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Classification of African Languages from ethnologue.com  

Language Group: Afro-Asiatic , Khosian , Niger-Congo , Nilo-Saharan

Pidgins: Hausa based, Swahili based,  Zulu based

Creoles: Afrikaans based Creole, Arabic based,  Kongo based,  Krio based,  Swahili based Creole

Unclassified Languages: Anlo (Togo),  Bete (Nigeria),  Gibanawa (Nigeria),  Hwla (Togo),  Imeraguen(Mauritania),  Kara (Central African Republic),  Korobore (Burkina Faso),  Kujarge (Chad) Laal (Chad),  Lufu (Nigeria),  Luo (Cameroon),  Mawa (Nigeria),  Nemadi (Mali/Mauritania) Rer Bare (Ethiopia),  Sininkere (Burkina Faso), Weyto (Ethiopia),  Wutana (Nigeria), Yauma (Angola/Zambia),  Yeni (Cameroon)

   
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African Languages Series: Languages of Nigeria
Federal Republic of Nigeria. National or official languages: Edo, Efik, Adamawa Fulfulde, Hausa, Idoma, Igbo, Yerwa Kanuri, Yoruba, English. 106,409,000 (1998 UN). Literacy rate 42% to 51%. Also includes Bagirmi, Klao, Mbay, Mpade, Ngambay, Pana, people from Lebanon, Europe. Information mainly from K. Hansford, J. Bendor-Samuel, and R. Stanford 1976; J. Bendor-Samuel 1989; D. Crozier and R. Blench 1992; R. Blench 1998-1999; B. Connell 1998-1999; U. Siebert 1998-1999. Christian, Muslim, traditional religion. Blind population 800,000 (1982 WCE). Deaf institutions: 22. Data accuracy estimate: A2, B. The number of languages listed for Nigeria is 515. Of those, 505 are living languages, 2 are second languages without mother tongue speakers, and 8 are extinct.  See language map.  [See also SIL publications on the languages of Nigeria.]  

Spoken living languages

ABANYOM

[ABM] 12,500 (1986).  Cross River State, Ikom LGA, Abangkang the main village. Alternate names: ABANYUM, BEFUN, BOFON, MBOFON.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Ekoid. 

ABON

[ABO] 1,000 (1973 SIL).  Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Abong town, east of Baissa. Alternate names: ABONG, ABÕ, BA'BAN.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. 
More information.

ABUA

[ABN] 25,000 (1989 Faraclas).  Rivers State, Degema and Ahoada LGAs. Alternate names: ABUAN.  Dialects: CENTRAL ABUAN, EMUGHAN, OTABHA (OTAPHA), OKPEDEN.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Central Delta, Abua-Odual. 
More information.

ACIPA, EASTERN

[AWA] 5,000 (1993).  Niger State, Kontagora LGA; Kaduna State, Birnin Gwari LGA. Towns include Randeggi and Bobi. Alternate names: ACIPANCI, ACHIPA, SAGAMUK.  Dialects: BOROMA (TABOROMA).  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku. 
More information.

ACIPA, WESTERN

[AWC] 20,000 (1995 CAPRO).  Niger State, Kontagora LGA; Kebbi State, Sakaba LGA. Towns include Kumbashi, Kakihum, and Karisen. Alternate names: ACIPANCI, ACHIPA, SAGAMUK.  Dialects: CEP (TOCHIPO, TACEP, WESTERN ACIPANCI).  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku. 
More information.

ADUGE

[ADU] 1,904 (1992 Crozier and Blench).  Anambra State, Oyi LGA. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Edoid, Northwestern. 
More information.

AFADE

[AAL] 25,000 in Nigeria (1998 R.M. Blench). Population total both countries 25,000.  Alternate names: AFFADE, AFADEH, AFADA, KOTOKO, MOGARI.  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, B, B.1, Kotoko Proper. 
More information.

