History of Nigerian Americans in Dallas–Fort Worth facts for kids

The Dallas–Fort Worth area is home to one of the largest groups of Nigerian Americans in the United States. Many people from Nigeria have chosen this area as their home, bringing their rich culture and traditions.

History of Nigerians in DFW

After the Biafra war (1967-1970), many people from Nigeria, especially those of Igbo origin, began to leave their home country. Dallas became a new place for many of them to settle. By the 1980s, a strong and growing Nigerian community had formed in the Dallas area.

How Many Nigerians Live Here?

In 2000, about 7,300 people born in Nigeria lived in the Dallas, Denton, Collin, and Tarrant counties. This was about 1% of all people born outside the U.S. living in these four counties. Most Nigerian immigrants in 2005 came from southern Nigeria.

By 2014, the number of Igbo Nigerian Americans in the Dallas–Fort Worth area grew to tens of thousands. Some community leaders believed there were as many as 50,000 Igbos in the region.

English Language Skills

Most Nigerians who moved to the Dallas–Fort Worth area already spoke English very well. This is because many came from the middle and upper classes in Nigeria, where English is widely used. This helped them settle into life in the U.S.

Where Nigerians Live in DFW

In 2000, most Nigerian immigrants in the Dallas–Fort Worth area lived in Dallas County. About half of them lived right within the city of Dallas.

There is a main area in Dallas where many Nigerians live. This neighborhood also has a market and a restaurant that are popular with the Nigerian community. It is also close to U.S. Highway 75.

Nigerian Businesses in DFW

By 2014, many Nigerians in the Dallas–Fort Worth area started their own businesses, especially in home healthcare. This type of business offered good chances for earning money and owning a company.

Nigerian Community Groups

As of 2015, there were over 50 organizations in North Texas focused on different Nigerian ethnic groups. For example, the Igbo and Owerri people have their own community groups in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. These groups help people connect and celebrate their heritage.

Education Among Nigerians in DFW

In 2007, many Nigerian immigrants in the Dallas–Fort Worth area had a good education. Most had finished high school, and a large number had also gone to college or university.

Most universities in the Dallas–Fort Worth area have student groups for African students. These groups are usually made up mostly of Nigerian students.

Nigerian Media in DFW

There are newspapers published in Dallas that focus on the African community. The Africa Herald is one such newspaper, and its publisher in 2014 was Richard Nwachukwu. Another newspaper, The African International, is also published in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

Notable Nigerian Americans from DFW

• Ike Diogu (from Garland)
• Ugo Ihemelu (from Cedar Hill)