enugu states, primary education, radio and TV media. Autonym: Idoma. Dialects: Idoma Central (Akpoto, Oturkpo), Idoma West, Idoma South (Igumale, Igwaale, Ijigbam), Okpogu. Dialect subgroup. 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. Population: 800,000 (1989 UBS). Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Igara. Autonym: Igala. Dialects: Ebu, Idah, Ankpa, Ogugu, Ibaji, Ife, Anyugba. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Igala.
Igbo
[ibo] Widespread, southeast. Population: 27,000,000 in Nigeria (2015). Total users in all countries: 27,014,190. Status: 2 (Provincial). De facto provincial language in southeastern region. Main LWC of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states. Alternate Names: Ibo. Autonym: Igbo. Dialects: Afikpo (Ehugbo), Nsukka (Nsuka), Ohuhu (Umuahia), Bende (Ohafia), Central Igbo (Union Igbo). 30 dialects vary in inherent intelligibility. The standard literary form developing based on Owerri and Umuahia dialects, omitting the nasality and aspiration found in those dialects. 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. Population: 250,000 (1991 UBS). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Egede, Igedde. Dialects: Ito, Oju (Central Igede), Worku, Gabu. 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, Jos-South, and Jos-East LGAs. Population: 6,120 (1990). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Anaguta, Naraguta. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Igwe
[igw] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA. Population: 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. Population: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central.
Ija-Zuba
[vki] Abuja Capital Territory: south of Abuja city, north of Minna Suleja road. Population: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Koro Afiki, Koro Ija, Koro Zuba. Dialects: None known. Different from Lijili [mgi], Koro Wachi [bqv], and Tanjijili [uji]. Koro is a cover term for several languages. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Unclassified.
Ijo, Southeast
[ijs] Bayelsa state: Brass, Nembe, Ogbia, and South Ijaw LGAs; Rivers state: Akuku Toru LGA. Population: 2,000,000 (2015). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Brass Ijo, Brass-Nembe, Ijaw, Nembe-Akassa. Dialects: Ijo, Nembe (Nimbe), Akassa (Akaha). 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. Population: 22,800 (2000). Status: 5* (Developing). Autonym: Ika. Dialects: Agbor (administrative and commercial center) area dialect may become the standard form. Further east and south varieties become more similar to Igbo [ibo] (Report of the Committee on Languages of Midwestern state: 12). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Iko
[iki] Akwa Ibom state: Obolo LGA, Atabrikang, Iko, and Ikonta villages. Population: 5,000 (1988). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: None known. Culturally consider themselves Obolo [ann], but cannot use Obolo literature. Iko is more similar to other Lower Cross languages than to Obolo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Iko.
Ikpeshi
[ikp] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA. Population: 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. Population: Ethnic population: 13,000 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ekhwa, Iku. Dialects: None known. Intelligibility: 11%–30% of Adara [kad]. Lexical similarity: less than 30% with Adara [kad], 27% with Ajiya [idc]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Northern.
Ikulu
[ikl] Kaduna state: Kachia, Kauru, and Zangon Kataf LGAs. Population: 50,000 (1998). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ankulu, 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. Population: 200,000 (1973 SIL), increasing. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ikwerri. Autonym: Ikwerre. Dialects: Apani, Akpo-Mgbu-Tolu, Ogbakiri, Emowhua, Ndele, Elele, Omerelu, Egbedna, Aluu, Igwuruta, Ibaa, Isiokpo, Omagwna, Ubima, Ipo, Omudioga, Obio-Akpo, Rumuji. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Ikwo
Ilue
[ilv] Akwa Ibom state: Oron LGA; possibly Cross River state. Population: 5,000 (1988). 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. Population: 510,000 (1991 UBS). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Chekiri, Irhobo, Iselema-Otu, Ishekiri, Itsekiri, Iwere, Jekri, Selemo, Shekiri, Warri. Autonym: Iṣekiri. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Yoruba [yor]. 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. Population: 423,000 (Johnstone and Mandryk 2001). Status: 5* (Developing). Autonym: Isoko. Dialects: Ozoro, Ofagbe, Emede, Owe (Owhe), Elu, Aviara, Iyede, Imiv, Enhwe, Ume, Iwire (Igbide), Olomoro, Iyede-Ami, Unogboko, Itebiege, Uti, Iyowo, Ibiede, Oyede, Uzere, Irri (Iri), Ole (Oleh). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern.
Iten
[etx] Kaduna state: Kaura LGA; Plateau state: Riyom LGA. Population: 40,000 (Blench 2003). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Aten, Eten, Etien, Ganawuri, Niten, Ten, “Jal” (pej.). Autonym: Iten. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Beromic.
Ito
[itw] Akwa Ibom state: Uruon LGA; Cross River state. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 20,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Dialects: Ivbie North (Ibie North), Okpela (Okpella, Ukpella, Upella), Arhe (Ate, Atte). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
Iyayu
[iya] Ekiti state: Aiyekire LGA. Population: 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. Population: 1,000 in Nigeria (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Asumbo, 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. Population: 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. Autonym: Izere. Dialects: Isum (Fursom, Fursum), Ibor (Fobor, Fobur), Iganang, Ifudere (Fedare, Zandi, Zendi), Ikyo. Ibor dialect is prestigious. Cen (Ichen) [cen] and Firan [fir] are separate languages. 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. Population: 540,000 (2012 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Izhi, Izi, Izzi. Autonym: Izii. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Igbo [ibo]. 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. Population: 1,000,000 (Williamson 1989). 100,000 Kolokuma (1991 UBS). 1,770,000 all Ijo languages. 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, Ijaw, Ijo, Izo, Uzo. Dialects: Arogbo, Furupagha, Egbema, West Olodiama, Oporoza (Gbaranmatu), Ogulagha, Iduwini, Ikibiri, Ogboin, West Tarakiri, Kabo (Kabowei), Kumbo (Kumbowei), Mein, Operemo, Tuomo, Ogbe Ijo, Gbarain, Kolokuma-Opokuma, Ekpetiama, Apoi, Koluama, Basan (Bassan), East Olodiama, East Tarakiri, Oyiakiri, Oporomo (Oporoma), Bumo (Boma). The Ijo (Ijaw) subgroup includes 7 languages. Izon has about 30 inherently intelligible dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, West Ijo.
Izora
[cbo] Plateau state: Bassa LGA. Population: 19 (2016 R. Blench). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Chokobo, Cokobanci, Cokobawa, Ndazora, Zora. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Janji
[jni] Kaduna state: Lere LGA; Plateau state: Bassa LGA. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 23,000 (1972 SIL). 7,000 Boze, 2,350 Gusu, 2,000 Bunu, 3,500 Panawa. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Jeere, Jera. Dialects: Boze (Anabeze, Buji, Eboze), Gusu (Anibau, Anosangobari, Asanga, Gesawa, Gus, Gusawa, Gussum, Guzawa, Isanga), Azelle (Ezelle, Jengre, Jere, Jeriyawa), Bunu (Anegorom, Anorubuna, Gurrum, Ibunu, Narabunu, Rebina, Ribina), Panawa (Ipanawa, Unupanawa). In Ezelle dialect, Ozelle or Bajere (sg.), Azelle or Jarawa (pl.). In Eboze, Unabeze (sg.), Anabeze (pl.). 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. Population: 2,000 (Voegelin and Voegelin 1977). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Bajibaro, 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. Population: 30,000 (1997 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Jibanci, Jibawa. Autonym: Jibu. Dialects: Gayam, Garbabi, Galamjina. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Jukun.
Jilbe
[jie] Borno state: Jilbe town, Cameroon border area. Population: 100 (1999 H. Tourneux). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Zoulbou. Dialects: None known. Kotoko speakers in Cameroon and Chad consistently report low intelligibility with Jilbe. Distinct from Zizilivakan [ziz]. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, B, B.1.
Jimi
[jmi] Bauchi state: Ganjuwa LGA, Jimi village. Population: 1,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Bi-Gimu. Dialects: Zumo. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Eastern.
Jiru
[jrr] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA. Population: 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. Population: 300,000 (1988 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Kache, Kaje, Kajji. Autonym: Jju. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Central, South-Central.
Jorto
[jrt] Plateau state: Shendam LGA, Dokan Kasuwa. Population: Status: Unattested. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1.
