Exploring Nigeria Genealogy: A Guide to Researching Your Nigerian Ancestor(s)

Key points and insights

The Exploring Nigerian Genealogy webinar, presented by Chukwudi Ewa as part of the African Diaspora Series, offers a rich, methodical guide for tracing Nigerian ancestry. Designed for descendants of Nigerians—whether in Nigeria or abroad—as well as professional genealogists and anyone discovering Nigerian roots through DNA testing, the session bridges cultural traditions with modern research techniques. Ewa highlights the influence of Nigeria’s complex history, diverse ethnic landscape, and oral heritage on genealogical research, providing viewers with both context and practical tools to uncover family stories. His unique perspective, shaped by both Nigerian heritage and Western genealogical training, ensures the presentation is culturally grounded yet methodologically robust.

Key Takeaways:

• Historical Context Matters: Understanding Nigeria’s pre-colonial kingdoms, the transatlantic slave trade, colonial administrative practices, and the Nigerian Civil War is critical for interpreting genealogical gaps and identifying surviving record types. Many valuable records reside in national archives, church registers, court documents, and colonial census data, with some accessible abroad in institutions like the British National Archives.

• Leverage Oral Traditions and Cultural Clues: Oral genealogy, naming conventions, totems, and family compounds remain vital resources for tracing lineage. Techniques such as respectful elder interviews, cultural greetings, and sensitivity to taboos can yield detailed family histories otherwise absent from written records. Surnames and given names often signal ethnic origin, birth order, and even historical events within a family’s past.

• Modern Tools and Growing Resources: DNA testing is emerging in Nigerian genealogy, with companies refining their ability to pinpoint specific tribes. Organizations like FamilySearch, Archivi.ng, and Nigerian Genealogy are digitizing records and preserving oral histories. Social media and professional networking sites can help connect researchers with local experts for on-the-ground support.

This webinar equips genealogists with actionable strategies for navigating Nigeria’s diverse cultural and historical landscape, offering both traditional and modern methods to connect with one’s heritage. Viewing the full presentation will provide in-depth explanations, case studies, and resource demonstrations that can transform a vague ancestral link into a meaningful, documented connection.

For those ready to take their Nigerian ancestry research further, the included syllabus offers curated resources, contact strategies, and repository listings—an invaluable toolkit for both beginners and experienced researchers seeking to deepen their understanding and uncover the rich stories of their Nigerian lineage.