I think that impression is partly true especially when it comes to ethnic and religious differences. Nigeria is very diverse but people can still get defensive when someone challenges their culture religion or tribe. At the same time I don't think Nigerians are naturally intolerant. There is still a lot of mixing and acceptance in everyday life. The bigger problem is that differences can become very sensitive when identity is involved.

For me the important thing is to keep the good parts of our culture but also be willing to change the parts that harm people or stop us from moving forward.