Ju
[juu] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA, Ju village. Population: 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. Population: Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Diyi, Jukun, Njikum. Dialects: Takum, Donga (Akpanzhi). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Jukun.
Kaan
[ldl] Adamawa state: Numand, Shellen, and Song LGAs. Population: 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.
Kaivi
[kce] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA. Population: 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. Population: 20,000 (1989 R. Blench). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Adyaktye, Akanda, Hyabe. Dialects: Budon Kakanda, Gbanmi-Sokun Kakanda. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe.
Kalabari
[ijn] Rivers state: Akulga, Asaritoru, Degema, and Port Harcourt LGAs. Population: 258,000 (Jenewari 1989). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Ịjọ. Autonym: Kalaḇari Bibi. Dialects: None known. Mutually intelligible with Kirike [okr] and Ibani [iby]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Eastern, Northeastern, Eastern.
Kam
[kdx] Taraba state: Bali LGA, 2 villages between Mayo Kam and Garba Chede. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 20,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kamu, Ma, Nubama, Nyima. Dialects: None known. Reportedly typologically similar to Awak [awo] (no singular-plural noun suffixes). 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. Population: 45,000 (2010 Z. Yoder et al.). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: ’Yara, Cinda-Regi-Tiyal, Tiyal, Tiyar, Tu’yara, Tucipu. Dialects: Cinda (Jinda, Majinda, Makangara, Tegina, Ucinda), Regi (tuRegi), Kuki (Tiyal, Tiyar), Kuru (uKuru), Maruba. Cinda, Regi, and Kuki mutually intelligible, also by Shiyabe. Lexical similarity: 82%–97% among the 5 dialects, 47%–63% with Eastern Acipa [acp], 59%–70% with Shama-Sambuga [sqa], 65%–75% with Rogo [rod]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Kamwe
[hig] Adamawa state: Michika LGA, Mandara mountains. Population: 300,000 (1992). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Hiji, Vacamwe, “Higgi” (pej.), “Higi” (pej.). Autonym: Kamwǝ. Dialects: Nkafa, Dakwa (Bazza), Sina, Futu, Tili Pte, Modi, Humsi. Reportedly similar to Psikye [kvj] and Hya [hya] of Cameroon. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.3.
Kanufi
[kni] Kaduna state: Jema’a LGA. Population: 10,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Karshi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Kanuri
Kanuri, Manga
[kby] Bauchi, Jigawa, and Yobe states. Population: 200,000 in Nigeria (1993). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: Kanouri, Kanoury, Manga. Dialects: Dagara, 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. Population: 7,240,000 in Nigeria, all users. L1 users: 6,740,000 in Nigeria (2015). L2 users: 500,000. Total users in all countries: 7,842,500 (as L1: 7,342,500; 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: Bornu, Central Kanuri, Kanouri, Kanoury, “Beriberi” (pej.). Autonym: Kanuri, Yerwa Kanuri. Dialects: Kaga (Kagama), Lare (Lere), Kwayam, Njesko, Kabari (Kuvuri), Ngazar, Guvja, Mao, Temageri, Fadawa, Yerwa. Kwayam dialect not understood by other Kanuri (Lukas 1937). Maiduguri dialect mutually intelligible. Reportedly most similar to Manga Kanuri [kby] and Tumari Kanuri [krt]. Yerwa is central dialect. A member of macrolanguage Kanuri [kau]. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Saharan, Western, Kanuri.
Kapya
[klo] Taraba state: Takum LGA, Kapya. Population: 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. Population: 150,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Karai Karai, Karai-karai, Karaikarai, Kerekere, Kerrikerri. Dialects: Jalalam (West Karekare), Birkai, Kwarta Mataci. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Karekare.
Kariya
[kil] Bauchi state: Ganjuwa LGA, Kariya village near Miya town. Population: 2,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kariyu, Kauyawa, Lipkawa, Vinahe, Wihe. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.
Khana
[ogo] Akwa Ibom state: Oruk Anam LGA, Wiisoe village; Rivers state: Khana LGA. Population: 200,000 (1989). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kana, Ogoni. Dialects: Yeghe, Norkhana, Ken-Khana, Boúe, Nyo-Kana, Babbe. Reportedly similar to Gokana [gkn] and Tee [tkq]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Ogoni, East.
Kholok
[ktc] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA, near Didango. Population: 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. Population: 200,000 (2014 NBTT). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chibbak, Chibbuk, Chibok, Chibuk, Cibak, Cibuk, Kibbaku, Kikuk, Kyibaku. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 1.
Kinuku
[kkd] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA. Population: 500 (1973 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kinugu, Kinuka. 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. Population: 100 (2004). Ethnic population: 570. Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Akayon, Akoiyang, Iyoniyong, Okonyong, Okoyong, Äkäyön~. Dialects: None known. Very closely related to Korop [krp]. 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. Population: 3,050 (1993). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kir, Kirr. Dialects: Kir, Balar (Larbawa). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Boghom.
Kirike
[okr] Rivers state: Ogu-Bolo, Okrika, and Port Harcourt LGAs. Population: 248,000 (1995 UBS). 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. Population: 5,800 (2011 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Fali of Kiria, Fali of Kiriya, Fali of Kirya, Fali of Mijilu, Karya, Kirya, Konzal. Autonym: myá Kákíryà, myá Kónzə̀l. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Hya [hya] and Kamwe [hig]. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.3.
Koenoem
[kcs] Plateau state: Shendam LGA. Population: 3,000 (2016 R. Blench). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kanam. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2.
Kofa
Kofyar
[kwl] Nassarawa state: Lafia LGA; Plateau state: Mangu and Qua’an Pan LGAs. Population: 110,000 (2000). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Koffiar. Dialects: Kofyar (Kwong), Kwagallak (Kwa’alang, Kwalla), Dimmuk (Dimuk, Doemak), Mirriam (Mernyang), Bwol (Bwal, Mbol), Gworam (Giverom, Goram), Jipal (Jepal, Jepel, Jibyal). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1.
Koma
[kmy] Adamawa state: Fufore and Ganye LGAs, Alantika and Koma Vomni mountains. Population: 32,000 in Nigeria (1989). Total users in all countries: 35,000. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kuma. Dialects: Gomme (Damti, Koma Kampana, Panbe), Gomnome (Gimbe, Koma Kadam, Laame, Mbeya, Youtubo), Ndera (Doobe, Doome, Vomni). 3 subdialects: Koma Vomni, Koma Beiya, and Koma Damti. Ndera and Gomnome barely understand each other, but both understand Gomme. Related to Verre [ver]. 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. Population: 5,520 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Konu, Kwono. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
Koro Wachi
[bqv] Kaduna state: Kachia and Kagarko LGAs; Nassarawa state: Keffi LGA. Population: 106,000 (2006 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Agere, Begbere-Ejar, Koro Agwe, Koro Makama, Koro Myamya, Miamia, Miamiya. Dialects: Koro Miamia, Koro Waci (Koro Ache). Lexical similarity: most to Koro Ashe [ahs], Duya [ldb], and Nyankpa [yes]. These 4 languages are often referred to as the Koro Cluster. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Koro.
Korop
[krp] Cross River state: Akampka and Odukpani LGAs. Population: 10,200 in Nigeria (Dimmendaal and Voeltz 2007). Total users in all countries: 17,640. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Durop, Kurop, Ododop. Dialects: None known. Very closely related to Kiong [kkm]. 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. Population: 11,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Abakan, Hwaso, Hwaye, Ibukwo, Ikpan, Kpanten, Kpwate, Nyatso, Nyonyo, Yorda. Dialects: Bissaula, Kumbo (Kpanzon), Takum, Donga (Akpanzhi), Apa, Kente (Etkye, Kentu, Kyentu), Eregba. 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. Population: 3000 Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: ’Balo, Kpasam, Maya, Nyisam, Passam. Dialects: None known. Similarity: 54% with Bali [bcn], 35% with Yotti [yot], 9% with Yendang [ynq]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang.
