Shalom, Nigeria: A Jewish Culture Guide

SHALOM LIFE
By Sarah Bauder

According to their oral traditions, Igbo Jews first migrated to the region from Syria, Libya, and Portugal in the mid 8th century C.E.

NIGERIA---Although no official census has been undertaken, there are believed to be between 3000 to 30,000 Igbos practicing some form of Judaism in Nigeria. There are approximately 26 synagogues of various sizes located throughout the country. The historical documentation of Judaism in Nigeria (Africa’s most populous country) has caused much debate. There are ethnic groups within Nigeria, that for centuries have shared traditional practices with that of Judaism. The Igbos are the third largest ethnic group in the nation, comprising an estimated 20 to 50 million people. Within this group, there is a prevalent belief that the Igbos are descendants from the tribes of Israel. Igbo Jews in Nigeria, refer to themselves as “Benei-Yisrael”. [link]