Running Late For Church And The Videographer

What does “I’m coming” mean in Nigerian English?

In Nigerian English, the phrase “I’m coming” has a special use that surprises many other English speakers. It can mean “I’m walking toward you,” but it also means “wait, I’ll be back in a moment.” A Nigerian friend will say “I’m coming” while walking away from you, into the kitchen or down the road. The phrase is reassurance, not movement.

In this clip, a Nigerian groom on his way to his church wedding is late for the videographer. He says “I’m coming” on the phone. He has not arrived. He is somewhere between home and the church, and the line is the standard Nigerian way to tell people not to worry. American and British English don’t use “I’m coming” this way.