10 Habits That Prove You Grew Up In A Nigerian Household

 

If you grew up in a Nigerian home, then you know childhood wasn’t just about cartoons and school — it was a full cultural experience. From unspoken rules to unique family traditions, Nigerian parenting shaped us in ways that still follow us into adulthood. Whether you grew up in Lagos or anywhere across the country, these habits will instantly bring back memories and make you say, “Ah! That’s me!” Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Here are 10 habits that prove you definitely grew up in a Nigerian household:

1. Washing Plates Immediately After Eating

There was no such thing as leaving plates in the sink. The moment you dropped your spoon, mummy’s voice would follow: “Go and wash that plate before ants enter!”

2. Running Errands for Maggi or Pure Water

If you didn’t run to the corner shop to buy Maggi, pure water, or kerosene at least once a day, did you even grow up in Nigeria?

3. “Don’t On the Gen Until Daddy Comes”

The generator was sacred. No matter how hot or dark the night got, you dared not touch it until your father gave the final order.

4. Greeting Every Adult You See

Nigerian parents trained us to greet everyone — from neighbors to strangers passing by. Forgetting to say “Good morning” was almost a crime.

5. Eating Rice Every Sunday

No matter how rich or poor, one thing was constant — Sunday rice. Jollof, fried, or white, it didn’t matter, but rice had to be on the menu.

6. Watching TV with Caution

Cartoon time was limited. Once daddy came in, the channel was switched to NTA news or Africa Magic Yoruba — no arguments.

7. Sleeping Under Mosquito Nets or with “Odomos”

You either had the big blue mosquito net tucked under your mattress or mummy rubbed you with Odomos like body lotion before bed.

8. Beating Was a Love Language

From slippers to koboko, Nigerian parents had a way of reminding you that “spare the rod and spoil the child” was not just a saying.

9. The Famous ‘Visitor Meat’

Growing up, you knew not to touch the meat in the pot — it was for visitors. And even if the visitor never came, you still couldn’t eat it.

10. Family Morning Prayers

Before school, before food, before anything — morning devotion came first. Sometimes you even dozed off during the endless prayer points.

🎯 Final Thoughts

These little habits shaped us, disciplined us, and gave us stories that only fellow Nigerians can truly understand. Whether you still live at home or you’ve “japa-ed” abroad, these childhood memories will always remind you that you grew up in a Nigerian household.

👉 Which of these habits do you remember most? Share your own childhood memories in the comments — let’s see how many we all have in common!