AGATU

[AGC] 70,000 (1987 UBS).  Benue State, Otuko Divison, districts of Agatu, Ochekwu, and Adoka; Nasarawa State, Awe and Nasarawa LGAs. Alternate names: NORTH IDOMA, OCHEKWU.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Idoma. 
More information.

AGOI

[IBM] 12,000 (1989 Faraclas).  Cross River State, Obubra LGA, Agoi-Ekpo, Ekom-Agoi, Agoi-Ibami, and Itu-Agoi towns. Alternate names: WAGOI, RO BAMBAMI, WA BAMBANI, IBAMI.  Dialects: IKO.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Agoi-Doko-Iyoniyong. 

AGWAGWUNE

[YAY] 20,000 (1973 SIL).  Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA. Alternate names: 'AKUNAKUNA', AGWAGUNA, GWUNE, AKURAKURA, OKURIKAN.  Dialects: ABAYONGO (BAYONO, BAYINO), ABINI (OBINI, ABIRI), ADIM (ODIM, DIM), ORUM, EREI (ENNA, EZEI), AGWAGWUNE, ETONO (ETUNO).  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Central, North-South, Ubaghara-Kohumono, Kohumono. 
More information.

ÀHÀN

[AHN] A few hundred (1998 Blench).  Ondo State, Ekiti LGA, Ajowa, Igashi, and Omou towns. Alternate names: AHAAN.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Ayere-Ahan. 

AKE

[AIK] 2,000 (1999 R. Blench).  Nasarawa State, Lafia LGA, 3 villages. Alternate names: AIKE, AKYE.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, B. 
More information.

AKPA

[AKF] 5,500 (1952 Robert G. Armstrong).  Benue State, Otukpo LGA. Alternate names: AKWEYA.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Yatye-Akpa. 
More information.

AKPES

[IBE] 10,000 or more (1992 Crozier and Blench).  Ondo State, Akoko North LGA. Alternate names: IBARAM-EFIFA.  Dialects: AKUNNU (AKPES), ASE, DAJA, EFIFA, ESUKU (ECHUKU), GEDEGEDE, IKOROM, IBARAM, IYANI.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Akpes. 
More information.

AKUM

[AKU]   Taraba State, near the Cameroon border, 3 villages in Nigeria (Manga, Ekban, Konkom). Alternate names: ANYAR.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Unclassified. 
More information.

ALAGO

[ALA] 35,000 (1973 SIL).  Nasarawa State, Awe and Lafia LGAs. Alternate names: ARAGU, ARAGO, ARGO, IDOMA NOKWU.  Dialects: DOMA, AGWATASHI, KEANA, ASSAIKIO.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Idomoid, Akweya, Etulo-Idoma, Idoma. 
More information.

ALEGE

[ALF] 1,200 (1973 SIL).  Cross River State, Obudu LGA. Alternate names: ALEGI, UGE, UGBE.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi. 
More information.

AMBO

[AMB] 1,000 or fewer.  Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, 1 village east of Baissa. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. 

AMO

[AMO] 3,550 (1950).  Plateau State, Bassa LGA; Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Alternate names: AMON, AMONG, TIMAP, BA.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Amo. 
More information.

ANAANG

[ANW] 1,000,000 (1990).  Akwa Ibom State, Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, Abak, Ukanafun, and Oruk-Anam LGAs. Alternate names: ANANG, ANNANG.  Dialects: IKOT EKPENE, ABAK, UKANAFUN.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Lower Cross, Obolo, Efik. 
More information.

ÁNCÁ

[ACB]   Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, Antere, Nca village. Alternate names: BUNTA.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Unclassified. 
More information.

ARABIC, SHUWA

[SHU] 100,000 in Nigeria (1973 SIL).  Borno State, Dikwa, Konduga, Ngala, and Bama LGAs, and ranging widely across Borno and Yobe states on transhumance. Alternate names: ARABE CHOA, SHUWA, SHUA ARABIC, CHADIAN ARABIC.  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South, Arabic. 
More information.

