There’s something uniquely magical about being Nigerian — a vibrant mix of hustle, humour, and heart. Beyond our official laws and customs, there exists a whole set of unwritten rules that everyone here knows deep down and strictly follows. These aren’t written in any constitution or school syllabus, yet they govern everyday life with the force of a presidential decree. Let’s take a light-hearted but honest look at these unspoken codes of conduct that make Nigerians, well… Nigerians.
Rule 1: Never Admit You’re Lost — Even When You Are
Ask for directions? Not quite. Instead, we prefer the art of confident navigation, peppered with phrases like “I sabi this place well,” even if the GPS just gave up on you. Asking for directions might feel like admitting defeat, so we instead rely on sheer determination and the occasional “abeg, I dey find my way” from a friendly neighbour.
Rule 2: Always Have a Story to Tell
No matter how ordinary the day, Nigerians can turn it into a saga worthy of Netflix. Whether it’s “that one time in Lagos traffic” or “the omo market wahala,” storytelling is an essential survival skill. Facts might be flexible, but entertainment is guaranteed.
Rule 3: Make Time Elastic
Punctuality is a suggestion, not a rule. “African time” is a reality — meetings start when people arrive, which might be 30 minutes late or more. We somehow turn lateness into a cultural phenomenon that even foreigners learn to accept.
Rule 4: Politeness is in the Tone, Not Just the Words
A simple “How far?” or “How you dey?” isn’t just a greeting; it’s a ritual. Even when life feels tough, we greet each other with a warmth that’s almost contagious. Ignoring these greetings is unthinkable — it’s like breaking the social contract.
Rule 5: Food is Love — And Never Share Your Portion
Sharing is caring, except when it comes to food. Nigerian food is a treasure, and keeping your portion safe from ‘small small’ nibblers is key. A plate of jollof or suya is a personal sanctuary. Inviting someone to share is a sign of true friendship — but be warned, it’s a rare gesture.
Rule 6: Naira Talks — Bargaining is an Olympic Sport
Whether at the local market or a roadside vendor, bargaining isn’t just expected, it’s mandatory. Walking away without haggling is akin to giving away free money. Nigerians love the thrill of the deal — it’s part business, part sport, and pure fun.
Rule 7: Your Phone Battery Must Be a National Resource
No Nigerian leaves home without a power bank or extra charger. With constant WhatsApp groups, calls, and social media updates, battery life is precious. Watching someone’s phone die without backup is a social tragedy.
Rule 8: Celebrate Every Occasion Loudly
Weddings, birthdays, graduations, even a new haircut — Nigerians find reasons to party like there’s no tomorrow. The louder, the better. If there’s no party, is it even a celebration?
Rule 9: Family is Everything — And Everyone’s Business
Your family matters, and their business matters to everyone else. Cousins, uncles, distant relations — they all have a stake in your life. Expect plenty of unsolicited advice, visits, and questions about “when you will marry” or “get a better job.”
Rule 10: Keep Hope Alive — No Matter What
Above all, Nigerians are incredibly resilient. No matter the hardship, the traffic, the power outage, or the delays, we keep pushing forward with a smile and a prayer. This unshakeable optimism is the heart of what it means to be Nigerian.
These unwritten rules may not be in any official book, but they bind us all together. They are the invisible threads in the colourful fabric of Nigerian life. We laugh about them, live by them, and pass them on. So next time you find yourself stuck in Lagos traffic or invited to a loud, joyous party, remember: you’re part of a special club — the club of Nigerians who know these rules well.
And if you don’t know, just ask. But be ready for a story that will keep you entertained long after you’ve reached your destination.
Welcome to Nigeria — where the rules aren’t written, but everyone obeys.
