Nigerian

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Nigerian" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something or someone from Nigeria, such as nationality, culture, or products. Example: "The Nigerian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nobody's ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.

The Guardian

Adeola Fayehun's ambush of ageing Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe has catapulted the queen of Nigerian satire, already a star in many countries in Africa, into the international spotlight.

The Guardian

Let's be honest: if it had not been for us – activists, scholars, policymakers, artists, celebrities, dignitaries, and every day concerned citizens of the world throughout the world – we would not be experiencing the very necessary virtual Nigerian spring that we are experiencing today.

The Guardian

Amnesty set out on Wednesday the case against five senior Nigerian officers in a 133-page report based on hundreds of interviews, including with military sources, and leaked defence ministry documents.

The Guardian

Chinua Achebe has declined the Nigerian government's attempt to name him a Commander of the Federal Republic.

The Guardian - Books

Related: Nigerian laureate Wole Soyinka laments 'vicious, unprincipled' election He complained of irregularities, however, including alleged APC voters who were underage or brought in from neighbouring Chad and Niger.

The Guardian

He is thought to be the first to call the result on Monday evening, soon followed by the Nigerian community news group Sahara Reporters.

The Guardian

Related: How Sepp Blatter won the hearts and minds of Africa to ride out Fifa storms Amaju Pinnick, president of the Nigerian football association, said Blatter could not be held responsible for the actions of subordinate officials.

The Guardian - Sport

For instance, I know British passport holders in the UK who keep secret their Nigerian roots at work because of the negative perceptions created by the country's notorious e-scammers.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's also freed up Nigerian troops at a time they're also making some headway with procurement of helicopters, armoured personnel carriers and thermal imaging equipment that allows them to attack camps at night".

The Guardian

"A ship has been deployed," said a Nigerian presidential adviser, Remi Oyo.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a person's nationality, use "Nigerian citizen" for clarity, especially in formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid confusing "Nigerian" (referring to Nigeria) with "Nigerien" (referring to Niger, a different country). Always double-check the spelling and context to ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The term "Nigerian" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something originating from or related to Nigeria. It also serves as a noun to denote a person of Nigerian nationality or descent. Ludwig showcases numerous examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Opinion

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Nigerian" is a versatile term functioning as both an adjective and a noun, primarily used to denote origin, nationality, or cultural affiliation with Nigeria. As Ludwig confirms, the term is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for formal and informal communication. When clarity is paramount, especially when referring to individuals, "citizen of Nigeria" may offer a more precise alternative. Be mindful of distinguishing "Nigerian" from "Nigerien" to avoid confusion. The frequent usage of "Nigerian" in reputable sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

From Nigeria

Specifies origin without using the adjective form.

Of Nigeria

Indicates affiliation or connection to Nigeria.

Citizen of Nigeria

Emphasizes the person's legal status as a Nigerian national.

Nigeria's

Possessive form indicating something belonging to Nigeria.

Nigeria-related

Describes something connected to or associated with Nigeria.

Belonging to Nigeria

Expresses association with Nigeria.

Indigenous to Nigeria

Highlights the native or original inhabitants or features of Nigeria.

Native of Nigeria

Refers to someone born in Nigeria.

From the Federal Republic of Nigeria

More formal way to say "from Nigeria".

With Nigerian roots

Indicates heritage or ancestry linked to Nigeria.

FAQs

How is "Nigerian" used in a sentence?

"Nigerian" can be used as an adjective, as in "Nigerian cuisine is diverse", or as a noun, referring to a person: "He is a Nigerian".

What's the difference between "Nigerian" and "Nigerien"?

"Nigerian" refers to Nigeria and its people, while "Nigerien" refers to Niger and its people. They are distinct nationalities and should not be confused.

What are some alternatives to using the word "Nigerian"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "from Nigeria", "of Nigeria", or "citizen of Nigeria".

Is it appropriate to use "Nigerian" in formal writing?

Yes, "Nigerian" is perfectly appropriate in formal writing. It is a standard term for referring to the country, its people, and its culture. For increased clarity in certain contexts, consider using "citizen of Nigeria" when referring to a person.