The Niger-Congo language family is one of the largest language families in the world and is particularly prominent in Nigeria, where it encompasses a diverse range of languages. Here are some features that distinguish the Niger-Congo languages in Nigeria:

1. Diversity of Languages: The Niger-Congo family in Nigeria includes major languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa, as well as numerous smaller languages and dialects. Each of these languages exhibits unique characteristics while sharing common features.

2. Tone: Many Niger-Congo languages are tonal, meaning that the pitch or intonation used when pronouncing words can change their meanings. For example, Yoruba and Igbo are known for their complex tonal systems.

3. Noun Class System: Niger-Congo languages often have a noun class system that categorizes nouns into different classes based on semantic or grammatical features. This affects agreement patterns in verbs and adjectives.

4. Agglutination: These languages tend to use agglutination, where prefixes and suffixes are attached to root words to convey grammatical relationships, such as tense, aspect, or plurality.

5. Verb Morphology: Niger-Congo languages typically exhibit rich verb morphology, with extensive use of affixes to indicate various grammatical aspects, including tense, mood, and aspect.

6. SVO and SOV Structures: While many Niger-Congo languages primarily use Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) word order, some also exhibit Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) structures, showcasing syntactic variation within the family.

7. Cultural Relevance: The languages are deeply tied to the cultures and identities of their speakers, influencing literature, music, and social practices in Nigeria.

These features highlight the linguistic richness and complexity of the Niger-Congo language family in Nigeria, reflecting both historical development and cultural significance. For more detailed insights, you can refer to academic resources or linguistic studies focusing on West African languages.