Nigeria is a signatory to the UNESCO 2003 Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and very active in the implementation of the 2003 Convention.

Within the Operational Mechanism of the ICH Convention with the sole aim of Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in general, Nigeria has been able to inscribe seven (7) Cultural elements on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, namely:

The Oral Heritage of Gelede is a cultural practice recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. It is shared by communities in Benin, Togo, and Nigeria. Gelede combines rituals, dances, and performances to honor the power and wisdom of women, especially elderly women, who are considered vital to community welfare. The ceremonies feature elaborate masks and vibrant costumes, celebrating themes of fertility, social harmony, and cultural continuity. This tradition emphasizes the importance of oral transmission and community participation in preserving cultural identity across generations. In Nigeria, it is prevalent among the Yorubas in Ogun, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti States of Nigeria. It is observed around March and May, but usually coincides with the period leading up to the start of the rainy season.

The Ifa Divination System is a traditional Yoruba spiritual practice recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece and incorporated on the Representative List of Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2008. It involves a complex system of divination that uses an extensive corpus of oral literature known as Odu Ifa, which consists of hundreds of verses. The divination is performed by a priest, known as a Babalawo, who interprets the will of the gods through the casting of sacred palm nuts or a divination chain. Geographically, the Ifa Divination System is practiced primarily in southwestern Nigeria, particularly in states like Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, and Lagos. It is central to the Yoruba religion and plays a significant role in guiding personal and communal decisions.  

An Ifa Priest conducting ifa Divination (c) Wande Abimbola

The Ijele Masquerade is a grand cultural tradition of the Igbo people, inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. Ijele is the largest masquerade in Africa, towering up to 15 feet tall, and is considered the king of all masquerades. It is a vibrant and elaborate performance that includes music, dance, and dramatization, representing social values, historical events, and spiritual beliefs. The Ijele is usually displayed during major festivals, funerals of important figures, and other significant communal events. Geographically, the Ijele Masquerade is primarily found in the southeastern region of Nigeria, particularly among the Igbo communities in Anambra State. It is also observed in parts of Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi States, where it plays a central role in the cultural and spiritual life of the people.

Ijele Masquerade performance during Abuja Carnival (c) E. A. Odekanyin

The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival is a vibrant and historic event in Nigeria, recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival, which dates back over 80 years, is celebrated annually in Argungu, a town in Kebbi State, northwestern Nigeria. The highlight of the festival is the fishing competition in the Mata Fadan River, where thousands of fishermen using only traditional tools, such as large fishnets and gourds, compete to catch the biggest fish.

In addition to the fishing competition, the festival includes cultural displays such as traditional music, dance, wrestling, and other local sports, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. The Argungu Festival usually takes place in February or March and lasts for four days, attracting participants and spectators from across Nigeria and beyond. It serves as a symbol of peace and unity, originally established to mark the end of centuries-old hostilities between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom.

Fishing Competition during the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival (c) Adeniyi Olagunju

The Kwagh-Hir Theatrical Performance is a dynamic and immersive cultural tradition of the Tiv people in Nigeria, inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019. This theatrical performance is a blend of puppetry, masquerade, music, dance, and storytelling, bringing to life the rich oral traditions and folklore of the Tiv. The performances often address social issues, historical events, and moral lessons, offering both entertainment and education to the community. Geographically, Kwagh-Hir is primarily found in Benue State, located in the central region of Nigeria, where the Tiv people predominantly reside. The social and cultural significance of Kwagh-Hir lies in its role as a medium for preserving and transmitting the history, beliefs, and values of the Tiv people. It also serves as a communal event that fosters unity, identity, and continuity of cultural practices across generations. The performances are typically held during festivals, celebrations, and important social gatherings.

Kwagh-Hir Puppetry Theatre Performance (c) Kwagh-Hir Performing Association

The Sango Festival, also known as the World Sango Festival, is a vibrant cultural and religious event celebrated in Oyo, Nigeria. Inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2023, this festival honors Sango, the deified third Alaafin (king) of the ancient Oyo Empire and the god of thunder and lightning in the Yoruba pantheon. The festival holds in August to usher in the Yoruba traditional New Year. It is a grand display of Yoruba culture, featuring traditional music, dance, rituals, and performances that invoke the spirit of Sango, known for his power and justice. The Sango Festival takes place in southwestern Nigeria, but sprang from Oyo, which was once the heart of the powerful Oyo Empire. The festival holds significant social and cultural importance as it serves to preserve the rich heritage of the Yoruba people, reinforce their religious beliefs, and unite the community in celebration. It is also a time for devotees and visitors from around the world to pay homage to Sango, seeking his blessings and protection. The festival is not only a religious observance but also a cultural showcase that strengthens the identity and continuity of Yoruba traditions.

Sango being entertained by the Queen at the Aafin during the Grand final of Sango Festival (c) Niyi Odekanyin, Nigeria, 2021

The Midwifery: Knowledge, Skills, and Practices is a cultural heritage inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2003, highlighting the orthodox, traditional and indigenous knowledge systems surrounding childbirth and maternal care. This heritage encompasses the methods, skills, and practices passed down through generations that are used by midwives to assist in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. It includes techniques for ensuring the health and safety of both mother and child, often incorporating herbal medicine, spiritual practices, and community-based support. In Nigeria, traditional midwifery is deeply rooted in various ethnic communities, where midwives play a crucial role in maternal and child health, especially in rural areas. The traditional midwifery is juxtaposed with about Three Hundred and Sixty Thousand (360,000) strong National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), a very vibrant association of orthodox trained midwives and nurses that approach motherhood, pregnancy and birth care in a western way.

In regions where access to modern healthcare may be limited, traditional midwives is essential in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. Nigeria has a rich tradition of midwifery, with practices varying among different ethnic groups, such as the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa-Fulani, each with their unique approaches to childbirth and maternal care. Traditional midwifery in Nigeria also reflects the cultural beliefs and values surrounding fertility, childbirth, and the role of women in society, making it an integral part of the social fabric.