Kpati
[koc] Taraba state: Takum and Wukari LGAs. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 100,000 (Blench 2003). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bace, Bache, 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. Population: 42 (1990 M. Bross). Ethnic population: 2,000 (Dimmendaal and Voeltz 2007). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Kuda-Chamo, Kudawa. Dialects: Kudu (Kuda), Camo (Chamo). Related to Butu-Ningi [bte]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Kugama
[kow] Adamawa state: Fufore LGA. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 180,000 (2011 U. Francis), increasing. 45,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 180,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bakele, Ukele. Dialects: Mtezi, Ugbala, Iteeji. 4 dialects in the north, 3 south, besides those named. 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. Population: 15,600 (1990). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Akande, Akandi, Kande, Korom Boye, Tof. Dialects: Tof, Richa, Kamwai-Marhai. 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. Population: 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. Dialects: None known. Mutually unintelligible (less than 20%) with Mbula-Bwazza [mbu] and Bille [bil]. Lexical similarity: 37% with Mbula-Bwazza [mbu], 33% with Bile [bil]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Kumba
[ksm] Adamawa state: Fufore and Mayo Belwa LGAs. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 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, Kushi village. Population: 11,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chong’e, Goji, Kushe. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper.
Kutep
[kub] Taraba state: Takum LGA. Population: 44,600 in Nigeria (2000). Total users in all countries: 46,000. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Ati, Kutev, Mbarike, Zumper, “Jompre” (pej.). Autonym: Kuteb. Dialects: Jenuwa, Lissam, Fikyu, Kunabe, Kentin. Fikyu has subdialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Yukuben-Kuteb.
Kutto
[kpa] Gombe state: Funakaye LGA, 2 villages. Population: 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. Population: 10,500 (2000). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Aclo (Aklo, Kuturmi West), Obiro (Kuturmi East). Intelligibility between dialects acquired by many speakers. Lexical similarity: less than 50% with dialects. 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. Population: 7,000 (1992). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Baa, Kwah. Dialects: Gyakan, Kwa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Kwa.
Kwaami
[ksq] Bauchi state: Gombe LGA. Population: 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. Population: 5,000 (Adelberger 1995). 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. Population: 14,000 in Nigeria (2015 R. Jones). Ethnic population: 200,000. Total users in all countries: 15,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Canga, Changa, Kenga, Kyangawa, Kyenga, Kã, Tienga, Tyanga, Tyenga. Autonym: Kyanga. Dialects: None known. Not inherently intelligible with the Busa group. Lexical similarity: 78% with Shanga [sho], 57%–62% with the Busa group. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Kyanga.
Labir
[jku] Bauchi state: Alkaleri and Bauchi LGAs. Population: 500 (2008 E. Hannelova et al.), decreasing. Ethnic population: 13,000. Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Jakanci, Jaku, Jakun, Labur. Dialects: None known. Intelligibility 31% of Bankal [jjr], 24% of Duguri [dbm] and Mbat [bau], 10% of Bankal [jjr], Gwak [jgk], and Mbat [bau]. Lexical similarity: 41% with Gwak [jgk], Bankal [jjr], Duguri [dbm], and Mbat [bau]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Laka
[lak] Adamawa state: Yola LGA; Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA. Population: 5,000 (1995). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Godogodo, Lakka, Lao Habe, Lau. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Mbum-Day, Mbum, Unclassified.
Lala-Roba
[lla] Adamawa state: Gombi LGA; Borno state. Population: 46,000 (1993). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gworam. Dialects: Lala (Lalla), Roba (Robba), Ebode. 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. Population: 40,000 (1993). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gbuhwe, Laamang, Waha. Dialects: North Lamang, Central Lamang, South Lamang. 37% intelligibility of Vemgo-Mabas [vem], 31% of Hide [xed]. North Lamang subdialects: Zaladeva (Alataghwa), Dzuba, Leghva (Luhuva), Gwoza-Wakane; Central Lamang: Hedkala (Hidkala, Xidkala, Hitkala, Hitkalanchi), Waga (Waha, Woga, Wagga), Dlige; South Lamang: Ghudavan. Lexical similarity: 81% with Vemgo-Mabas [vem], 76% with Hdi [xed], 61% with Gvoko [ngs], 50% with Dghwede [dgh], 46%–47% with Guduf-Gava [gdf], 43% with Glavda [glw], and 42% with Cineni [cie] (Hamm 2004). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Lamang.
Lame
[bma] Bauchi state: Toro LGA, Lame district. Population: 10,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Dialects: Ruhu (Rufawa, Rufu), Mbaru (Bambara, Bambaro, Bamburo, Bombaro, Bomberawa, Bunberawa), Gura (Agari, Agbiri, Tugura). Dialect subgroup. 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. Population: 3,420 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Dialects: Lamja, Dengsa, Tola. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Dakoid.
Lamnso’
[lns] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, mixed with other languages. Population: Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Bansaw, Banso, Banso’, Lamnsok, Lamso, Nsaw, Nsho’, Nso, Nso’, Panso. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Wide Grassfields, Narrow Grassfields, Ring, East.
Laru
[lan] Niger state: Borgu LGA, Karabonde, Leshigbe, Luma, Monnai, Sansanni, and Shagunu villages on Niger river banks. Population: 5,000 (1995 R. Jones). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Laranchi, Larawa, Laro, Sengwe. 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. Population: 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. Population: 60,000 (1989). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Agbo, Gbo, Igbo, 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: No known L1 speakers (2018 R. Blench). Ethnic population: 16,300 (2000). Status: 9 (Dormant). Dialects: Si (Kauru, Kuzamani, Rishuwa), Gana (Ganawa, SiGana), Takaya (Taura). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Leyigha
[ayi] Cross River state: Obubra LGA. Population: 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. Population: 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.
Lijili
[mgi] Nassarawa state: Awe and Lafia LGAs. Population: 50,000 (1985 UBS). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Jili, Koro Lafia, Koro of Lafia, Ligili, Megili, Migili, Mijili. Autonym: Lijili. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Southern.
Limbum
[lmp] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Mambila uplands. Population: 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. Population: 120,000 (1989). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Loka, Loke, Loko, Lokǝ, Lokö, Luko, Yakurr, Yakö. Autonym: Lokạạ. Dialects: Ugep, Nkpam. 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. Population: 32,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Languda, Longura, Nunguda, Nungura, Nunguraba. Dialects: Nya Ceriya (Banjiram, Cirimba), Nya Gwanda (Gwandaba, Nyuwar), Nya Guyuwa (Guyuk, Plain Nya Guyuwa, Turuba), Nya Dele (Jessu), Nya Tariya (Taraba). 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. Population: 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). Population: 5,000 (1996 R. Blench). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Djiri, Kirikjir, Lopawa, Lupa, Ollaran. Dialects: Ollop. Marginal intelligibility between dialects; use Hausa [hau] instead. 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. Population: 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. Population: Ethnic population: 3,200 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 8a (Moribund). Classification: Unclassified.
Luri
[ldd] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA, Kayarda and Luri villages. Population: No known L1 speakers. Last known speakers survived through the first decade of the 2000s (Caron 2004). Status: 10 (Extinct). Alternate Names: Lúr. Dialects: May have been a dialect of Polci [plj]. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper.
Maaka
[mew] Yobe state: Gulani LGA, Bara town area. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 4,910 in Nigeria (2000). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Bula, Bulahai, Natakan, “Matakam” (pej.). Dialects: Mafa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.5.
Mághdì
[gmd] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA. Population: 2,000 (1992). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: 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. Population: 5,690 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Leemak, Lemak, Panya, Panyam, Zo. Dialects: Panya, Zo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
Mala
[ruy] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA. Population: 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. Population: 20,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). 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. Population: 99,000 (1993). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bang, Lagubi, Mabila, Mambere, Mambilla, Nor, Nor Tagbo, Tongbo. Dialects: Barup. Nearly every village has a separate dialect, forming a chain. Dialect centers are Bang, Dorofi, Gembu, Hainari, Kabri, Mayo Ndaga, Mbamnga, Tamien, Tepo, Warwar. Reportedly similar to Mambila [mcu] of Cameroon. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Mambila.
Mangas
[zns] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA, Mangas town. Population: 100 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6b* (Threatened). 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. Population: Ethnic population: 158,000 (2006 J. Leclerc). 135,000 in Marghi Central, Marghi South, and Putai languages (1999). Madube: 4,000, Mulgwe: 6,000 (2014 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Autonym: Marghi, Margi. Dialects: Lassa (Babal), Gulak (Dzerngu), Madube (Gwara), Mulgwe (Malgwa), Wurga. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 2.