ARIGIDI

[AKK] 48,000 or more, including 45,000 Igasi, 3,000 Uro (1986 in Crozier and Blench 1992).  Ondo State, Akoko North LGA; Kogi State, Kogi LGA. Alternate names: NORTH AKOKO.  Dialects: OYIN, URO, ARIGIDÍ, ERÚSÚ (ERUSHU), OJO, UDO (IDO, ÒWÒN ÙDÒ, OKE-AGBE), AFA (AFFA, ÒWÒN ÀFÁ, OKE-AGBE), ÒGE (ÒWÒN ÒGÈ), AJE, ESE (ÒWÒN ÈSÉ), IGASI (ÌGÀSHÍ, ÒWÒN ÌGÁSÍ).  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Akokoid. 
More information.

ARUM-TESU

[AAB] 4,000 to 5,000 (1999 Blench).  Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA, near Wamba. Arum is 7 villages and Tesu is 1. Alternate names: ARUM-CESU, ARUM-CHESSU, ALUMU.  Dialects: ARUM, TESU.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Unclassified. 
More information.

ASHE

[AHS] (35,000 including Begbere-Ejar; 1972 Barrett).  Kaduna State, Kachia LGA. Alternate names: KORON ACHE, ACHE, ALA, KORON ALA, KORO MAKAMA.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Koro. 
More information.

ASU

[AUM] 5,000 or fewer (1998 R. Blench).  Niger State, Mariga LGA, several villages south of Kontagora. Alternate names: ABEWA, EBE.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Nupoid, Nupe-Gbagyi, Nupe. 
More information.

ATEN

[GAN] 40,000 (1988 Kjenstad).  Plateau State, Barakin Ladi LGA; Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. Alternate names: GANAWURI, ETIEN, JAL, TEN, NITEN.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Central, North-Central. 
More information.

ATSAM

[CCH] 30,000 (1972 Barrett).  Kaduna State, Kachia LGA. Alternate names: CAWAI, CAWE, CAWI, CHAWAI, CHAWE, CHAWI.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Piti-Atsam. 
More information.

AWAK

[AWO] 6,000 (1995 CAPRO).  Gombe State, Kaltungo LGA. Alternate names: AWOK, YEBU.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Awak. 
More information.

AYERE

[AYE] 3,000 or more (Blench 1992:18).  Kwara State, Oyi LGA, Kabba district. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid, Ayere-Ahan. 

AYU

[AYU] 4,000 (1976 SIL).  Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA. Alternate names: AYA.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Ayu. 
More information.

BAAN

[BVJ] 5,000 or fewer (1990).  Rivers State, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme LGAs, Ban-Ogoi plus villages. 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] 15,000 estimate (1996).  Northern Niger State. Alternate names: CIBAANGI.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari. 

BACAMA

[BAM] 150,000 (1992 CAPRO).  Adamawa State, Numan and Guyuk LGAs, Kaduna State, northeast of Kaduna town. Alternate names: BACHAMA, BASHAMMA, ABACAMA, BESEMA, BWAREBA, GBOARE.  Dialects: MULYEN (MULWYIN, MWULYIN), OPALO, WA-DUKU.  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. 
More information.

BADA

[BAU] 10,000 (SIL).  Plateau State, Kanam LGA; Bauchi State, Tafawa Balewa LGA. Alternate names: BADAWA, BADANCHI, BAT, MBADA, MBAT, MBADAWA, KANNA, JAR, JARAWAN KOGI, GARAKA, RIVER JARAWA, PLAINS JARAWA.  Dialects: GAR.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. 
More information.

BADE

[BDE] 250,000 (1993).  Yobe State, Bade LGA; Jigawa State, Hadejia LGA. Alternate names: BEDDE, BEDE, GIDGID.  Dialects: GASHUA BADE (MAZGARWA), SOUTHERN BADE (BADE-KADO), WESTERN BADE (MAGWARAM. MAAGWARAM), SHIRAWA.  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.1, Bade Proper. 
More information.

