Culture is the essence of a people, the foundation upon which their values, beliefs, and way of life are built.
Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage is facing a threat from the influence of Western culture, which has shaped various aspects of Nigerian society. Western cultures have become intertwined with Nigeria’s customs, raising concerns about the loss of cultural identity.
This article explores the impact of Western culture on Nigerian traditions, talking about both the negative and positive influence.
Table of Contents
Westernisation of the Nigerian Culture
Western culture has significantly influenced the Nigerian culture, especially through media, fashion, education, and language. As globalisation intensifies, many Nigerians—particularly the youth—gravitate towards Western lifestyles, often at the expense of traditional customs and values.
This shift is evident in the growing preference for Western clothing over traditional attire, the adoption of foreign accents, and the dominance of English in social and professional settings. Even entertainment and celebrations are increasingly shaped by Western norms, sometimes overshadowing indigenous music, dance, and festivals.
This growing influence has led to concerns about the gradual erosion of Nigerian cultural identity. As younger generations embrace Western ideals, traditional practices, languages, and communal values risk fading into obscurity. While cultural exchange can foster growth and innovation, the unbalanced adoption of Western culture may result in a loss of heritage, weakening the sense of belonging and pride tied to one’s roots.
The Western Culture has impacted the Nigerian culture in many ways, some includes:
Language and Communication
English is Nigeria’s official language, leading to a decrease in the learning of our various indigenous languages. This decline, threatens cultural identity, as language is a means of sharing traditions and histories.
English, though Nigeria’s official language, has taken precedence over native languages. Children are increasingly unable to speak or understand their mother tongues, cutting them off from cultural heritage, folklore, and the wisdom embedded in indigenous languages.
Fashion, Food and Lifestyle
Traditional Nigerian attire, such as Iro, Isi, Agu, Buba, once a major feature of ethnic identity, has given way to Western clothing styles in everyday life. Indigenous fashion are now reserved for ceremonial occasions, showing a trend that Western attires are favoured over traditional ones.
Local dishes are gradually being replaced by fast food and imported cuisines, contributing to the decline in culinary traditions. Likewise, communal living and extended family values are being replaced by individualistic lifestyles commonly seen in the West.
Music and Entertainment
Nigeria’s entertainment industry, particularly in music and film, has been greatly influenced by Western styles, with many artists mixing Western trends and techniques, shifting cultural expressions and identities. Television, music, and social media are key channels through which Western culture enters Nigerian society. Many Nigerians now idolize Western celebrities and adopt their mannerisms, speech, and dress. This often leads to the perception that local culture is less appealing or inferior.
Education and Knowledge Systems
Western-style education has taken over in Nigeria, which is helping the country develop, but also ignoring the country’s traditional ways of knowing and learning.
Not All Influence Is Negative
While there are negative aspects, Western influence has also introduced positive changes—such as increased access to education, new technologies, and progressive views on gender roles. The challenge lies in achieving a healthy balance between embracing modernity and preserving cultural heritage.
Final Thoughts
Nigeria’s cultural identity is not completely lost, but rather it is evolving, being blended with Western influences, and efforts are needed to preserve its rich heritage. To do this, Nigerians can promote indigenous languages, traditional attire, and local arts, while also balancing Western education with traditional knowledge and values. With effort, Nigeria can keep it’s unique identity while still benefiting from the Western world.
To preserve Nigerian identity, there is a need to promote cultural education, support local industries, and encourage pride in indigenous traditions alongside the benefits of global connectivity.
Read more: Nigerian Dress Culture As A Tool Of Communication