Marghi South
[mfm] Adamawa state: Michika and Mubi LGAs; Borno state: Askira-Uba LGA. Population: Ethnic population: 166,000 (2006 J. Leclerc). 135,000 in Marghi Central, Marghi South, and Putai languages (1999). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Autonym: Margi. Dialects: Wamdiu, Hildi. Marghi South, Marghi Central [mrt], and Putai [mfl] form a language subgroup. Hoffman (1963) relates Marghi South to Huba [hbb] rather than to Margi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 2.
Mashi
[jms] Taraba state: near Takum. Population: 1000 Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Beboid.
Mawa
[wma] Bauchi state: Toro LGA, possibly Mara village. Population: No known L1 speakers. Status: Unattested. Classification: Unclassified.
Mbat
[bau] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA; Gombe state: Alkakeri LGA; Plateau state: Kanam LGA. Population: 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. Dialects: Mbat (Gagdi-Gum), Galamkya (Gidgid, Gyanggyang). Mbat and Galamkya are mutually intelligible, Mbat intelligible to Duguri [dbm], Duguri [dbm] intelligible to Mbat but not Galamkya, Kantana [mma] marginally intelligible to Galamkya and Mbat. Lexical similarity: Mbat 82% with Galamkya, 75% with Duguri [dbm], 67% with Kantana [mma], 64% with Gwak [jgk], 63% with Bankal [jjr], 41% with Labir [jku]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Mbe
[mfo] Cross River state: Ogoja LGA. Population: 65,000 (2011 F. Ekpong). 15,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 65,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ketuen, Western Mbube. Autonym: Mbe. Dialects: Idum, Ekumtak, Odaje. 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. Population: 100,000 (1982 UBS). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ekokoma, Ifunubwa, Oderiga, Ofunobwam, Okam, Wakande. Dialects: Okom (Eghom, Ohana-Onyen), Apiapum, Adun, Osopong (Ezopong, Osophong), Ofombonga (Ewumbonga), Ofonokpan, Ekama (Ekamu), Oferikpe. 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. Population: 20,000 in Nigeria (1987). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Akonto, Akwanto, Noale, Tigim, Tigon, Tigong, Tukun. Dialects: Ashuku (Kitsipki), Nama (Dama, Eneeme, Kporo, Namu, Nzare). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Mbembe.
Mboi
[moi] Adamawa state: Fufore, Gombi, and Song LGAs. Population: 19,000 (1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gena, Mboire, Mboyi. Dialects: Banga, Mboi, Handa. Dialect cluster (Crozier and Blench 1992). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur, Mboi.
Mbongno
[bgu] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Kakara town. Population: 3,000 in Nigeria (Blench 1999b). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bungnu, Bungun, Bunu, Gbunhu, Kakaba, Kamkam. Dialects: Several minor dialects. 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. Population: 100,000 (2012 M. Rueck, Z. Yoder, and K. Hannelová). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Bwazza (Bare, Bere, Bwaza, Bwa’za, kunBwazza), Mbula, Bakopi (kunBuko), Gwamba (Nkono), Tambo (Begel, kunBegel, Taumbo). Mbula 73% intelligible of Tambo, over 80% of other dialects. Mbula-Bwazza [mbu], Kulung [bbu], and Bile [bil] mutually unintelligible (less than 25%). Lexical similarity: Mbula 75% with Bwazza and Gwamba, 70% with Bakopi, 64% with Tambo; Mbula-Bwazza [mbu] 37% with Kulung [bbu], 48% with Bile [bil]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian.
Mburku
[bbt] Bauchi state: Darazo LGA. Population: 12,000 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Barke, Barko, Burkanawa, Kariya, Lipkawa, Mburkanci, Wudufu, Wuufu. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.
Mgbolizhia
[gmz] Benue state: Ado LGA; Ebonyi state: Ohaukwu LGA. Population: 190,000 (2012 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Mgbo, Ngbo. Autonym: Mgbolizhia. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Igbo [ibo]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Mingang Doso
[mko] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA. 1 village area. Population: 3,000 (1995 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Doso, Munga Doso, Ngwai Mungàn. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen.
Miship
[mjs] Plateau state: Mangu, Pankshin, and Shendam LGAs. Population: 6,000 (1976 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chip, Cip, Ship. Dialects: Doka. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1.
Miya
[mkf] Bauchi state: Ganjuwa LGA, Miya town. Population: 30,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Miyanci, Miyawa, Muya, vә́na mίy. Dialects: Gala, Faishang, Fursum, Demshin, Federe. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.
Montol
Moo
[gwg] Gombe state: Balanga and Shomgom LGAs, Bambuka to Karim-Lamido road area, near Gomu Mountain. Population: 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. Population: 400,000 (1993 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Yoro. Dialects: Zinna (Zing), Dong, Yoro, Lankaviri, Gola (Bajama), Gongla, Kasaa, Saawa, Jalingo, Nyaaja, Jeng, Gnoore, Yaa, Sagbee, Shaari, Kugong, Mang, Kwaji, Meeka, Yakoko. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Mumuye.
Mundat
Mvanip
[mcj] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA. Population: 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. Population: 150,000 (2016 R. Blench). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: Maghavul, Sura. Autonym: Mwaghavul. Dialects: Mupun (Mapan, Mapun), Panyam. Reportedly similar to Cakfem-Mushere [cky] and Miship [mjs]. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1.
Nde-Gbite
[ned] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA southeast, Antere. Population: 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. Population: 19,500 (1987). 12,000 Nde, 3,000 Nsele, 4,500 Nta. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Nde (Befon, Ekamtulufu, Mbenkpe, Mbofon, Udom), Nsele (Nselle), Nta (Afunatam, Atam). Lexical similarity: 88%–92% among dialects, 66%–68% with Efutop [ofu], 65%–67% with Abanyom [abm], 53%–58% with Nkem-Nkum [isi], 58%–61% with Nnam [nbp], 57%–59% with Ekajuk [eka]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid, Bakor.
Ndoe
[nbb] Cross River state: Ikom LGA. Population: 7,340 (2000). Status: 6b (Threatened). Dialects: Akparabong (Ekparabong), Balep (Anep, Anyep). Lexical similarity: 49% between dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid.
Ndoola
[ndr] Taraba state: Bali, Gashaka, and Sardauna LGAs. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 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, and Pankshin LGAs. Population: 400,000 (1998 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Angas, Karang, Kerang. Dialects: Hill Angas, Plain Angas. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1.
Nggwahyi
[ngx] Adamawa state: Hong LGA; Borno state: Askira-Uba LGA. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: NSL. Dialects: Western NSL (Lagos), Southern/southeastern NSL (Imo state). Related to American Sign Language (ASL) [ase] and Ghanaian Sign Language [gse]. Influence from spoken English [eng]. Incorporates many local and regional signs, enough that Nigerian Sign Language is now distinct from ASL (2015 E. Asonye). Incorporation of regional signs results in significant dialect differences between western Nigeria (Lagos and vicinity) vs. southern/southeastern regions, such as three deaf schools in Imo state (2015 E. Asonye). Classification: Sign language.
Nikyob-Nindem
[kdp] Kaduna state: Jema’a LGA. Population: 12,000 (2008). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kaningdom-Nindem, Kaningdon-Nindem, Kaningkom-Nindem, Kaningkon-Nindem, Kaninkom-Nindem, Kaninkon-Nindem, Ninkyob-Nindem. Dialects: Nikyob (Kaningkom, Kaningkwom, Kaninkon, Ninkyob, Ninkyop), Nindem (Inidem, Nidem). Nikyob and Nindem are closely related and mutually intelligible. Two varieties of Nikyob are Nikpechio (Kpechio) and Nituran (Turan); there are only slight differences between them (2014 SIL). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Ninzo
[nin] Kaduna state: Jema’a LGA; Nassarawa state: Akwanga LGA. Population: 35,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Akiza, Amar Tita, Ancha, Fadan Wate, Gbhu, Gbhu D Amar Randfa, Hate, Incha, Kwasu, Ninzam, Nunzo. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Njerep
[njr] Taraba state. Population: 6 (2000 B. Connell). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Njerup. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Northern, Mambiloid, Mambila-Konja, Njerup.
