Are you searching for the perfect gift from Nigeria? Perhaps you’re a tourist looking for authentic keepsakes, a proud Nigerian in the diaspora missing a piece of home, or you’re right here in Lagos, searching for that unique item for a wedding, birthday, or corporate event. Nigeria is a treasure trove of culture, art, and flavor, and finding a gift that truly captures its essence is a rewarding experience. We have made it our mission to curate a fantastic gift items list and make it accessible to you, wherever you are. We hope this list has inspired you! The beauty of Nigerian gifts lies in their stories, craftsmanship, and the vibrant culture they represent.
With more than 250 ethnic groups, Nigeria is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Africa. But in spite of globalization, there are still some things that can only be found within its borders. Below are some unique gifts and souvenirs to consider buying from Nigeria.
When visiting 9ja, pick up compact keepsakes (magnets, keyrings), spices, an Ankara piece, or a small wood carving. Bring back non-perishable foods, textiles, small art pieces, and beauty products.
What to Buy in Nigeria
Many items on this list are locally made: Ankara, Adire, Aso Oke, beaded jewelry, leather sandals, shea butter, Ofada rice, suya spice, wood carvings, raffia baskets, local soaps, Kilishi, chin chin, talking drums, and more.
If you’re shopping remotely, prioritize well-packaged food & spice sets, Ankara clothing, shea butter, and handmade leather goods - these travel and ship well.
Read also: Authentic South African Gifts
Local Art
Nigerian art is as diverse as its culture, ranging from traditional sculptures and woodwork to stunning metalwork and brilliant canvas art. It is also home to internationally acclaimed artists like Ben Enwonwu and Njideka Akunyili Crosby. Taking a piece of this creative spirit with you is a great way to remember your time here. You can purchase art from local galleries.
Local Fabric
Nigeria’s indigenous culture shines through its textiles. The southwestern states are known for Adire (tie-dyed fabric) and Aso Oke (handwoven fabric). In the southeast, Akwete fabric, another handwoven textile is a speciality. Purchase these fabrics to appreciate the culture, and consider having a local tailor sew them into a style that suits you.
Aso Oke/Aso Ofi is a hand-woven material made in the southwestern part of Nigeria by the Yoruba, the name translates as ‘top cloth’. There are three major types, the Alaari (deep red), Sanyan (light brown) and Etu (dark blue/purple). This specially made cloth is pretty expensive and is worn on special occasions like weddings, funeral and chieftaincy installation ceremonies.
Adire is an indigo dyed cloth produced by the Yoruba women of southwestern Nigeria, particularly those from Abeokuta. The three basic resist techniques used to dye the cloth are Oniko (tying raffia around small pebbles to produce white rings), Alabere (stitching raffia onto a fabric in a particular pattern) and Eleko (covering the cloth in cassava paste before dyeing).
Ogogoro
Ogogoro is a local gin traditionally made from the sap of palm trees, popular in the southern region of Nigeria. It has a distinct flavour that’s smooth yet fiery. Brands like Pedro’s package this gin in stylish bottles. It’s an excellent gift for a spirits enthusiast.
Read also: The Rise of Nigerian Basketball
Kilishi and Dambu Nama
If you’re a foodie, don’t leave Nigeria without Kilishi and Dambu Nama. Kilishi is a thinly sliced, marinated, and sun-dried beef jerky, while Dambu Nama is shredded beef, lightly spiced and soft. Authentic versions are best sourced from markets in the North and North Central.
Flag, Magnets, and Other Memorabilia
No trip is complete without a keepsake like a Nigerian flag, keychains, or fridge magnets. So, grab a couple.
Raffia Items
Raffia is a natural fibre acquired from palm leaves, woven into gorgeous crafts such as baskets, bags, mats, hats, and more. These items are eco-friendly, durable, and make thoughtful gifts. Popular markets like Lekki Craft Market in Lagos or local artisan shops across the country are great places to find these treasures.
Nigerian Snacks
For snack lovers, Nigeria has a variety of treats. Chin Chin is a crunchy fried snack made from dough mixed with sugar, milk, and butter, then cut into small squares or strips. It has a sweet, buttery taste and is perfect for tea time or on-the-go munching. Plantain chips are another favourite, made by slicing unripe or ripe plantains thinly and frying them until crispy. These snacks can be found in almost every grocery store or roadside stall.
Nigerian Fashion
Nigeria is home to world-class fashion designers whose creations have been worn by global icons like Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. From high-end suits by Mai Atafo and glamorous evening gowns by Veekee James to traditional-inspired haute couture by Ugo Monye and vibrant, colourful pieces from Dye Lab, there’s something for everyone.
Read also: Nigeria's Thriving Music
Shea Butter
Shea butter, derived from the nuts of the shea tree, is a natural moisturiser known for its healing properties. It can be bought raw or packaged.
Other Unique Items
- Wara: Made from cow milk, wara is a delicious cheese curd that is produced mostly in the small town of Wara, in Kwara.
- Nigerian Movies: Rated as the second biggest film industry in the world, the Nigerian Film Industry - aka Nollywood - is a staple of Africans and people in the diaspora.
- Udara/Agbalumo: Known as Udara amongst the Igbo people of the southeast and Agbalumo by the Yoruba people of the southwest, the African Cherry is not only delicious with a distinctive silky texture, it also has various nutritional benefits.
- Nigerian Jollof Rice: To get a taste of the best locally made Nigerian Jollof rice, one would have to be in Nigeria.
- Suya/Moinmoin: Suya and moinmoin are Nigerian street foods. While suya is barbecued beef (or chicken), seasoned with specially prepared ingredients, moinmoin is garnished beanpaste steamed in thaumatococcus danieli leaves.
- Nigerian Music: From hip-hop club bangers to the soothing notes of the goje, the Nigerian music industry is also one of the major exports.
- Sculptures: Spread across the various ethnic groups in Nigeria are various local artists creating sculptures that are unique to their ethnic lines.
- Udu: Both a water jug and musical instrument, the Udu is made from baked clay by the women from the southeast of Nigeria.
- Hausa Leather Goods: Traditional hand-stitched leather pouffes, slippers, bags and so much more, can be bought from the northern part of the country.
- Aran: A velvet cloth with silky texture, usually worn in accompaniment to Aso-Oke, it comes in various colours of rich reds, purples and browns.
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Follow Me To Souvenir Market In Lagos, Nigeria
Shopping Online
Looking for what are 20 things made in Nigeria? Lagos is a bustling hub of commerce and creativity. While you can brave the vibrant chaos of markets like Balogun or Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, it can be time-consuming. For a curated and stress-free experience, finding the perfect gift items in Nigeria is easiest right here with us.
What to Buy in Nigeria Online?
Why navigate traffic when you can have the best of Nigeria delivered to your doorstep?
Testimonial:
"The few times I've had my heart swell with the African pride! Receiving my items was one of them! Souvenirs properly crafted. I got a backpack, it's meant to be a gift for my British friend but the moment I saw it I regretted not getting one for myself. I love everything including customer service. Prompt response, rapid delivery and all. I couldn't believe that I was transacting with a Nigerian shop. Wow. Keep up the good work."
"I really enjoyed the service from the contact person. There were some delays in responses at some points, but the person was courteous enough to apologize and also attend to the issue raised. Lastly, what I ordered for is what I got.
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