Final answer:
English is the official language of Nigeria, although spoken by less than half the population, reflecting the country's colonial history and ethnic diversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
More than 250 languages are spoken in Nigeria, reflecting its ethnic diversity. Since Nigeria was once a colony, the official language of Nigeria is English; however, it is spoken by less than half the population, making it less common as a first language among the general populace. The legacy of colonialism is evident in the fact that the lingua franca of many former colonies is the language of their colonizers, although local languages persist and also play a significant role in daily communication.