BAKPINKA

[BBS]   Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA. Alternate names: BEGBUNGBA, UWET, IYONGIYONG, IYONIYONG.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Delta Cross, Upper Cross, Agoi-Doko-Iyoniyong. 
More information.

BALI

[BCN] 2,000 (1991 Blench).  Adamawa State, Numan LGA, at Bali, 30 km. from Numan on the road to Jalingo. Alternate names: BIBAALI, MAYA, ABAALI, IBAALI.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Leko-Nimbari, Mumuye-Yandang, Yandang. 
More information.

BANGWINJI

[BSJ] 6,000 or fewer (1992 Crozier and Blench).  Bauchi State, Balanga, Billiri, and Kaltungo LGAs. Alternate names: BANGUNJI, BANGJINGE.  Dialects: KAALO, NAABAN.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Waja, Tula. 
More information.

BARIBA

[BBA] 100,000 in Nigeria (1995 R. Jones SIM).  Kwara State, Borgu LGA; Niger State. Alternate names: BAATONUN, BATONNUM, BATONU, BAATONUN-KWARA, BARGU, BURGU, BORGU, BORGAWA, BERBA, BARBA, BOGUNG, ZANA.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Gur, Bariba. 
More information.

BARIKANCHI

[BXO]    Classification: Pidgin, Hausa based. 
More information.

BASA

[BZW] 100,000 (1973 SIL).  Kogi State, Bassa and Ankpa LGAs; Plateau State, Nasarawa LGA; Federal Capital Territory, Yaba and Kwali LGAs; Benue State, Makurdi LGA. Alternate names: BASA-BENUE, RUBASA, RUBASSA, 'BASSA-KWOMU', 'BASSA-KOMO', ABATSA, ABACHA.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Basa. 
More information.

BASA-GURMANA

[BUJ] 2,000 or more (Blench 1987).  Niger State, border of Rafi and Chanchaga LGAs, Kafin Gurmana. Alternate names: KOROMBA.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Basa. 

BASSA-KONTAGORA

[BSR] 10 speakers (1987).  Niger State, Mariga LGA, northeast of Kontagora. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Basa.  Nearly extinct.
More information.

BATA

[BTA] 150,000 in Nigeria (1992). Population total both countries 152,500.  Alternate names: GBWATA, BATTA, DEMSA BATA, GBOATI, GBWATE, BETE, BIRSA, DUNU.  Dialects: ZUMU (ZOMO, JIMO), WADI (WA'I), MALABU, KOBOTACHI, RIBAW, DEMSA, GAROUA, JIRAI.  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.8. 
More information.

BATU

[BTU] 25,000.  Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, several villages east of Baissa, below the Mambila escarpment. Dialects: AMANDA-AFI, ANGWE, KAMINO.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. 
More information.

BAUCHI

[BSF] 20,000 or fewer (1988 Blench).  Niger State, Rafi and Shiroro LGAs. 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

[BXQ] 120 (1922 Temple).  Bauchi State, near the Bole, a few villages. Alternate names: BELE, ÀBÉÉLÉ, BELLAWA.  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. 
More information.

BEGBERE-EJAR

[BQV] 35,000 including Ashe (1972 Barrett).  Kaduna State, Kachia LGA, Plateau State, Keffi LGA. Alternate names: KORO AGWE, AGERE, KORO MAKAMA, KORO MYAMYA, MIAMIA, MIAMIYA.  Dialects: KORON PANDA, KORON ACHE, EJAR.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Koro. 
More information.

