The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has expanded its collection with 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update, reflecting the growing global influence of Nigerian English and Pidgin. Among the newly added entries are “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” “abi,” “suya,” and “yahoo boy.” These words capture diverse aspects of Nigerian culture, daily life, and street slang, further cementing Nigeria’s unique contribution to the English language.

“Japa,” for instance, is defined as the act of fleeing or emigrating, particularly in search of better opportunities abroad, and is listed as both a noun and a verb. Similarly, “agbero” refers to touts or transport workers commonly found at bus stops, while “eba” denotes a staple Nigerian food made from cassava flour. “419,” a term rooted in Nigeria’s penal code, describes fraud, often internet-based.

Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant who played a pivotal role in this update, expressed his excitement on LinkedIn. He revealed that he not only drafted many of the entries but also recorded their pronunciations for the dictionary. “This milestone reflects Nigeria’s culture, creativity, and unique ways of expression,” he wrote, encouraging Nigerians to share and suggest more words for future updates.

This update builds on a similar addition in 2020, when 29 Nigerian words like “okada” and “mama put” were included. It underscores the OED’s recognition of Nigeria’s linguistic diversity, with over 57 Nigerian words now officially part of its database.

The OED described Nigerian Pidgin as a rich source of new English words, with many terms originating from the 1970s and 1980s. The update highlights the global appeal of Nigerian expressions, as seen in the rising use of terms like “Naija” (a nickname for Nigeria) and “yahoo boy” (a term for internet scammers).

With this recognition, the OED continues to celebrate Nigeria’s vibrant culture and the evolving nature of the English language.