It is amazing how easily the word “Hello” is disregarded, yet it is one of the most frequently used and meaningful word in our lives. The moment we pick up the phone, to the moment we meet someone for the first time and even when starting a conversation…it is the first words we use. It doesn’t matter how we say it or in what form or language we say it with, it generally helps us build courage and confidence in new environments.

You might know two or three ways to say “Hello” to someone, but in Nigeria there are actually dozens of different expressions. With a lot of local dialects and slangs, Jumia Travel, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal presents 10 ways to say Hello, Nigerian style:

Kedu
This is the Ibo translation of “Hello”. It literally translates as “how are you”, and is by far the most commonly used greeting by the Ibo ethnicities. It is an informal greeting that can be used any time of day in any kind of situation.

Bawo ni!
If you have visited any Yourba speaking area, you may have heard this phrase used repeatedly. It is the standard greeting which is used in the morning until about noon. It can be used in both formal and informal situations.


Kóyo
This is used in Benin and neighboring communities. It is a way of saying “hello” or “how are you”. It’s an informal greeting that can be used any time of day in any kind of situation. When you are not sure how to greet somebody, it is always appropriate to say “Kóyo ”.

17c4e_US-July-PMB

Mesiere
Mesiere is the Efik/Ibibio way of greeting. Many argue that the phrases “ Idem mfo? “ or “ Abadie” are better interpretations, but Mesiere is a more common greeting. It is an everyday, complimentary greeting used between all people.


Sannu!
This is the formal way to greet somebody and say: “hello” in the Northern region dominated by locals from the Hausa tribe. It is a very common and respectful form of greeting wherever Hausa is spoken


Abole[/b]
A traditional Nigerian greeting used by the Idoma in Benue State area, Abole translates roughly as “How are you?” or simply “Hello”.


[b]Mavo
Literally translated as “how are you?”, Mavo is the way the Urhobo’s say “hello”. It can be used in formal situations, or in cases where you are more relaxed with acquaintances.


How far?
Usually pronounced “har fa”. “How far?” is the most common way to say “hello” in Nigerian pidgin. It is obviously used in informal setting and more amongst family, friend and acquaintances. Even though it looks like a question, it doesn’t need to be answered, especially if the person carries on with the conversation anyways.


Hey
Although “hey” is commonly considered rude when used in reference with people who you do not know well. It is also applied among friends, especially teenagers and millennials. It sounds casual and cool, but can sometimes be confusing.


I hail
This is commonly used in Warri pidgin. It is a very popular way of saying “hello” in the region. Other forms of hello in Warri pidgin include: “I greet your ministry”, “what’s the level?”, “how your side?”

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/10-ways-say-hello-nigerian/

Lalasticlala, Seun, Moderators, Nairalanders How far?

What's up

I think KEDU is cool after how far...

twale.........Nigerian agbero style of greeting.

Chairman! - Commonly used by guys when you want to speak to a stranger or someone you have forgotten his name. It also has a tone of respect in it

nwa oooh
ebira

Ogbeni aufa?

Baba oo
Heee Bros

Hmm

Story...

Guys says, Hello Bae or say,' oh baby' but girls its, wats up boo or have u eaten? Very common wen girls want to greet their bfs.

My PH neegas ...Wida?



If anybody call you "fine boy" or "fine girl" na monkey dem dey call u o

Ogami

My Oga I greet oh

It's a chair there

In Igbo, there are different ways of saying Hello

Kedu - This is the most common
Kekwanu
Ke nke na eme
Ole nke na eme
Ogini na fio

11. My chief I greet u
It's used if u wanna borrow money or anything

ethene:
twale.........Nigerian agbero style of greeting.

.

ethene:
twale.........Nigerian agbero style of greeting.

I'm sure you are very familiar with tarmac and bus stops

OP u forgot to add "weeeyyrrree"

K d' way nwanne

How far!

you can also use it to identify a Nigerian anywhere in the world

Boring!!!

Boss, chairman

Ara or eijesan in ishan

We greet with hot slap in my area..

Niggar how far

Oga MI
Boss
Chairman


Abeg Shey space dey there

Opinionated:


Bawo ni!
If you have visited any Yoruba speaking area, you may have heard this phrase used repeatedly. It is the standard greeting which is used in the morning until about noon. It can be used in both formal and informal situations.

Lalasticlala, Seun, Moderators, Nairalanders How far?

@OP, you need to be told, in case you don't know, that you don't use Bawo ni! just for anybody and at any place or time. For instance, in Yoruba land, you can't greet your seniors saying Bawo ni!, it is wrong. You actually use Bawo ni! for a much younger person than you or to your pal. I think that is clear. Just like telling your dad's elder brother that how far!, you know that's wrong, at least in the Yoruba context.

Wenhdonsir

Nigerians dey learn where Cameroonians dey...

Lol
How your marra dey be you na