Learn Nigerian Pidgin 101: The Ultimate Guide from "Person Way Sabi"

My Naija Pidgin Journey

"I no fit lie for you aje, I too gbadu pidgin, and Oyibo sef come dey like am die"

Hey there! My name is Simon Zaku, and I’m here to guide you on a journey through the fascinating world of Nigerian Pidgin, also fondly called “Broken” or “Naija.”

I was born and raised in Jalingo, Taraba State, a melting pot of cultures.

Over the years, my travels across Nigeria - from the North to the West - exposed me to a rich tapestry of languages and dialects, including Pidgin, English, and Hausa.

From Ibi to Wukari, Dampar to Bauchi, and even down to Lagos and Osun States, I’ve encountered diverse flavors of Pidgin.

"You get the jeck"

Each region adds its spice to the language.

And yes, having friends who went to military school added an exciting twist to my understanding of Pidgin slang like “Amof rubbish” (military lingo for “nonsense”).

This guide isn’t just for Nigerians; it’s for actors, artists, and anyone who wants to master this vibrant language authentically.

Let’s dive in.

A Brief History of Nigerian Pidgin

Nigerian Pidgin is more than just a dialect—it’s a culture.

Born out of necessity during the Atlantic slave trade in the late 17th century, it served as a bridge between British colonists and African communities.

Today, it thrives as a lingua franca, spoken by over 120 million Nigerians as a first or second language.

While variations exist across West Africa (Benin, Ghana, Cameroon), Pidgin has evolved into a uniquely Nigerian identity.

Google recognized its cultural significance with a Pidgin search interface in 2011, and in 2017, BBC News launched its Pidgin service to connect with global audiences.

Popular Pidgin Slangs and Their Meanings

Let’s explore some everyday Pidgin words and phrases you’ll love:

Abeg – Please.

Example: Abeg free me! (Please leave me alone!)

Oga – Boss or mentor.

Example: Na my oga wey send me come. (My boss sent me here.)

Una – You all.

Example: Una don chop? (Have you all eaten?)

Wetin – What.

Example: Wetin dey happen? (What’s happening?)

Sabi – Know.

Example: I sabi the guy. (I know the guy.)

Pidgin Dialects Across Nigeria

Pidgin isn’t a one-size-fits-all language. It transforms depending on where you are:

Niger Delta (Warri, Sapele, Port Harcourt): Known for its rhythmic and vibrant tones.

Example: How far now? (What’s up?)

Lagos/Ajegunle: Influenced by Yoruba with slangs like Ṣebi (right?).

Onitsha/Benin City: Borrowed words from Igbo and Bini languages.

North (Kano, Kaduna): Limited Pidgin, but Hausa phrases often mix in.

Each region brings its unique twist, making Pidgin a dynamic and evolving language.

Why You Should Learn Pidgin

Actors, artists, and even podcasters—this is for you.

Remember the Lagos scene in Black Panther?

It lacked authentic Pidgin flair. To truly represent Nigerian culture, you need the real deal. Learning Pidgin:

1. Connects You to 120+ Million Nigerians.

2. Adds Authenticity to Creative Projects.

3. Breaks Language Barriers Across Ethnic Groups.

Join My $1 Naija Pidgin Club

Want to speak like a true Naija person? I’ve got something special for you.

For just $1, you can join my exclusive Pidgin Language Club.

We’ll have daily video classes where I’ll teach you the slangs, tones, and secrets you won’t find anywhere else.

Growing up in Jalingo, I thought Pidgin was just casual fun.

But with time, I realized its depth and value, especially for outsiders trying to connect with Nigerians.

Whether you’re an actor preparing for a role or a musician working on your next Afrobeat hit, I’ll help you nail the lingo.

Conclusion - Drop Your Favorite Pidgin English Sentence in the Comment

Pidgin isn’t just a language - it’s a vibe, a culture, and a unifying tool for millions of Nigerians.

From “Abeg” to “Sabi,” learning it will unlock new experiences and connections.

Join me, Simon Zaku, on this journey and let’s make you a pro in Nigerian Pidgin!

Simon Taki Zaku

Founder, IBIFoundry

simonzakucom@gmail.com ibifoundry@gmail.com