KOLANUT

Kola nut (also known as cola nut) is grown, traded, consumed or ritualized in every nook and cranny of the Nigerian society. Kola nuts could indeed pass as a symbol of Nigerian unity. From time immemorial, the caffeine-rich nuts of the evergreen kola tree have been a part of Nigerian culture. Once used as a currency in parts of present-day Nigeria, Kola, whose trees belong to cocoa family, is a significant cash crop in many part of the West African coast.

Kola Nut

In Nigeria, it is primarily cultivated among the southwestern Yoruba’s who also account for nearly all of Nigeria’s cocoa production. Kola nuts never quite attained the prominence accorded cocoa during the nations agricultural boom era, despite been a great source of commercial gain as a vital ingredient in the manufacture of globally consumed cola-based beverages.

Fresh Kola Nut in its pod

The significance of Kola nuts in Nigeria can be demonstrated – quite curiously – by considering the manner in which it is grown, sold, and consumed today. Much of the nation’s local supply comes from the southwest, and is thus grown by the Yoruba’s – one of Nigeria’s three major ethnic groups. Going by trade figures, the northern Hausa's (another of Nigeria’s main ethnicities) are not only the largest consumers of the product but doubles as its main distributor and retailer, while the Igbo’s of the southeast have built a number of customs and tradition around the crop, and as such it is accorded great significance in the eastern region as an essential ceremonial treat; to be broken and showered with no less reverence than is accorded the Holy communion.

In southeast Nigeria “he who brings kola, brings life.” Kola nut thus forms a unique bridge between Nigeria’s major ethnicities.

Kola’s ceremonial use is not however restricted to the southeast. The culture of Kola nut ‘breaking’ (ritually splitting the lobe of the nut using the thumb nails while proposing a toast or making other pronouncement) is quite popular among several of Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities. 

In some parts, it is nearly sacrilegious to lack Kola nut, at social events like Weddings, Chieftaincy investitures, Child naming ceremony, Local festivals, Community meetings, and some religious gatherings.

‘Breaking’ customs vary from place to place: in some it is carried out by the youngest person present, while in others it is the exclusive reserve of the elderly. Split lobes of Kola nuts are also thrown by diviners in some part to forecast the future.

'Breaking' of Kola Nut at a ceremony

Besides ceremonial uses, both young and old are known to chew Kola nut recreation - what Nigerians may call 'Whining of the mouth' across Nigeria. The slightly bitter nut is so consumed for its ability to stimulate the nervous system; thereby deterring exhaustion. Kola nut are able to stimulate the nervous system due to their high caffeine content.

Kola nut is also popular among students who wish to starve off sleep. Nigerians value Kola nut so much and it is highly regarded by the elderly.