BEKWARRA

[BKV] 100,000 (1989 SIL).  Cross River State, Ogoja LGA. Alternate names: EBEKWARA, BEKWORRA, YAKORO.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi. 
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BENA

[YUN] 95,000 (1992).  Adamawa State, Guyuk, Gombi, and Song LGAs, new settlements along the road from Song to Yola. Alternate names: EBINA, BINNA, GBINNA, EBUNA, BUNA, YONGOR, YUNGUR, YANGERU, PURRA, 'LALA'.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Yungur, Yungur-Roba. 
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BEROM

[BOM] 300,000 (1993 SIL).  Plateau State, Berakin Ladi and Jos LGAs; Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA; Bauchi State. Alternate names: BIROM, BERUM, GBANG, KIBO, KIBBO, KIBBUN, KIBYEN, 'SHOSHO', ABORO, BORO-ABORO, AFANGO, CHENBEROM, CEN BEROM.  Dialects: GYELL-KURU-VWANG (NGELL-KURU-VWANG), FAN-FORON-HEIKPANG, BACHIT-GASHISH, DU-ROPP-RIM, HOSS.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Southern. 
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BETE

[BYF] Few speakers out of 3,000 population (1992).  Taraba State, Takum LGA, Bete town, at the foot of Bete mountain. Classification: Unclassified.  Nearly extinct.
More information.

BETE-BENDI

[BTT] 36,800 (1963).  Cross River State, Obudu LGA. Alternate names: BETTE-BENDI, DAMA.  Dialects: BETE (BETTE, MBETE), BENDI.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi. 
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BILE

[BIL] 30,000 (1992).  East of Numan, along Benue River, Adamawa State, Numan LGAs, southwest of Numan. Alternate names: BILLE, BILLANCHI, KUNBILLE, BILI.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Jarawan, Nigerian. 
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BINA

[BYJ] 2,000 (1973 SIL).  Kaduna State, Saminaka LGA. Alternate names: BOGANA, BINAWA.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Eastern, Northern Jos, Kauru. 
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BISENI

[IJE] 4,800 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin).  Biyelsa State, Yenagoa LGA. Alternate names: BUSENI, AMEGI, NORTHEAST CENTRAL IJO.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Ijoid, Ijo, Central, Oruma-Northeast Central, Northeast Central. 
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BITARE

[BRE] 46,300 in Nigeria. Population total both countries 50,000 (1971 Welmers).  Alternate names: NJWANDE, YUKUTARE.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Tivoid. 
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BO-RUKUL

[MAE] 1,000 to 2,000, including 1,000 in each dialect (1998 Daniel Nettle).  Plateau State, Bokkos LGA, Barkul, Mabo, Richa, Horom, Mwa villages. Alternate names: MABO-BARKUL, MABO-BARUKUL, 'KALERI'.  Dialects: BO, RUKUL.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Southeastern. 
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BOGA

[BOD]   Adamawa State, Gombi LGA. Alternate names: BOKA.  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.1, Eastern. 
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BOGHOM

[BUX] 50,000 (1973 SIL).  Plateau State, Kanam, Wase, and Shendam LGAs. Alternate names: BOGGHOM, BOHOM, BUROM, BURUM, BURRUM, BURMA, BORROM, BOGHOROM, BOKIYIM.  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.3, Boghom. 
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BOKO

[BQC] 40,000 in Nigeria (1995 R. Jones).  Niger State, Borgu LGA; Kebbi State, Bagudo LGA, from Senji in the north to Kenugbe and Kaoje, 150 km. to the south and Demmo, 50 km. to the east, 35 villages. Alternate names: BOKKO, BOKONYA, BOO.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa. 
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BOKOBARU

[BUS] 30,000 (1997 Ross Jones SIM), including 6,000 in Kaiama, 24,000 in other villages.  Kwara State, primarily Kaiama LGA, some in Baruten LGA. 35 villages. Alternate names: BUSA-BOKOBARU, ZONGBEN, ZÕGBE~.  Dialects: KAIAMA, VILLAGE BOKOBARU.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa. 
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BOKYI

