* GOT A TIP?
* NEWSLETTERS
* SUBSCRIBE
Search
# 10 Things You’d Never See a Nigerian Do
Being a Nigerian is not just about the things we do but the things we don’t.
BY Henry-Damian Justice
May 19, 2024
1:33 am
Jollof Rice - Courtesy Bloomberg
From timekeeping to culinary traditions, some things are quintessentially Nigerian, while others, well, simply aren’t.
Here, we explore a list of activities the Nigerian DNA is hardwired to avoid.
**Arrive on Time**
It’s not that we can’t be punctual. We just work with African time. If an event starts at 2:00 pm in Nigeria, and you arrive at the scheduled time, best be sure that you’ll join the organizers in arranging the chairs.
Also, if a Nigerian says he’s “on the road” and “almost there,” be not deceived. He’s still in the bathroom!
Again, don’t blame us, blame the game: “African time”
**Mind Our business**
You might never notice this until you jand and notice that your next-door neighbors do not so much as greet you.
In our beloved country, unsolicited advice from strangers is common. A passerby might condemn the way you hold your baby or drink water.
It’s not in any way a terrible thing. If anything, it speaks to a culture where everyone takes an interest in communal well-being. The African brotherhood spirit never disappoints, especially in moments of danger or suspicion.
**Shy Away From Bargaining**
Paying the first price is often seen as a newcomer mistake. A Nigerian always negotiates no matter how inexpensive the price may be.
Watch a Nigerian mother at work, and you’ll see masterful negotiation. 10,000? Why not start from the lowest price point of 1,000? At times you’d almost pity the seller.
If you negotiate and the seller doesn’t resist, you’ve been cheated!
**Wait in Line**
Queuing was never a Nigerian’s forte. If you have never jumped a queue, check yourself, you might be Sudanese or a different nationality but not Nigerian.
From bus queues to NIN registration, a rowdy queue is Nigerian.
**Keep Quiet in Traffic**
Silence is a rare companion in a typical Nigerian traffic jam, especially in a city like Lagos where traffic can last for hours.
It’s often said that someone fasting should not ply Lagos roads as you stand the chance of “changing it” for someone.
**Miss Christmas Rice**
There’s an unspoken rule in Nigerian households: There’s no Christmas without rice.
Rice on Christmas is a sacrosanct tradition. In anything that you want to cook on the lord’s birthday, just make sure some *orisa sativa* is included.
!
**Say No to Owambe**
If you want to kidnap a Nigerian, drop an “Owambe” (party) invitation. He’ll be there no matter what.
Owambe is not just a party. It’s a tradition clad in colors, food, and dance that any sane Nigerian would not dodge.
**Exploring**
This includes any unnecessary activity that may remotely put your life in danger such as cave exploring, mountain climbing, tightrope walking, skydiving, and all those “white people sh\*t.”
It’s then your village people would renew your subscription.
**Cook Without Pepper**
Pepper is a non-negotiable component of the Nigerian kitchen and the absence of it in a dish is a culinary offense.
Sometimes you can tell which ethnic group a Nigerian belongs just by the pepper content of their food.
**Eat Plain Beans**
Garri or bread is to beans what Pizza is to Americans (you get the gist).
It’s either beans and something or no beans at all. Beans cannot stand alone. Never!
##### ADVERTISEMENT
#### ESSENTIAL READS
[* Fashion, Lifestyle
* May 19, 2024
### Mudiaga Enajemo and His Threads of Legacy
[* Lifestyle, World Records
### The Pursuit of a Guinness World Record: Triumphs and Pitfalls
[* Lifestyle
* January 5, 2024
### 2024: Reasons To Be Alive!
#### COMMENTS
### 1 thought on “10 Things You’d Never See a Nigerian Do”
1. !
   **Iyinoluwa** 
   Nigerians are such wonderful people and so alike in many ways no matter your ethnic orientation. Great article that explores our uniqueness
### Leave a Reply 
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked \*
Comment \*
Name\*
Email\*
Website
 Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Δ
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. .
#### The Nollywood Reporter
* Advertise
* Weekly Newletters
* Contact Us
* Accessibility
#### Legal
* Terms of Use
* Calfornia Privacy Rights
* AdChoices
* Do Not Sell My Personal Information
#### Follow us
#### Have a Tip?
Send us a tip using our anonymous form.
