Nigerien Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Niger is a large, landlocked country in West Africa, much of it covered by the Sahara Desert. The historic city of Agadez, with its towering mud-brick mosque, is recognised by UNESCO. French is the official language, and Hausa is widely spoken. Nigeriens in Britain include students and professionals.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 6,034 people living in the city had been born in Central and Western African countries other than Ghana and Nigeria, a group that includes Niger.

Working for Birmingham

Nigerien students and professionals study and work in fields such as agriculture, healthcare, education and development. Many speak French, Hausa and English, and their language skills are valued in interpreting and international work.

Healthcare, education and the skilled trades are three of the pillars of the city's economy. The NHS is one of Birmingham's biggest employers, its universities teach tens of thousands of students, and there is steady demand for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, decorators and handymen in every neighbourhood, alongside business, transport, hospitality, retail and the city's growing digital and creative industries. People from every background keep these sectors running, and the Nigerien community shares in that effort.

Culture and community life

The Tuareg people of Niger are famous for their silver jewellery and their music, and the Cure Salee festival brings nomadic herders together each year. Eid is the highlight of the year, and dishes made with millet, rice and groundnuts are family staples.

Like so many of the communities that make up modern Birmingham, the Nigerien community shows how a city can be home to many cultures at once. Its members are proud of where they come from, and just as proud to be Brummies.