Nigeria is the African country with the largest population, counting over 230 million people. As of 2024, the largest city in Nigeria was Lagos, which is also the largest city in sub-Saharan Africa in terms of population size. The city counts more than nine million inhabitants, whereas Kano, the second most populous city, registers around 3.6 million inhabitants. Lagos is the main financial, cultural, and educational center in the country. Where Africa’s urban population is booming The metropolitan area of Lagos is also among the largest urban agglomerations in the world. Besides Lagos, another most populated citiy in Africa is Cairo, in Egypt. However, Africa’s urban population is booming in other relatively smaller cities. For instance, the population of Bujumbura, in Burundi, could grow by 123 percent between 2020 and 2035, making it the fastest growing city in Africa and likely in the world. Similarly, Zinder, in Niger, could reach over one million inhabitants by 2035, the second fastest growing city. Demographic urban shift More than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas. In the next decades, this will increase, especially in Africa and Asia. In 2020, over 80 percent of the population in Northern America was living in urban areas, the highest share in the world. In Africa, the degree of urbanization was about 40 percent, the lowest among all continents. Meeting the needs of a fast-growing population can be a challenge, especially in low-income countries. Therefore, there will be a growing necessity to implement policies to sustainably improve people’s lives in rural and urban areas.

Population in largest city in Nigeria was reported at 16536018 in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Nigeria - Population in largest city - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

This dataset is about cities, has 149 rows. and is filtered where the country includes Nigeria. It features 3 columns: city, country, and population. The preview is ordered by population (descending).

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 in the largest city (% of urban population) in Nigeria was reported at 12.91 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Nigeria - Population in the largest city - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on May of 2025.

Lagos, in Nigeria, ranked as the most populated city in Africa as of 2024, with an estimated population of roughly nine million inhabitants living in the city proper. Kinshasa, in Congo, and Cairo, in Egypt, followed with some 7.8 million and 7.7 million dwellers. Among the 15 largest cities in the continent, another two, Kano, and Ibadan, were located in Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa. Population density trends in Africa As of 2022, Africa exhibited a population density of 48.3 individuals per square kilometer. At the beginning of 2000, the population density across the continent has experienced a consistent annual increment. Projections indicated that the average population residing within each square kilometer would rise to approximately 54 by the year 2027. Moreover, Mauritius stood out as the African nation with the most elevated population density, exceeding 640 individuals per square kilometre. Mauritius possesses one of the most compact territories on the continent, a factor that significantly influences its high population density. Urbanization dynamics in Africa The urbanization rate in Africa was anticipated to reach close to 44 percent in 2021. Urbanization across the continent has consistently risen since 2000, with urban areas accommodating 35 percent of the total population. This trajectory is projected to continue its ascent in the years ahead. Nevertheless, the distribution between rural and urban populations shows remarkable diversity throughout the continent. In 2021, Gabon and Libya stood out as Africa’s most urbanized nations, each surpassing 80 percent urbanization. In 2023, Africa's population was estimated to expand by 2.35 percent compared to the preceding year. Since 2000, the population growth rate across the continent has consistently exceeded 2.45 percent, reaching its pinnacle at 2.59 percent between 2012 and 2013. Although the growth rate has experienced a deceleration, Africa's population will persistently grow significantly in the forthcoming years.

Nigeria NG: Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data was reported at 13.798 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 13.954 % for 2016. Nigeria NG: Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data is updated yearly, averaging 15.685 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 17.298 % in 1992 and a record low of 10.961 % in 1960. Nigeria NG: Population in Largest City: as % of Urban 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. Population in largest city is the percentage of a country's urban population living in that country's largest metropolitan area.; ; United Nations, World Urbanization Prospects.; Weighted average;

This statistic shows the biggest cities in Nigeria in 1991. In 1991, approximately 5.2 million people lived in Lagos, making it the biggest city in Nigeria. According to the Lagos Bureau of Statistics, the 2011 population of Lagos State was 20.5 million.

Chart and table of population level and growth rate for the Lagos, Nigeria metro area from 1950 to 2025.

Chart and table of population level and growth rate for the Abuja, Nigeria metro area from 1950 to 2025.

