Nigeria is a land of diversity, filled with unique cultural traditions that often differ from the norms of other countries. From the importance of family and haggling to the practice of communal living and traditional medicine, Nigeria has one of the richest cultural and traditional practices in the world. However, people who are unfamiliar with Nigeria see some of the cultural and traditional practices in Nigeria as unusual, but for Nigerians, these cultural and traditional practices are a vital part of daily life and an integral part of Nigerian cultural identity.

Thus, foreigners to Nigeria or Nigerians in the diaspora who have little knowledge of Nigeria would find this article useful. Also, Nigerians resident in Nigeria would appreciate the content of this article as it gives credence to what is already ongoing. This article explores some of the common practices in Nigeria which are regarded as normal in the country but shunned or regarded as taboo in some other parts of the world. The aim is to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of Nigerian culture, tradition, and values: below are the 11 things that are regarded as normal in Nigeria but regarded as abnormal in other parts of the world:

11. Energetic Display of Street Life

Street life in Nigeria is a widespread and widely accepted practice in Nigeria. This is due to several factors. First, Nigeria has a large population with a rich cultural heritage, and the streets are often bustling with people engaging in various activities such as street markets, food vendors, and musical performances. Second, Nigeria has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with many street vendors and small businesses thriving in informal markets.

Third, Nigeria has a youthful population, and young people bring a sense of energy and vitality to the streets through dance, fashion, and other cultural expressions. Overall, the combination of cultural richness, entrepreneurial spirit, and youthful energy creates a dynamic and lively street culture in Nigeria. In other climes, excessive display of street life is regarded as a taboo or shunned whereas in Nigeria it is a normal practice that is widely upheld by a large segment of the population.

10. Haggling or Negotiating Prices In Markets And Shops

Negotiating prices is commonly practiced in Nigeria, particularly in markets and small shops. Haggling is a common practice in Nigeria because it allows for negotiations and gives people the opportunity to find a mutually agreed-upon price for goods and services. This can be seen as unusual in other countries where fixed prices are more common.

9. Eating With The Hands, Particularly In Traditional Settings

In Nigeria, it is common to eat with one’s hands, especially in traditional settings. Eating with one’s hands is common in Nigeria, particularly in traditional settings, because it is seen as a way to connect with the food and with others. This is often seen as unhygienic or impolite in other countries where utensils are more commonly used.

Related: 7 Delicious Dishes You Must Try Out When You Visit Nigeria

8. Celebrating Multiple Marriages And Polygamy

Polygamy, or the practice of having multiple wives, is accepted in Nigeria and is seen as a symbol of wealth and status. In Nigeria, polygamy is accepted and is seen as a way to ensure the survival of multiple lineages while providing for numerous families. This is seen as uncommon or even taboo in many other parts of the world but in Nigeria, it is regarded as a normal practice.

7. Displaying Open Emotions And Affection In Public

In Nigeria, it is common for people to express their emotions and affection openly and freely, regardless of whether they are in public or private. Emotional expression is open in Nigeria because it is seen as a way to connect with others and build relationships. This may be seen as unusual or inappropriate in other countries where emotional restraint is more common.

6. High Importance Placed On Communal Living And Community Support

In Nigeria, community and support are highly valued and it is common for people to live and work together in close-knit communities. Communal living is widely practiced and promoted in Nigeria because it provides security and support, with people working and living together in close-knit communities. This can be seen as unusual in other parts of the world where individualism is more highly valued.

Related: Everything You Need To Know About Weather in Nigeria

5. Widespread Use Of Traditional Medicines

In Nigeria, many people still use traditional medicines and remedies to treat illnesses and injuries. Traditional medicine is still widely used in Nigeria because it has been passed down through generations and is seen as an effective way to treat illnesses and injuries. This can be seen as unusual or even primitive in other countries where modern medicine is more widely used.

4. A Strong Connection To Ancestral Heritage And Traditions

In Nigeria, people have a strong connection to their ancestral heritage and cultural traditions. Ancestral heritage and cultural traditions are important in Nigeria because they provide a connection to the past and a sense of identity and belonging. In other parts of the world, this practice is sometimes or often seen as unusual where cultural assimilation and integration are more common.

3. Street Hawking And Informal Street Trading

Street hawking and informal street trading are common in Nigeria and provide a source of livelihood for many people. Street hawking and informal street trading are common in Nigeria because it provides a source of livelihood for many people, particularly those who cannot find formal employment. This can be seen as chaotic or unregulated in other countries where formalized business structures are more common.

2. Vibrant and Loud Street Life, With Outdoor Markets And Street Vendors

Nigeria is known for its bustling and energetic street life, with outdoor markets and street vendors providing a source of livelihood and entertainment. This can be seen as chaotic or overwhelming in other parts of the world where more regulated street life is the norm.

1. Large Extended Families and Close Family Ties

Family is very important in Nigeria. Family is seen as a source of support and security in Nigeria. In Nigeria, family members – nuclear and extended – often live together and provide support and care for one another. This can be seen as abnormal in other parts of the world where nuclear families and individualism are more common.

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