[BKY] 140,000 in Nigeria (1989 SIL). Population total both countries 144,000.  Alternate names: BOKI, NKI, OKII, UKI, NFUA, OSIKOM, OSUKAM, VAANEROKI.  Dialects: BASUA (BASHUA), IRRUAN (ERWAN, EERWEE), BOJE (BOJIE), KWAKWAGOM, NSADOP, OSOKOM, WULA (BASWO, OKUNDI, KECWAN), OKU, BOORIM, OYOKOM, ABO (ABU), EASTERN BOKYI (EAST BOKI).  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi. 
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BOLE

[BOL] 100,000 (1990).  Bauchi State, Dukku, Alkaleri, and Darazo LGAs; Gombe State, Dukku LGA; Yobe State, Fika LGA; Plateau State, Wase LGA. Alternate names: BOLANCHI, AMPIKA, BORPIKA, BOLEWA, BOLAWA.  Dialects: BARA, FIKA (FIKANKAYEN, ANPIKA).  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole, Bole Proper. 
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BOZO, SOROGAMA

[BZE]   Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi states, Lake Kainji. Alternate names: SOROGAMA, COROGAMA, SORKO, SARKANCI, SARKAWA, JENAMA, NONONKE, 'BOSO'.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Western, Northwestern, Samogo, Soninke-Bobo, Soninke-Boso, Boso, Sorogama. 
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BU

[JID] 6,000 including 4,000 Bu and 2,000 Ninkada (1999 R. Blench).  Nasarawa State, Akwanga LGA, 4 villages. Alternate names: JIDA-ABU, JIDDA-ABU, JIDA, IBUT, NAKARE.  Dialects: BU (ABU), NINKADA (JIDA).  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. 
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BUDUMA

[BDM] 3,000 in Nigeria.  Borno State, on islands in Lake Chad. Alternate names: BOUDOUMA, YEDINA, YEDIMA, YIDANA.  Dialects: BUDUMA, KURI (KOURI, KAKAA).  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, B, B.1, Buduma. 
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BUKWEN

[BUZ]   Taraba State, near Takum, 1 village. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Beboid. 

BUMAJI

[BYP]   Cross River State, Obudu LGA, Bumaji town. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Cross River, Bendi. 

BURA-PABIR

[BUR] 250,000 (1987 UBS), including 200,000 Pabir (1993). 32,000 in Adamawa State (1992).  Borno State, Biu and Askira-Uba LGAs; Adamawa State, Gombi LGA. Alternate names: BURA, BURRA, BOURRAH, PABIR, BABIR, BABUR, BARBURR, MYA BURA, KWOJEFFA, HUVE, HUVIYA.  Dialects: PELA (BURA PELA, HILL BURA), HYIL HAWUL (BURA HYILHAWUL, PLAIN BURA).  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 1. 
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BURAK

[BYS] 4,000 (1992 Crozier and Blench).  Bauchi State, Billiri and Kaltungo LGAs, Burak town. Alternate names: BUURAK.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Adamawa, Waja-Jen, Jen. 
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BURE

[BVH]   Bauchi State, Darazo LGA, one village southeast of Darazo town. Alternate names: BUBURE.  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.2, Bole. 
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BURU

[BQW]   Taraba State, Sardauna LGA, east of Baissa, a village near Batu. Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Unclassified. 

BUSA

[BQP] 20,000 first language speakers, 20,000 second language users (1998 Ross Jones SIM).  Niger State, Borgu LGA, Kebbi State, Bagudo LGA, 35 villages. Alternate names: BISÃ, BISAYÃ, BUSA-BISÃ, BUSANO, BUSSANCHI.  Dialects: NEW BUSA, WAWA, ILLO.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Mande, Eastern, Eastern, Busa. 
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C'LELA

