Nigeria's population structure reveals a youthful demographic, with those aged **** years comprising the largest age group compared to the total of those between the ages of 30 and 84 years. The majority of the young population are men. This demographic trend has significant implications for Nigeria's future, particularly in terms of economic development and social services. It has the potential to offer a large future workforce that could drive economic growth if it is adequately educated and employed. However, without sufficient investment in health, education, and job creation, this youth bulge could strain public resources and fuel unemployment and social unrest. Poverty challenges amid population growth Despite Nigeria's large youth population, the country faces substantial poverty challenges. This is largely due to its youth unemployment rate, which goes contrary to the expectation that the country’s large labor force would contribute to employment and the economic development of the nation. In 2022, an estimated **** million Nigerians lived in extreme poverty, defined as living on less than **** U.S. dollars a day. This number is expected to rise in the coming years, indicating a growing disparity between population growth and economic opportunities. The situation is particularly dire in rural areas, where **** million people live in extreme poverty compared to *** million in urban centers. Linguistic and ethnic diversity Nigeria's population is characterized by significant linguistic and ethnic diversity. Hausa is the most commonly spoken language at home, used by ** percent of the population, followed by Yoruba at ** percent and Igbo at ** percent. This linguistic variety reflects Nigeria's complex ethnic composition, with major groups including Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Fulani. English, the country's official language, serves as the primary language of instruction in schools, promoting literacy across diverse communities.

The total population in Nigeria was estimated at 232.7 million people in 2024, according to the latest census figures and projections from Trading Economics. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Nigeria Population - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

This statistic shows the total population of Nigeria from 2013 to 2023 by gender. In 2023, Nigeria's female population amounted to approximately 112.68 million, while the male population amounted to approximately 115.21 million inhabitants.

As of July 2024, Nigeria's population was estimated at around 229.5 million. Between 1965 and 2024, the number of people living in Nigeria increased at an average rate of over two percent. In 2024, the population grew by 2.42 percent compared to the previous year. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. By extension, the African continent records the highest growth rate in the world. Africa's most populous country Nigeria was the most populous country in Africa as of 2023. As of 2022, Lagos held the distinction of being Nigeria's biggest urban center, a status it also retained as the largest city across all of sub-Saharan Africa. The city boasted an excess of 17.5 million residents. Notably, Lagos assumed the pivotal roles of the nation's primary financial hub, cultural epicenter, and educational nucleus. Furthermore, Lagos was one of the largest urban agglomerations in the world. Nigeria's youthful population In Nigeria, a significant 50 percent of the populace is under the age of 19. The most prominent age bracket is constituted by those up to four years old: comprising 8.3 percent of men and eight percent of women as of 2021. Nigeria boasts one of the world's most youthful populations. On a broader scale, both within Africa and internationally, Niger maintains the lowest median age record. Nigeria secures the 20th position in global rankings. Furthermore, the life expectancy in Nigeria is an average of 62 years old. However, this is different between men and women. The main causes of death have been neonatal disorders, malaria, and diarrheal diseases.

Population ages 65 and above (% of total population) in Nigeria was reported at 3.0487 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Nigeria - Population ages 65 and above (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Key information about Nigeria population

• The Nigeria population reached 211.5 million people in Dec 2021, compared with the previously reported figure of 206.3 million people in Dec 2020
• The data reached an all-time high of 211.5 million people in Dec 2021 and a record low of 37.9 million people in Dec 1950

Nigeria NG: Population Projection: Mid Year data was reported at 416,996,080.000 Person in 2050. This records an increase from the previous number of 409,470,192.000 Person for 2049. Nigeria NG: Population Projection: Mid Year data is updated yearly, averaging 125,580,732.000 Person from Jun 1950 (Median) to 2050, with 101 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 416,996,080.000 Person in 2050 and a record low of 31,796,939.000 Person in 1950. Nigeria NG: Population Projection: Mid Year data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.US Census Bureau: Demographic Projection.

Rural population (% of total population) in Nigeria was reported at 44.97 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Nigeria - Rural population - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

In 2022, Nigeria's population was estimated at around *** million individuals. Demographic projections show that the Nigerian population might experience a constant increase in the next decades. By 2050, it is forecast that the population will grow to over *** million people compared to 2022.

Graph and download economic data for Population, Total for Nigeria (POPTOTNGA647NWDB) from 1960 to 2024 about Nigeria and population.

Nigeria NG: Population: Total data was reported at 190,886,311.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 185,989,640.000 Person for 2016. Nigeria NG: Population: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 91,647,317.000 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 190,886,311.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 45,137,812.000 Person in 1960. Nigeria NG: Population: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Total population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship. The values shown are midyear estimates.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision. (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Sum; Relevance to gender indicator: disaggregating the population composition by gender will help a country in projecting its demand for social services on a gender basis.

Graph and download economic data for Population for Nigeria (POPTTLNGA148NRUG) from 1950 to 2019 about Nigeria and population.

The total population of Nigeria was estimated at approximately 227.71 million people in 2024. Following a continuous upward trend, the total population has risen by around 154.29 million people since 1980. Between 2024 and 2030, the total population will rise by around 35.27 million people, continuing its consistent upward trajectory.This indicator describes the total population in the country at hand. This total population of the country consists of all persons falling within the scope of the census.

Historical dataset showing total population for Nigeria by year from 1950 to 2025.

NG: Population: Female: Ages 5-9: % of Female Population data was reported at 14.459 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 14.457 % for 2016. NG: Population: Female: Ages 5-9: % of Female Population data is updated yearly, averaging 14.114 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 14.728 % in 1988 and a record low of 13.078 % in 1960. NG: Population: Female: Ages 5-9: % of Female Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Female population between the ages 5 to 9 as a percentage of the total female population.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age/sex distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; ;

Graph and download economic data for Population for Nigeria (POPTTLNGA173NUPN) from 1950 to 2010 about Nigeria and population.

Rural population in Nigeria was reported at 104635961 in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Nigeria - Rural population - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on October of 2025.

Nigeria NG: Population: Growth data was reported at 2.599 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.619 % for 2016. Nigeria NG: Population: Growth data is updated yearly, averaging 2.552 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.044 % in 1978 and a record low of 1.976 % in 1960. Nigeria NG: Population: Growth data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Annual population growth rate for year t is the exponential rate of growth of midyear population from year t-1 to t, expressed as a percentage . Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.; ; Derived from total population. Population source: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision, (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;

Numeric count of age bracket within a geographical area at ward level

Urban population in Nigeria was reported at 128043517 in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Nigeria - Urban population - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on October of 2025.