Nkari
Nkem-Nkum
[isi] Cross River state: Ogoja LGA. Population: 51,000 (Yoder et al 2008), increasing. 26,600 Nkem, 24,400 Nkum. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Nkem (Adagom, Ishibori, Nkim, Ogboja), Nkum (Alladim, Ibil, Igordori, Ikangdangha, Ishiaya, Ishindede, Nkum-Iborr). Dialects more than 75% mutually intelligible. Lexical similarity: 89% between dialects, 65%–67% with Nnam [nbp], 63%–67% with Ekajuk [eka], 71% with Abanyom [amb], 53%–58% with Nde-Nsele-Nta [ndd], 51%–52% with Efutop [ofu]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid, Bakor.
Nkoroo
[nkx] Rivers state: Opobo-Nkoro LGA. Population: 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. Population: 1,000 (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; Ebonyi state: Izzi LGA. Population: 3,000 (1987 O. Asinya). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ndem. Dialects: None known. Other Bakor varieties not intelligible unless acquired. Lexical similarity: 87%–90% with Ekajuk [eka], 65%–67% with Nkem-Nkum [isi], 72% with Abanyom [abm], 58%–61% with Nde-Nsele-Nta [ndd], 53% with Efutop [ofu]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid, Bakor.
Nshi
[nsc] Taraba state: Sardauna LGA, Antere, Nkiri. Population: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Unclassified.
Numana
[nbr] Kaduna state: Jemaa and Sanga LGAs; Nassarawa state: Akwanga LGA. Population: 50,000 (2008 K. Hannelova et al.). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Arak, Inmwen, Nimana, Numana-Nunku-Gbantu-Numbu. Dialects: Nunku, Gbantu (Gwanto, Gwantu), Numbu, Aninka (Gwantu, Kurmi, Ninka, Sanga), Janda, Ningye (Ningeshe). 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. Population: 50,000 (1999). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Lindiri, Rendre, Rindiri, Rindre. Dialects: Rindre, Gudi. 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. Population: 1,000,000, all users. L1 users: 800,000 (1990). 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. Dialects: Nupe Central (Ampeyi, Anupe, Anupecwayi, Anuperi, Nife, Nupecizi, Nupencizi, Takpa, Tapa, Tappah), Nupe Tako (Bassa Nge). Nupe Central is literary norm. 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. Population: 306,000 (2006 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chobba, Huba, Kilba. Dialects: Nya Hong, Nya Gaya, Nya Mugwahi, Nya Garaha, Nya Kopre, Nya Ya Dil. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 2.
Nyam
[nmi] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA, Ndallang, northeast of Andamin village. Population: 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. Population: 70,000 (2012 SIL), increasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Nyenkpa, Yasgua, Yeskwa. Dialects: Ejung (Panda), Ejira (Tattara), Engbe (Barde, Bede), Ogbom (Buzi, Gitata). All dialects mutually intelligible. Lexical similarity: Ejung 90% with Ejira, 83% with Ogbom, 74% with Engbe; Ejira dialect: 87% with Ogbom, 77% with Engbe; Engbe dialect: 72% with Ogbom. 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. Population: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chukkol, Daganyonga, Mubako, Mumbake, 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. Population: 77,000 in Nigeria (1993). Total users in all countries: 86,000. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Jeng, Jenge, Kobotshi, Njai, Njanyi, Njei, Njeing, Njeny, Nzangi, Zani, Zany. Dialects: Paka, Rogede, Nggwoli, Hoode, Maiha, Magara, Dede, Mutidi, Lovi. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Obanliku
[bzy] Benue state: Kwande LGA; Cross River state: Obanliku LGA. Population: 65,000 (Faraclas 1989). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Abanglekuo, Abanliku. Dialects: Bebi, Busi, Basang, Bisu (Gayi), Bishiri. Bebi, Bisiri, Bisu, and Busi mutually intelligible, Basang less understood. Related to Elege [alf]. Lexical similarity 76%–96% among dialects, 64%–72% with Bete-Bendi [btt]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Obolo
[ann] Akwa Ibom state: Eastern Obolo LGA, islands and peninsulas off south coast; Rivers state: Andoni LGA. Population: 250,000 (2012 U. Aaron), increasing. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Andone, Andoni, Andonni. Autonym: Obolo. Dialects: Ibot Obolo, Okoroete, Ataba, Unyeada, Ngo. Ngo (in the Central area) is prestige dialect. 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 18,000 (1989). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Onu Oḍual, Saka. Autonym: Ọḍual. Dialects: Arughunya, Adibom. Lexical similarity: 70% with Abua [abn] (most similar). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta, Abua-Odual.
Odut
[oda] Cross River state: Odukpani LGA. Population: 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. Population: 170,000 (1993 A. Ahiamadu). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Ogba, Olu Ọgba. Autonym: Ọgba. Dialects: Egnih, Igburu-Usomini. Igbo language subgroup member. Lexical similarity: 81%–94% among dialects. Ogbah dialect has 45% lexical similarity with Ndoni [ukw], 41% with Igbo [ibo], 32% with Ikwere [ikw], 23% with Ekpeye [ekp]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Ogbia
[ogb] Bayelsa state: Brass and Ogbia LGAs; Rivers state: Abua-Odual LGA. Population: 200,000 (1989). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ogbinya. Dialects: Agholo (Kolo), Oloibiri, Anyama. Dialect subgroup but all inherently intelligible. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta.
Ogbogolo
[ogg] Rivers state: Ahoada LGA. 1 town. Population: 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. Population: 12,000 (2000 E. Kari). Ethnic population: 12,000 (2000 E. Kari). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: 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. Population: 39,300 (2005 census). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ogori-Magongo, Oko. Dialects: Oko (Ogori, Uku), Osayen (Magongo, Osanyin), Eni. Dialect cluster (Crozier and Blench 1992). Seems equally distantly related to Yoruba [yor], Ebira [igb], Edo [bin], Igbo [ibo], and Idoma [idu]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Oko.
Okobo
[okb] Akwa Ibom state: Okobo LGA; some in Cross River state. Population: 50,000 (Connell and Hajek 1991). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Possibly 2 dialects. 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. Population: 3,600 (Voegelin and Voegelin 1977). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Akita, Okordia. Dialects: None known. Not fully intelligible with Biseni [ije] or other Ijo languages. 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. Population: 30,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Opameri. Dialects: Okulosho (Okurosho), Western Okpamheri, Emhalhe (Emarle, Semolika, Somorika), Ibilo. Subdialects of Okulosho: Ojirami (Eekunu), Dagbala (Dangbala), Oja (Oza), Makeke (Uuma), Oma. Subdialects of Western Okpamheri: Ekpe, Bekuma, Lankpese (Lampese, Lankpeshi), Imoga (Imorga, Uma), Eko (Ekon, Ekor), Ikaran-Oke (Ikeram-Oke), Ebunn-Oke, Ikaran-Ele (Ikeran-Ile), Ebunn-Ugbo, Ikpesa, Igbo-Ola-Sale (Ugboshi-Sale), Aiyegunle (Oshi), Igbo-Ola-Oke (Ugboshi-Oke), Onumo (Onumu), Ogugu, Ogbe-Sale, Ogbe-Oke. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Southern.
Okpe
[okx] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA. Population: 8,700 (2004). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). 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. Population: 25,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern.
Oloma
[olm] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA. Population: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern, Southern.
Olulumo-Ikom
[iko] Cross River state: Ikom LGA. Population: 30,000 (Faraclas 1989). 5,000 Olulumo, 25,000 Ikom. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Lulumo. Dialects: Olulumo (Okuni), Nkome (Ikom). Lexical similarity: 48% between dialects. 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. Population: 75,000 (1989). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Koring, Orri, Orrin, Orringorrin. Dialects: Okpoto, Ufia (Utonkon), Ufiom (Effium). 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. Population: 75,000 (1989). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Oron. Dialects: Some dialect variation. 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. Population: 5,000 (1995). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, West, Inland Ijo.
Ososo
[oso] Edo state: Akoko-Edo LGA; Kogi state: Adavi and Okene LGAs. Population: 19,000 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, North-Central, Ghotuo-Uneme-Yekhee.