SEND US A TIP
#### Newsletter Sign Up
Email
Send
The Nollywood Reporter (ISSN 2833-0102) is a publication of Rhythm Media Group, LLC. © 2022 – 2024. All Rights Reserved. The digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from The Nollywood Reporter.
©2023 The Nollywood Reporter. All rights reserved. The digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from The Nollywood Reporter.
error: TNR Content is protected !!
 Search
#### NEWS
* Latest News
* Culture & Politics
* Tech & Digital
* Music
* LA/Local
* Sustainability
#### FILM
* News
* Features
* Reviews
* Box Office
* Heat Vision
#### TV
* Ratings
* Live Feed
* The Fien Print
* TV's Top 5 Podcast
#### THEATER
#### LIFESTYLE
* Style
* Shopping
* Arts
* Real Estate
* Rambling Reporter
#### BUSINESS
* Features & Columns
* Representation
* THR, ESQ
#### INTERNATIONAL
* International News
* Video
* Podcasts
* Featured Voices
#### OTHER ESSENTIALS
* Fan Picks
* Listicles
* Weekly Newsletters
#### FOLLOW US
#### Alerts & Newsletters
* About Us
* Careers
© Rhythm Media Group LLC 2022
# The Pursuit of a Guinness World Record: Triumphs and Pitfalls
Embarking on a quest for a Guinness World Record is no small feat.
BY Praise Oguntan
1:02 am
Chef Hilda Baci
The Guinness World Records (GWR) is a reference book that lists world records of human achievements and the extremes of the natural world. It’s published annually and covers a wide range of categories, from the tallest buildings to the fastest marathon runners.
Breaking this record is a highly coveted achievement, and a few notable Nigerians have been able to achieve this, making their marks on the world stage.
Kafayat Shafau Ameh a.k.a Kaffy
Breaking a GWR is a highly coveted achievement, exemplified by notable Nigerians who’ve etched their names in history. In 2006, Kafayat Shafau-Ameh, famously known as ‘Kaffy,’ danced her way into the record books with a marathon dance session lasting 52 hours and 3 minutes. Similarly, in 2017, Oluwafemi “Femi” Kuti held a saxophone note for an astounding 51 minutes and 35 seconds.
Recently, Nigeria’s Chef Hilda Baci gained acclaim by cooking continuously for an impressive 93 hours and 11 minutes, and Nigerian chess expert and founder of “Chess in Slums Africa,” Tunde Onakoya, embarked on and clinched a record for a 58 hours of non-stop chess marathon!
Tunde Onakoya
However, despite the allure of GWR glory, several individuals have faced disqualification for  violations. Understanding these common pitfalls is paramount, and you know, you just might need it someday!
**Inadequate documentation**
Guinness World Records mandates comprehensive evidence to authenticate a record attempt. This encompasses witness testimonies, video recordings, and additional documentation. Inadequate evidence provision may lead to disqualification.
**Unsuitable Environment**
The attempt must occur in a conducive environment that meets the necessary hygiene and safety standards. For instance, a cooking record must take place in a certified kitchen with appropriate equipment and sanitation measures.
**Lack of Proper Witnesses**
Guinness World Records mandates the presence of impartial witnesses to validate the authenticity of the attempt. If there is a lack of witnesses or if they are deemed partial, the attempt may face disqualification.
Tunde Onakoya – 58 Hours of non-stop chess – Guiness world records
**Timing and measurement discrepancies**
Discrepancies in this area have led many candidates to lose their chances at this prestigious award. GWR prioritizes precise timing, which is evident in cases like Nigerian Chef Dammy’s disqualification in 2023.
**Employment of illegal or unauthorized methods**
Guinness World Record attempts must adhere to ethical standards, prohibiting cheating, result manipulation, or the use of banned methods. This encompasses the prohibition of performance-enhancing drugs or mechanical aids in athletic records. Any such infractions will result in disqualification.
Avoiding these pitfalls is essential for a successful GWR attempt, and TNR salutes Tunde Onakoya!
[* Ethos, Lifestyle
### 10 Things You’d Never See a Nigerian Do