which tribe has the highest population in nigeria
Demographics of Nigeria Approximately 50% of Nigerians are urban dwellers, with the rate of urbanization being estimated at 4.3%.[2] Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups, with over 500 languages,[2] and the variety of customs, and traditions among them gives the country great cultural diversity. The three largest ethnic groups are the Hausa/Fulani 29% of the population; along with the Yoruba 21% and Igbo 19%.[2] The Efik, Ibibio, Annang, and Ijaw constitute other Southeastern populations. The Urhobo-Isoko, Edo and Itsekiri constitute Nigerian's Midwest with the Urhobo standing out as the majority[citation needed].
Abuja The indigenous inhabitants of Abuja are the Gbagyi (Gwari) as the major language, Bassa, Gwandara, Gade, Ganagana, Koro etc. In light of the ethnic and religious divisions of Nigeria, plans had been devised since Nigeria's independence to have its capital in a place deemed neutral to all major ethnic parties, and also in close proximity to all the regions of Nigeria. The location was eventually designated in the centre of the country in the early 1970s as it signified neutrality and national unity. Another impetus for Abuja came because of Lagos' population boom that made that city overcrowded and conditions squalid. As Lagos was already undergoing rapid economic development, the Nigerian regime felt the need to expand the economy towards the inner part of the country, and hence decided to move its capital to Abuja.[11] The logic used was similar to the way Brazil planned its capital, Brasília. The decision to move to Abuja was made by General Murtala Mohammed in 1976.[12] Construction started in the late 1970s but, due to economic and political instability, the initial stages of the city were not complete until the late 1980s.