Beyond Borders: Confronting Tribalism in Nigeria with Courage and Compassion

A Diaspora Perspective on Ethnic Bias, National Unity, and the Urgent Need for Cultural Reckoning

Unsplash [Photo by Salem Ochidi]

Tribalism is one of Nigeria’s most enduring challenges—quietly shaping relationships, institutions, and opportunities across generations. While many Nigerians in the diaspora speak passionately about the racism they face in the United States and other parts of the world, we must also confront the prejudice that persists within our own communities (our own backyard). Tribalism, though rooted in ethnic identity rather than race, operates on the same principles: exclusion, bias, and systemic inequality.

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges Across Tribes

More than fifty years ago, my parents made a decision that went against the tribal norms of their era. My mother, an Igbo woman from the East, and my father, a Yoruba man from the West, met in the United States while they were both studying and working, and they fell in love. But their union was not welcomed—particularly by her side of the family. The opposition stemmed not from character or compatibility, but from tribal differences and stereotypes associated with men from my father's tribe.

Despite years of resistance, my parents chose love over division, building a family that quietly defied the tribal norms of their time. Their story, while deeply personal, is far from unique. Across Nigeria, many inter-ethnic couples have faced similar opposition—proof that tribal boundaries continue to shape perceptions and relationships. Even today, I have relatives on both sides of my family who are married to partners from different ethnic groups. Yet, the lingering influence of tribalism remains evident. It still affects who we marry, who we vote for, who we trust, and—perhaps most painfully—who we exclude. The stigma may have softened in some circles, but its presence continues to shape our choices in ways we often overlook.

Tribalism in Every Corner of Society

Tribalism is not just a relic of the past—it is alive and well in modern Nigeria. It manifests in:

• Politics: Ethnic loyalty often trumps national interest, leading to regional favoritism and skewed governance.

• Employment: Job opportunities are frequently influenced by tribal affiliations, undermining meritocracy.

• Churches and Mosques: Even places of worship are not immune, with ethnic divisions subtly shaping leadership and community dynamics.

• Education and Public Services: Access and representation are often unevenly distributed along tribal lines.

In a 1966 article on JSTOR, Nigerian sociologist Akiwowo noted that tribalism in Nigeria frequently acts as an ideological tool to legitimize exclusive power access. More recently, in a 2024 article titled "Ethnicity and Tribalism on National Integration in Nigeria" published in the Icheke Journal, Omerede and Oladejo highlighted that tribalism diverts the youth from developmental progress and hinders Nigeria from achieving its deserved status globally.

Tribalism and Racism: A Shared DNA

Many Nigerians living abroad rightly speak out against the racism and prejudice they encounter. Yet, it’s equally important to reflect on whether we perpetuate similar exclusionary practices within our own communities. In his 2023 article “Racism Across the World: Tribalism in Africa,” Daniel Abusuampeh describes tribalism as “a modern reflection of systemic discrimination within racially homogenous societies.” Like racism, tribalism often hinges on perceived differences to justify unequal treatment and reinforce power structures. It functions as a form of social stratification, echoing the racial divides seen in other parts of the world. That said, this is not to suggest that tribalism and racism are identical in nature or impact.

Racism carries its own distinct and deeply rooted history of violence, oppression, and global injustice. Our aim is not to equate the two, but rather to acknowledge that tribalism shares certain mechanisms of exclusion—and that recognizing these parallels can help us confront the biases we may overlook in our own cultural context.

Unsplash [Photo by Leandro V.]

A Call to Courage and Compassion

Healing tribalism requires more than policy—it demands a cultural and spiritual shift. We must:

• Educate ourselves and others about the dangers of tribal bias.

• Encourage inter-ethnic dialogue and celebrate diversity within our communities.

• Model unity in our families, churches, and institutions.

• Challenge exclusionary practices, even when they are culturally normalized.

• Lead with love, as my parents did, choosing connection over division.

Their story is a legacy of courage and compassion—a reminder that unity is possible, but only if we’re willing to confront the divides we’ve normalized.

Reclaiming Our Narrative

To my fellow Nigerians both at home and abroad...

We have the opportunity—not just abroad, but at home—to be champions of justice, dignity, and unity. Building a Nigeria that honors the worth of every individual means courageously addressing tribalism with the same intentionality we bring to confronting racism and other systemic barriers.

Let us be the generation that chooses healing over hostility, bridges over boundaries, and compassion over convenience. By embracing our shared humanity and celebrating our diverse heritage, we can create a culture where inclusion is not just an ideal, but a lived reality.

When we speak out against racism, let us also rise to the challenge of tribalism—not to compare struggles, but to recognize that both call us to lead with empathy, humility, and a commitment to understanding. The work begins with us, and the legacy we leave can be one of reconciliation, resilience, and radical love.

“True unity is not the absence of difference, but the presence of understanding. When we choose compassion over division, we build a legacy that outlives prejudice.”

Thank you for reading!