Why ‘Detribalised’ Is the Wrong Compliment for Nigerians

In Nigeria, calling someone “detribalised” is often meant as praise. We use it for people who treat other ethnic groups fairly, build friendships across the country and reject discrimination. But the word has a different history. It was used in colonial discourse to describe Africans seen as detached from their traditional customs and social structures. That meaning suggests a separation from one’s identity, not tolerance or national unity. Nigeria’s ethnic communities have distinct languages, histories and institutions. Being open-minded should not require anyone to abandon that heritage. We should describe people accurately: fair-minded, inclusive, tolerant and proud of their identity without seeing it as superior to anyone else.

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