Otank
[uta] Benue state: Kwande LGA; Cross River state: Obanliku LGA. Population: 15,000 (2006 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Itang, Itank, Otang, Otanga, Utanga, Utange, Utank. Dialects: None known. Lexical similarity: 70% with Tiv [tiv], 60% with Iceve-Maci [bec], 50% with Evant [bzz], 40% with Mesaka [iyo] and Eman [emn]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid.
Pa’a
[pqa] Bauchi state: Bauchi and Ningi LGAs. Population: 8,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Afa, Afanci, Afawa, Fa’awa, Foni, Fucaka, Fuucəka, Pa’anci, Pa’awa, Pala. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.
Panawa
[pwb] Bauchi state: Toro LGA, 5 villages; Plateau state: Bassa LGA. Population: 3,500 (Blench 2003). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bugel, Bujiye. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos.
Pangseng
[pgs] Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA. Population: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Dialects: Pangseng, Komo, Jega. 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. Population: 30,000 (2003 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Akwa, Arringeu, Pongo, Pongu. Autonym: Tarin. Dialects: Tarin, Waga. Lexical similarity: 94%–99% among dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Pe
[pai] Plateau state: Pankshin LGA. 7 villages. Population: 4,000 (Blench 2003). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Dalong, Pai. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Tarokoid.
Peere
[pfe] Adamawa state: Ganye LGA. Population: Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Kotofo, Kotopo, Kotpojo, Koutin, Kutin, Kutine, Kutinn, Pare, Patapori, Peer, Pere, Potopo, Potopore. 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. Population: 25,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Filiya, Pipero. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper.
Pidgin, Nigerian
[pcm] Widespread. Population: 30,000,000 (2005), all users. Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: Anglo-Nigerian Pidgin, Broken English, Brokin, Brokun, Nigerian Creole English, Nigerian Pidgin English, Pidgin. Autonym: Naijá. Dialects: Lagos Pidgin, Delta Pidgin, Cross River Pidgin, Benin Pidgin. No unified standard. Dialects may be very different from each other. Partially intelligible with Krio [kri] of Sierra Leone and Cameroon Pidgin [wes]. Classification: Creole, English based, Atlantic, Krio.
Piya-Kwonci
[piy] Bauchi state; Taraba state: Karim Lamido LGA. 21 villages or more. Population: 5,000 (1992). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Pia, Pitiko, Piya, Wurkum. Autonym: Ambandi. Dialects: Piya, Kwonci. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Tangale, Tangale Proper.
Polci
[plj] Bauchi state: Bauchi, Dass, and Toro LGAs. Population: 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: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Palchi, Palci, Polchi. Dialects: Zul (Barma, Mbarmi), Baram (Barang, Mbaram), Dir (Baram Dutse, Diir, Dra), Buli, Langas (Lundur, Nyamzax), Polci (Palci, Polshi, Posa). Dialect cluster within Barawa language cluster (Crozier and Blench 1992). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper.
Psikye
[kvj] Adamawa state: northeast of Michika, south of Madagali, in Mandara mountains. Population: 12,000 in Nigeria (1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kamsiki, Kapsiki, Ptsake. Dialects: Psikye (Kamu, Kapsiki), Zlenge, Wula (Lying, Oula, Ula-Xangku). 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. Population: 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. Population: 31,000 (1996 census). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Fem, Fyam, Fyem, Genawa, Gyem, Gyema, Paiem, Pem, Pyem. Autonym: Pyam. Dialects: None known. Reportedly most similar to Horom [hoe]. Chadic influence. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Southeastern.
Pyapun
Rang
Reshe
[res] Kebbi state: Yauri LGA; Niger state: Borgu LGA; Niger river banks, north of Busa. Population: 44,000 (1993 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bareshe, Gunga, Gunganchi, Gunganci, Gungawa, Tsureja, Yaurawa. Autonym: Tsureshe. Dialects: Cirami (Birami, Eastern Reshe), Tsupalame (Bapalame, Western Reshe). Most divergent of Western Kainji languages (Blench 1988). Lexical similarity: 43% with Lopa [lop], 33% with Laru [lan], 20% with ut-Hun [uth], 11% with Tsishingini [tsw] (Salka). 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. Population: 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. Population: Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Burogo, Shiyabe, Toshiyabe, Ucanja Kamuku, Urogo, toRogo. Dialects: Cinda [cdr] and Regi [cdr] are intelligible of some Rogo dialects. Lexical similarity: 66% with Eastern Acipa [acp], 67% with Shama [sqa], 70% with Kamuku (Cinda) [cdr]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Ron
[cla] Plateau state: Barakin-Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu LGAs; possibly Nassawara state. Population: 176,000 (2006 census). 20,000 Shagau (Manguna). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: Alis I Ron (Alis I Run, Bokkos), Lis Ma Ron (Lis Ma Run), Shagau (Maleni, Manguna, Nafunfia, Shagawu). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper.
Ruma
[ruz] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA. Population: 5,090 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bagwama, Rurama, Ruruma, Turama. 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. Population: 107,000 (2000). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Chamba, Chamba Daka, Daka, Dakka, Dekka, Deng, Jama, Sama, Samba, Tchamba, Tikk, Tsamba. Dialects: Samba Daka, Samba Jangani, Samba Nnakenyare (Nakanyare, Naken, Nyare), Samba of Mapeo, Taram. It may form a language subgroup with Lamja-Dengsa-Tola [ldh]. Reportedly similar to Dirim [dir]. 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. Population: 62,000 in Nigeria (2000). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Chamba Leko, Lego, Leko, Lekon, Ndi, Samba, Samba Leeko, Suntai. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Kolbila [klc]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Leko.
Sambe
Sanga
[xsn] Bauchi state: Toro LGA; Kaduna state: Lere LGA; Plateau state: Bassa LGA. Population: 20,100 (2000). 1,600 Bujiyel (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. Population: 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. Population: 300,000 (2013 SIL). 7,000 Sigidi (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Sayanci, Sayara, Sayawa, Seiyara, Seya, Seyawa, Vigzar, Vikzar, Zaar. Dialects: Ntumu, Okak (Ntumu), Sigidi (Segiddi, Sigdi, Sugudi), Gambar (Gambar Leere, Kal, Lusa, Vigzar, Vikzar). Dialect cluster within Barawa language cluster (Crozier and Blench 1992). Lusa is the prestige dialect and other dialects are thought to be shifting to Lusa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper.
Sha
[scw] Kaduna state: Sanga LGA border; Plateau state: Bokkos LGA, Sha district. Population: 3,000 (1998 SIL). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Ron Proper.
Shall-Zwall
[sha] Bauchi state: Dass LGA. Population: 8,900 (2004). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Dialects: Shall (Shal), Zwall. Dialect cluster (Crozier and Blench 1992). 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. Population: 5,000 (1995 S. and S. Dettweiler). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tushama, Ushama. Dialects: Shama, Sambuga. Sambuga dialect is extinct (2018 R. Blench). No intelligibility of Kamuku [cdr] by Shama. Lexical similarity: 54%–75% with Kamuku [cdr]; 69% with Cahungwarya [nat], 66% with Eastern Acipa [acp], 16%–17% with Cicipu [awc], 82% with Maruba [cdr]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku.
Shamang
[xsh] Kaduna state: Jema’a and Kachia LGAs. Population: 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. Population: 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: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Shangawa, Shonga, Shongawa. Dialects: None known. Not inherently intelligible with the Busa group. Lexical similarity: 78% with Kyanga [tye], 54%–65% with the Busa group. Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Kyanga.
Shau
[sqh] Bauchi state: Toro LGA, Mana and Shau villages. Population: 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. Population: 6 (2004 R. Blench). Ethnic population: 1,500. Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Shaini, Shani, Shenanci. 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. Population: Ethnic population: 1,200 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Guba, Gubawa, Gubi, Mashiki. Dialects: Gubi, Guru. 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. Population: 10,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bakula. Dialects: Shoo (Banda, Bandawa), Minda (Jinleri), Nye (Kunini). All 3 dialects are of equal status. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Unclassified.
Shuwa-Zamani
[ksa] Kaduna state: Kajuru LGA. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 14,800 (1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Adikimmu Sukur, Gemasakun, Sakul, Sugur. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.6.
Sur
[tdl] Bauchi state: Tafawa Balewa LGA; Plateau state: Pankshin LGA. Population: 5,000 (1998 R. Blench). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Dishili, Myet, Nsur, Suru, Tapshin, Tapshinawa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Tarokoid.
