Why are funerals important family gatherings in Nigerian culture?

In Nigerian culture, the family is considered the central institution of daily life, and funerals serve as significant occasions for these family units to gather together.1

The importance of these events is underscored by the effort made to ensure collective participation. Because many Nigerians live outside the country, funerals for non-Muslims are frequently delayed for a month or longer. This practice allows sufficient time for dispersed family members to make the necessary arrangements to return home, ensuring that the family can be united to honor the deceased.1