Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960, and efforts to forge a national identity that would accommodate the diverse ethnic groups within the country marked the post-colonial period. 

Nigeria is a culturally diverse country with over 250 ethnic groups, each with its distinct traditions, languages, and clothing styles. The diversity of Nigeria’s population has resulted in an array of traditional attires that vary across regions and ethnic groups. These traditional clothes are deeply rooted in the cultural heritage and history of each ethnic group.

Here are some of the several national attires, including:

• Agbada: a flowing robe worn by men, typically made from cotton or silk.
• Babban riga: a long robe with wide sleeves, worn by men.
• Kaftan: a loose-fitting tunic worn by both men and women.
• Adire, Batik and Ankra: traditional textiles used to make clothing.
• Gele: a headscarf worn by women to cover their hair.
• Aso oke, Akwa Ocha, Akwete and other traditional handwoven cloths worn on special occasions.

These attires are worn on different occasions, such as traditional weddings, cultural events, and formal gatherings. Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage is reflected in its various traditional attires, which are worn with pride by its citizens.

The absence of a single national cloth for Nigerians can be attributed to the country’s history and the desire to respect and preserve the cultural identities of its various ethnic groups. 

Promoting a single national cloth for all Nigerians might be challenging because it might overlook or marginalize the rich cultural heritage of different ethnic groups. Nigeria’s government recognizes the importance of cultural diversity and has sought to celebrate and preserve the traditional attire of each ethnic group rather than imposing a single national attire.
That being said, sometimes Nigerians come together for national events, such as Independence Day celebrations, sports competitions, or official ceremonies, where a unified national dress code may be encouraged or adopted temporarily to foster a sense of unity and pride as Nigerians. The increasing number of intertribal marriages and cross-tribal children supports this phenomenon. More, especially when these intertribal children are growing up to form a critical mass called Naija children. Therefore, having a national attire called “Naija Cloth” does not replace or diminish the significance of the diverse traditional clothing styles that Nigerians proudly wear to identify with their respective ethnic heritage.