Tal
[tal] Plateau state: Pankshin LGA. Population: 10,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 2.
Tala
[tak] Bauchi state: Bauchi LGA, Kuka and Talan Kasa villages. Population: 1,000 (1993). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Guruntum.
Tamajaq, Tawallammat
[ttq] Sokoto state. Population: Few in Nigeria. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Azbinawa, Buzu, Tahoua Tamajeq, Tamajaq, Tamasheq, Tomacheck, Tuareg. Dialects: Ioullemmeden. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Berber, Tamasheq, Southern.
Tambas
[tdk] Plateau state: Pankshin LGA. Population: 3,000 (2001 R. Blench). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Tambes, Tembis. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.4, Fyer.
Tangale
[tan] Bauchi state: Alkaleri LGA, Futuk village; Gombe state: Akko, Balanga, Billiri, and Kaltungo LGAs. Population: 200,000 (2006 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Tangle. Dialects: Kaltungo (Tangale East), Biliri (Tangale West). 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. Population: 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
Tarok
[yer] Plateau state: Kanam, Langtang, and Wase LGAs; Taraba state: Wukari LGA. Population: 300,000 (1998 R. Blench). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Appa, Taroh, Yergam, Yergem, Yergum. Autonym: iTárók. Dialects: Izini (Hill Tarok), Itarok (Plain Tarok), Selyer, Itarok Oga Asa, Igyang. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Tarokoid.
Tedaga
[tuq] Borno state: northeast LGAs. A few villages. Population: 2,000 in Nigeria (Blench and Zeitlyn 1990). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Teda. Dialects: Kecherda. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Saharan, Western, Tebu.
Tee
[tkq] Rivers state: Tai LGA. Population: Ethnic population: 313,000 (2006 J. Leclerc). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tai. Dialects: Formerly thought a dialect of Khana [ogo]. Has a number of sounds not found in Khana. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Ogoni, East.
Teme
[tdo] Adamawa state: Mayo Belwa LGA, Mayo Belwa river banks. Population: 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. Population: 101,000 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Dialects: Nyimatli (Nimalto, Nyemathi, Nyimatali, Yamaltu), Pidlimdi (Ghena, Ghuna, Hina, Hinna), Bura Kokura. Dialect cluster (Crozier and Blench 1992). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Western.
Tha
[thy] Taraba state: Lau area. Population: 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. Population: 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, 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. Population: 4,000,000 in Nigeria (2015). 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.
Toro
[tdv] Kaduna state: Sanga LGA; Nassarawa state: Wamba LGA, Turkwam village northeast of Wamba. Population: 3,930 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Turkwam. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau.
Tsikimba
[kdl] Kebbi state: Ngaski LGA, south Kainji lake; Niger state: Magama, Mariga, and Mashegu LGAs, Auna and Wara areas on Niger river. Population: 100,000 (2004 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Akimba, Auna, Kambari, Kamberchi, Kamberri, Kimba. Autonym: Tsikimba. Dialects: Agaunshe (Agaushi), Ashen. 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. Population: 100,000 (2004 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Ashingini, Cishingini, Kambari, Kamberchi, Kamberri, Salka. Autonym: Tsishingini. Dialects: Ibeto. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari.
Tso
[ldp] Adamawa state: Lamurde LGA; Gombe state: Balanga LGA. Population: 16,000 (1992 CAPRO). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Cibbo, Cuyi Tsó, Kitta, Lotsu-Piri, Pire, Piri, Tsóbó. Dialects: Berbou, Gusubou, Swabou. 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. Population: 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. Population: 130,000 (2011 M. Hansley). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Abadi, Avadi, Evadi, Ibeto, Kamberi. Dialects: Tsuvadi-Agadi, Tsuvadi-Azozolo, Kakihum. Lexical similarity: 77%–80% with Azozolo and Agadi dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari.
Tugbiri-Niragu
[grh] Kaduna state: Lere LGA, Gure and Kahugu villages. Population: 25,000 (2000), increasing. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gbiri-Niragu, Gure-Kahugu, Tugbiri. Dialects: Tugbiri (Agari, Agbiri, Gbiri, Gura, Gure, Igbiri), Niragu (Anirago, Kafugu, Kagu, Kahugu, Kapugu). Reported similar to Dungu [dbv]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru.
Tula
[tul] Gombe state: Kaltungo LGA. Population: 30,000 (1998 U. Kleinewillinghöfer). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kotule, Kutule. Dialects: Kutule, Baule, Yili. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Tula.
Tumi
[kku] Kaduna state: Saminaka LGA. Population: 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. Population: 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: Jema’a, Kachia, and Saminaka LGAs. Population: 130,000 (1993 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Katab, Kataf. Dialects: Atakat (Atakar, Attaka, Attakad, Attakar, Takat), Kachichere (Aticherak, Daroro, Techera), Kafanchan (Fantuan, Fantwam, Kpashan), Katab (Atyap, Tyap), Sholio (Aholio, Asholio, Asolio, Maroa, Maruwa), Gworok (Agolok, Agorok, Aguro, Agwolok, Agwot, Kagoro). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Central, South-Central.
Ubaghara
[byc] Cross River state: Akampka LGA. Population: 30,000 (1985 UBS). 24,000 Biakpan. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Dialects: Biakpan, Ikun, Etono, Ugbem, Utuma (Utama, Utamu). Dialect cluster (Crozier and Blench 1992). 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. Population: 11,100 (2013 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Dialects: None known. Lexical similarity: 60%–64% with Ukpe-Bayobiri [ukp], 53%–58% with Alege [alf], 30%–31% with Bete-Bendi [btt]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Uda
[uda] Akwa Ibom state: Mbo LGA. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 18,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: AIKA (Ayanran-Ishe-Kakumo-Auga), Anyaran, Auga, Ikan, Kakumo. Dialects: Ikaan, Iiagu, Ujegbe (Ayegbe, Iisheu), Ijion (Iinno, Iyinno). Only 1-way intelligibility between some dialects. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Ukaan.
Ukpet-Ehom
[akd] Cross River state: Akamkpa LGA. Population: 11,400 (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Akpet-Ehom. Dialects: Ukpet (Akpet), Ehom (Ebeteng, Ubeteng). A dialect subgroup. 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 150,000 (1973 SIL). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Dialects: Ukwuani (Kwale, Ukwali, Ukwani), Abo (Aboh, Eboh), Ndoni. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Igboid, Igbo.
Ulukwumi
[ulb] Edo state: Esan South East LGA, west of Niger river. Population: 10,000 (Crozier and Blench 1992). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri.
Umon
[umm] Cross River state: Akampka LGA. 25 villages. Population: 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. Population: 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] Delta state: Ethiope East, Ughelli North and Ughelli South LGAs, Sapele and Warri areas; Edo state: Ikpoba-Okha and Orhiomwon LGAs. Population: 546,000 (Johnstone 1993). Status: 5* (Developing). De facto language of provincial identity in Delta and Edo states, elementary education. Alternate Names: Biotu, “Sobo” (pej.). Autonym: Urhobo. Dialects: Agbarho, Ujevwe, Agbon, Udu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Southwestern.
us-Saare
[uss] Kebbi state: Dukku, Wasagu, and Yauri LGAs. Population: 60,000 (2017 D. Heath). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Western Duka, Western Dukawa, es-Saare, əs-Saare. Dialects: Dukku, Iri, Sandiri, Upoki, Tungan Bunu, Dugge. Most similar with ut-Hun [uth], ut-Ma’in [gel], and C’Lela [dri]. Lexical similarity: Less than 75% with ut-Hun [uth]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka.