Nigeria has the largest population in Africa. As of 2024, the country counted over 232.6 million individuals, whereas Ethiopia, which ranked second, has around 132 million inhabitants. Egypt registered the largest population in North Africa, reaching nearly 116 million people. In terms of inhabitants per square kilometer, Nigeria only ranks seventh, while Mauritius has the highest population density on the whole African continent. The fastest-growing world region Africa is the second most populous continent in the world, after Asia. Nevertheless, Africa records the highest growth rate worldwide, with figures rising by over two percent every year. In some countries, such as Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Chad, the population increase peaks at over three percent. With so many births, Africa is also the youngest continent in the world. However, this coincides with a low life expectancy. African cities on the rise The last decades have seen high urbanization rates in Asia, mainly in China and India. However, African cities are currently growing at larger rates. Indeed, most of the fastest-growing cities in the world are located in Sub-Saharan Africa. Gwagwalada, in Nigeria, and Kabinda, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ranked first worldwide. By 2035, instead, Africa's fastest-growing cities are forecast to be Bujumbura, in Burundi, and Zinder, Nigeria.

Multi-temporal city data on a) Annual land consumption rate (%), b) population growth rate (%), c) ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate, and d) built up area per capita.

Chart and table of population level and growth rate for the Ibadan, Nigeria metro area from 1950 to 2025.

cities in Nigeria. name, office head of government, Mayor, image, Area, date founded, Elevation, Country, administrative division, continent, latitude, waterbody, longitude, Website, population, Demonym

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The purpose of this study was to explore the way of life of ordinary urban residents in cities of varying sizes and types in various parts of Nigeria, especially in regard to social networks and activities, occupational and migration careers, and attitudes toward urban life, education and members of ethnic groups.
Main Topics:

Variables
Dr Peil's study was designed as a comparative study of the daily life of people living in cities in various parts of Nigeria, these cities differing in size and composition. Data were collected by oral interviewing, supplemented by observation, mapping, recording of schools, churches, health facilities, government services, craftsmen, etc. Only the interviewing data (from cities Ajegunle, Kikuri, Abeokuta and Aba) have been supplied to the Archive. To quote from Dr Peil's report: 'Investigation of social networks provides a framework for testing hypotheses about social change and modernity, adjustment to urban life and the social effects of various types of housing and various kinds of employment. Identical studies of several cities permit analysis of the effects of city size, heterogeneity and social structure on the lives of the inhabitants. . . .
The 'quality of life' measured in this study is concerned with items which can be easily reported by individuals rather than with official statistics. . . .
It was also hoped that this study would be useful to urban planners, who generally have very little information on what the average family makes of its life in town. What are their expectations and their aspirations? What amenities do they most appreciate and most miss? How much urban experience have they had and how long can they be expected to stay, especially in the face of unemployment? How much unemployment is there and how are the unemployed supported?. . .'
Hence, there is detailed demographic information for a general picture of the population of the four cities. The housing section collects details on household composition, overcrowding, landlords and inter-ethnic mixing. Marriage and kinship information indicates the numbers and location of wives and children, attitudes and practices in educating children, contacts with relatives in town and at home, and plans for returning home.
A social life section deals with membership in associations, and contacts with co-tenants, workmates and friends. Information is also collected on how urban dwellers handle problems, and there is detailed occupational and migration career data.

In 2023, the share of urban population in Nigeria remained nearly unchanged at around 54.28 percent. Nevertheless, 2023 still represents a peak in the share in Nigeria. The urban population refers to the share of the total population living in urban centers. Each country has their own definition of what constitutes an urban center (based on population size, area, or space between dwellings, among others), therefore international comparisons may be inconsistent.Find more key insights for the share of urban population in countries like Burkina Faso and Niger.

Chart and table of population level and growth rate for the Benin City, Nigeria metro area from 1950 to 2025.

Chart and table of population level and growth rate for the Oyo, Nigeria metro area from 1950 to 2025.

Islam and Christianity form the two dominant religions in Nigeria. Since colonialism, approximately 90 percent of the Nigerian people identify themselves as Islamic or Christian. The northern region of Nigeria is predominately Islamic, while the southern region is predominately Christian.

