·         The family structure in Nigerian culture is typically extended, with a strong emphasis on community and communal living. Elders are highly respected, and their opinions carry significant weight in the decision-making processes within the family and community (World Cultural Encyclopedia, 2020). Traditional gender roles are still prevalent in Nigerian society, with men often holding the primary decision-making authority, while women are generally responsible for domestic duties and childcare. Ceremonies and celebrations, such as weddings, naming ceremonies, and various festivals, are deeply rooted in Nigerian culture and often involve intricate rituals and customs that reflect the diversity and richness of the country’s heritage.

·         Death and dying are seen as natural transitions; major funeral rituals and practices are held to pay respect to the dead and to give solace to the bereaved family (World Cultural Encyclopedia, 2020). Food habits are highly influenced by culture and religion, in the way that certain types of foods are forbidden or sacred in a particular region or society (Alberta Health Services, 2017).

·         Childbirth is usually a communal event in which extended family members and traditional birth attendants all participate, and the process involves a series of specific rituals and customs. Pain management involves a combination of traditional medicine, spiritual practices, and/or Western medication, depending on the patient’s beliefs and preferences (Alberta Health Services, 2017).

·         Mental illness is stigmatized and is often attributed to spiritual or supernatural causes. Therefore, traditional methods of healing and religious practices are added to, or in place of, Western psychiatric treatment (World Cultural Encyclopedia, 2020). Sexuality and end-of-life considerations have specific practices and taboos regarding these topics that are greatly influenced by cultural and religious norms (Alberta Health Services, 2017).

·         Integrate the patient’s cultural and spiritual beliefs into the nursing care plan by assuring that the interventions are compatible with the patient’s worldview and preference (World Cultural Encyclopedia, 2020).

·         Provide health education/promotion materials appropriate for the culture and emphasize the surmounting of language barriers through the use of visual aids or storytelling techniques (Agbede et al., 2024).

·         Encourage family involvement in care, remembering that extended family members are commonly involved in significant decision-making and caregiving (Alberta Health Services, 2017).

·         Advocate for the inclusion of traditional healing practices, where appropriate, in the holistic care approach (World Cultural Encyclopedia, 2020).

·         Develop sensitivity and understanding towards cultural and religious taboos surrounding topics like sexuality, mental health, and end-of-life care (Alberta Health Services, 2017).

·         Seek to understand and address the unique nutritional requirements and preferences of the patient, considering cultural and religious dietary restrictions.

·         As a Christian nurse, the goal should be to provide holistic care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient while also respecting their cultural and religious beliefs. This may involve incorporating traditional healing practices or spiritual rituals into the care plan, as long as they do not conflict with the patient’s Christian faith or the nurse’s ethical obligations (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Additionally, the nurse should seek to address the root causes of illness and suffering, which may include addressing social, emotional, and spiritual needs, in addition to physical ailments (James 5:14-15).

·         By approaching healthcare from a place of cultural humility and a desire to understand and accommodate the patient’s beliefs and preferences, the Christian nurse can demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ while also providing high-quality, evidence-based nursing care that meets the unique needs of the Nigerian patient (Colossians 3:12-14).