Usaghade
[usk] Cross River state: Odukpani LGA, Calabar area. Population: 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. Population: 50,000 (2017 D. Heath). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Eastern Duka, Eastern Dukawa, Hun-ne, Hune, et-Hun, ət-Hun. Autonym: it-Hun. Dialects: Kirho (Tungan Magajiya), Ratagiwa (Rijau), Shanjir, Uddu, Darangi, Afka, Kakita, Dirin Daji. Most similar with us-Saare [uss], ut-Ma’in [gel], and C’Lela [dri]. Lexical similarity: Less than 75% with us-Saare [uss]. 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. Population: 36,000 (1992 SIL). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Fakai, Fakanchi, Fakanci, Fakkanci, Gelanchi. Autonym: ut-Ma’in. Dialects: Kag (Et-Kag, Fakanchi, Puku), Jiir (Et-Jiir, Gelanchi), Kur (Kar, Kelanchi, Kelinci, Kelli-Ni, Kere, Keri-Ni), Zuksun (Et-Zuksun, Zussun), Ror (Er-Gwar, Et-Maror, Tudanchi), Fer (Et-Fer, Fere, Kukum, Wipsi-Ni), Us (Et-Us), Koor (Kulu). Kag, Ker, Jiir, and Fer have 79%–92% inherent intelligibility of Ror. Ror and Kag, the largest dialects, Koor and Us, the smallest. Lexical similarity: 81%–97% among dialects, 63% with ut-Hun [uth], 50% with C’lela [dri], 57% with Gwamhi-Wuri [bga]. 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. Population: 70,000 (2012 L. Otronyi). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ebe Cluster, Putukwam. Dialects: Utugwang (Otukwang, Utukwang), Okworogung (Ukworogung), Ukwortung (Okorotung), Afrike (Aferike, Utumane), Mgbenege (Ngbenege), Irungene (Mbe Afal, Mbe East, Mbube Eastern, Obe, Upper Mbe). Utugwang intelligible of all dialects. Afrike and Irungene are mutually intelligible. Lexical similarity: Irungene 89% with Afrike, 80%–86% with Utugwang sub-group; Afrike and Irungene 67%–78% with Utugwang subgroup. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi.
Uvbie
[evh] Delta state: Ethiope LGA. Population: 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. Population: 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.
Vaghat-Ya-Bijim-Legeri
[bij] Bauchi state: Tafawa Balewa LGA; Plateau state: Mangu LGA. 10 villages 20 km south of Tafawa Balewa. Population: 20,000 (2003). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Vwhat. Dialects: Vaghat (Kadun, Kwanka, Tivaghat), Ya (Boi, Tiya, Tiyaa), Bijim, Legeri. Dialect cluster (Crozier and Blench 1992). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A.
Vemgo-Mabas
[vem] Adamawa state: Michika LGA, Madagali district. Population: 10,000 in Nigeria (1993). Total users in all countries: 11,000. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Dialects: Vemgo, Mabas, Visik (Vizik). 56% intelligibility of Lamang [hia], 36% intelligibility of Hdi [xed]. Possibly intelligible of Mafa [maf]. Lexical similarity: 82% with Hdi [xed], 81% with Lamang [hia], 64% with Gvoko [ngs], 50% with Dghwede [dgh], 47%–48% with Guduf-Gava [gdf], 44% with Cineni [cie], and 43% with Glavda [glw] (Hamm 2004). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Lamang.
Verre
[ver] Adamawa state: Fufore and Yole LGAs, Verre hills. Population: 104,000 in Nigeria (2000). Total users in all countries: 110,520. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kobo, Mom Jango, Vere, Were. Dialects: Mom Jango, Momi (Ziri), Gweri, Bai, Wombi. Mom Jango and Momi are probably separate languages. 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 60,000 (1989 U. Kleinewillinghöfer). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Nyan Wiyau, Wiyaa, Wuya. Dialects: Deruwo (Wajan Dutse), Waja (Wajan Kasa). Small dialect differences. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Tula.
Waka
[wav] Adamawa state: Demsa and Numan LGAs. Population: 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. Population: 20,000 in Nigeria (1993). 10,000 Gamargu, 9,300 Kirawa. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Mandara, Ndara. Dialects: Kamburwama, Masfeima, Jampalam, Ziogba, Mazagwa, Gwanje, Gamargu (Gamergu, Malgo, Malgwa), Kirawa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Mandara.
Wannu
[jub] Benue state: Makurdi LGA, Iharev district, Abinsi town. Population: 4000 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. Population: 100,000 (1994 UBS). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Jinkum, Jukon, Juku, Juku Junkun, Jukum, Jukun Wapan, Jukun Wukari, Wakari, Wapã, Wukari. Dialects: Wukan. 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. Population: 1,610 (2000). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Wase, Wase Tofa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Jukun.
Warji
Wom
[wom] Adamawa state: Fufore LGA. Population: 5,000 (Blench 1989). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Pere, Pereba, Perema. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Samba Leko [ndi]. 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. Population: 50,000 (2002). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ekpari, Iyace, Yache, Yatye. Dialects: Alifokpa, Ijiegu. Lexical similarity: 84% with Akpa [akf]. 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. Population: 200,000 (2008 L. Otronyi), increasing. 50,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 200,000. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Iyala. Autonym: Yala. Dialects: Nkum (Yala Ikom), Nkum Akpambe (Yala Obubra), Yala Ogoja. 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. Population: 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. Population: 100 (1996 R. Blench). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Bashar, Basharawa, Bashiri, Yankam. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Pe [pai]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Tarokoid.
Yedina
[bdm] Borno state: islands in Lake Chad. Population: 3,000 in Nigeria. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Boudouma, Buduma, Yedana, Yedima, Yidana. Dialects: Buduma, Kuri (Kakaa, Kouri). 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. Population: 50,000 (1987). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kuseki, Nya Korok, Nya Yendang, Nyandang, Yadang, Yandang, Yendam, Yundum. Dialects: None known. Reportedly similar to Yotti [yot] and Waka [wav]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang.
Yoruba
[yor] Widespread, in southwest. Population: 39,500,000 in Nigeria, all users. L1 users: 37,500,000 in Nigeria (2015). L2 users: 2,000,000. Total users in all countries: 39,844,260 (as L1: 37,844,260; as L2: 2,000,000). Status: 2 (Provincial). De facto provincial language in southwestern region. Alternate Names: Yariba, Yooba, Yorùbá. Autonym: Èdè Yorùbá. Dialects: Oyo, Ijesha, Ila, Ijebu, Ondo, Wo, Owe, Jumu, Iworro, Igbonna, Yagba, Gbedde, Egba, Akono, Aworo, Bunu (Bini), Ekiti, Ilaje, Ikale, Awori, Ào. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Yoruboid, Edekiri.
Yotti
[yot] Taraba state: south of Mayo-Lope. 8 villages. Population: 3,000 (2011 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Wonkorok, Yoti. Dialects: None known. Lexical similarity: 35% with Bali [bcn], 35% with Kpasham [pbn], 13% with Yendang [ynq]. 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: 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. Population: No known L1 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 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Zariwa. Dialects: Zakshi (Zaksa), Boto (Bibot, Boot), Zari (Kopti, Kwapm). Dialect cluster within Barawa cluster (Crozier and Blench 1992). 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. Population: 87,800 in Nigeria (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Adzerma, Djerma, Dyabarma, Dyarma, Dyerma, Zabarma, Zarbarma, Zarma sanni, Zarmaciine, Zerma. Dialects: Kaado. Classification: Nilo-Saharan, Songhai, Southern.
Zeem
[zua] Bauchi state: Toro LGA. Population: No known L1 speakers. Last speakers may have survived into the 2000s. Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Chaari. Dialects: Tulai (Tule), Danshe, Lushi (Dokshi, Lukshi), Dyarim (Kaiwari, Kaiyorawa). Zeem dialect cluster within Barawa language cluster (Crozier and Blench 1992). Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Zaar Proper.
Zhire
[zhi] Kaduna state: Jema’a and Kachia LGAs. Population: Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kenyi. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Hyamic.
Ziriya
[zir] Bauchi state: Toro LGA, Kere and Ziriya. Population: No known L1 speakers. Last speaker survived into the 2000s. Ethnic population: 2,000. Status: 9 (Dormant). Alternate Names: Jiriya. Dialects: None known. May not be distinct from Sheni [scv]. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Jera.
Zizilivakan
[ziz] Adamawa state: Mubi North LGA, Jilvu town, near Cameroon border. Population: 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. Dialects: None known. Intelligibility 20% of Fali [fli]. Lexical similarity: 47%–59% with Fali [fli]. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8.
Zumbun
[jmb] Bauchi state: Darazo LGA, Jimbim settlement. Population: 2,000 (1995 CAPRO). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Jimbin, Jimbinawa. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2.