Nigeria’s contact with Islam predated that of Christianity and European colonialism; its spread was facilitated into Sub-Saharan Africa through trade and commerce. The northern part of Nigeria is symbolic to the history of Islam, as it penetrated the area through the Kanem-Borno Empire in the 11th century before spreading to other predominately Hausa states. Islam was then introduced into the traditional societies of the Yoruba-speaking people of south-west Nigeria through their established commercial relationship with people of the north, particularly the Nupe and Fulani.

Christianity reached Nigeria in the 15th century with the visitation of Catholic missionaries to the coastal areas of the Niger-Delta region. Christianity soon recorded a boost in the southern region given its opposition to the slave trade and its promotion of Western education.

The distinct religious divide has instigated violence in present-day Nigeria, including the Sharia riot in Kaduna in 2000, ongoing ethno-religious violence in Jos since 2001, and the 2011 post-election violence that erupted in some northern states, particularly in the city of Maiduguri. Nigerians’ continued loyalty to religion compared to that of the country continues to sustain major political debate, conflict, and violent outbreaks between populations of the two faiths.

ISO3-International Organization for Standardization 3-digit country code

NAME-Name of religious institution

TYPE-Type of religious institution

CITY-City religious institution is located in

SPA_ACC-Spatial accuracy of site location 1- high, 2 – medium, 3 - low

SOURCE_DT-Source creation date

SOURCE-Primary source

SOURCE2_DT-Secondary source creation date

SOURCE2-Secondary source

Collection

This HGIS was created using information collected from the web sites GCatholic.org, Islamic Finder, Wikimapia, and BBBike.org, which uses OpenStreetMap, a crowd-source collaboration project that geo-locates sites throughout the world. After collection, all education institutions were geo-located.

The data included herein have not been derived from a registered survey and should be considered approximate unless otherwise defined. While rigorous steps have been taken to ensure the quality of each dataset, DigitalGlobe Analytics is not responsible for the accuracy and completeness of data compiled from outside sources.

Sources (HGIS)

BBBike, "Nigeria." Last modified 2013. Accessed March 19, 2013. http://extract.bbbike.org.

GCatholic.org, "Catholic Churches in Federal Republic of Nigeria." Last modified 2013. Accessed April 4, 2013. http://www.gcatholic.org/.

Islamic Finder, "Nigeria." Last modified 2013. Accessed April 4, 2013. http://islamicfinder.org/.

Olanrewaju, Timothy. The Sun, "oko Haram attacks church in Maiduguri." Last modified 2013. Accessed April 9, 2013. http://sunnewsonline.com/.

Wikimapia, "Nigeria:Mosques/Churches." Last modified 2013. Accessed April 4, 2013. http://wikimapia.org/

World Watch Monitor, "Muslim Threat to Attack Church Raises Tensions." Last modified 2012. Accessed April 9, 2013. http://www.worldwatchmonitor.org/.

Sources (Metadata)

Danjibo, N.D. "Islamic Fundamentalism and Sectarian Violence: The "Maitatsine" and "Boko Haram" Crises in Northern Nigeria." manuscript., University of Ibadan, 2010. http://www.ifra-nigeria.org.

Olanrewaju, Timothy. The Sun, "oko Haram attacks church in Maiduguri." Last modified 2013. Accessed April 9, 2013. http://sunnewsonline.com/.

Onapajo, Hakeem. "Politics for God: Religion, Politics, and Conflict in Democratic Nigeria." Journal of Pan African Studies. 4. no. 9 (2012): 42-66. http://web.ebscohost.com (accessed March 26, 2013).

World Watch Monitor, "Muslim Threat to Attack Church Raises Tensions." Last modified 2012. Accessed April 9, 2013. http://www.worldwatchmonitor.org/.

The metropolitan area of Lagos in Nigeria counted over 14 million middle-class people as of 2018. This was the highest number in Africa. Addis Ababa in Ethiopia followed with 2.7 million individuals belonging to the middle class. The middle-class population included people who had a disposable income of over 75 percent of their salary, were employed, had a business activity, or were in education, and had at least a secondary school degree.