[DRI] 90,000 or more (1993 Dettweiler SIL).  Eastern Kebbi State, Zuru, Sakaba, and Donko-Wasagu LGAs; Niger State, Rijau LGA; and migrants farther south. Alternate names: LELA, LALAWA, C'LELA, KOLELA, CALA-CALA, CHILELA, CHILALA, DAKARKARI, DAKAKARI, DAKKARKARI.  Dialects: LILA (ZURU, SENCHI, SOUTHERN LELA), DABAI (CENTRAL LELA), RIBAH, ADOMA (AROMA, ROMA-NA, ROMA, YELMO, NORTHERN LELA).  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Duka. 
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CAKFEM-MUSHERE

[CKY] 5,000 (1990 SIL).  Plateau State, Mangu LGA. Alternate names: CHAKFEM, CHOKFEM.  Dialects: KADIM-KABAN, JAJURA.  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.3, Angas Proper, 1. 

CARA

[CFD] 3,000 or fewer (1999 R. Blench).  Plateau State, Bassa LGA, Teriya village. Alternate names: CHARA, FACHARA, NFACHARA, FAKARA, PAKARA, TERA, TERIYA, TERRI, TARIYA.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Central, North-Central. 
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CENTÚÚM

[CET] Small (1992 Crozier and Blench).  Bauchi State, Balanga LGA, Cham town, among the Dijim. Alternate names: CEN TUUM.  Classification: Unclassified. 
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CHE

[RUK] 50,000 (1973 SIL).  Plateau State, Bassa LGA. Alternate names: RUKUBA, KUCHE, BACHE, INCHAZI, SALE.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Southwestern, A. 
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CIBAK

[CKL] 100,000 (1993 CAPRO)).  Borno State, Damboa LGA. Alternate names: CHIBUK, CHIBOK, CHIBBAK, CHIBBUK, KYIBAKU, KIBBAKU, KIKUK.  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.2, 1. 
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CINDA-REGI-TIYAL

[KAU] 30,000 or more (1995 S. and S. Dettweiler).  Niger State, Chanchaga, Rafi, and Mariga LGAs; Kaduna State, Birnin Gwari LGA. Alternate names: KAMUKU.  Dialects: CINDA (UCINDA, JINDA, MAJINDA, TEGINA, MAKANGARA), REGI, TIYAL (TIYAR, KUKI).  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kamuku. 
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CINENI

[CIE] 3,000 or more (1998).  Borno State, Gwoza LGA, Cineni village. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.4, Mandara Proper, Glavda. 
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CISHINGINI

[ASG] 80,000 (1996).  Niger State, Borgu and Agwara LGAs, just west of the Niger River and north of the Kainji game park; and Kebbi State, east of the Niger River from the Yelwa area south to Ngaski and Nasko. Alternate names: ASHAGANNA, ASHINGINI, ASCHINGINI, CHISINGINI, 'MAUNCHI', 'MAWANCHI', KAMBARI, KAMBERRI, KAMBERCHI, YAURI, AGWARA KAMBARI.  Dialects: ROFIA.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Kainji, Western, Kambari. 
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CIWOGAI

[TGD] 2,000 (1995 CAPRO).  Bauchi State, Ganjuwa LGA, Tsagu village and farms in the vicinity. Near the Diri. Alternate names: TSAGU, SAGO.  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, B, B.2. 
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COMO KARIM

[CFG]   Taraba State, Jalingo, Karim Lamido LGAs, near Lau. Alternate names: CHOMO, SHOMONG, SHOMOH, NUADHU, SHOMO KARIM, KIRIM, KIYU, KINZIMBA, ASOM.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Benue, Jukunoid, Central, Jukun-Mbembe-Wurbo, Wurbo. 
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CORI

[CRY]   Kaduna State, Jema'a LGA, one village and associated hamlets. Alternate names: CHORI.  Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Platoid, Plateau, Western, Northwestern, Jaba. 

DABA

[DAB] 1,000 or fewer (1992 Crozier and Blench).  Adamawa State, Mubi LGA, between Mubi and Bahuli, 1 village. Alternate names: DABBA.  Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, Biu-Mandara, A, A.7. 
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