Nigeria has a population of approximately 230 million people in 2025, making it the most populous country in Africa and the sixth most populous in the world. Roughly one in every six Africans is Nigerian, and the country is growing so quickly that demographers expect it to climb even higher in the global rankings within a few decades.
How Many People Live in Nigeria?
With about 230 million residents, Nigeria accounts for nearly a fifth of sub-Saharan Africa's entire population. It is the only African nation in the world's top ten by population, sitting behind India, China, the United States, Indonesia, and Pakistan. To put the figure in perspective, Nigeria has more people than France, Germany, and the United Kingdom combined, all packed into a land area roughly the size of Texas and California together.
This enormous population is also remarkably concentrated. Nigeria's population density is around 249 people per square kilometre, far higher than most of its African neighbours. The bulk of this growth has happened recently: at independence in 1960 the country had fewer than 50 million people, meaning the population has more than quadrupled in a single lifetime.
Population Growth and Future Projections
Nigeria's population is expanding at roughly 2.4 percent per year, one of the fastest rates among the world's large nations. In practical terms, that means the country adds about 5 to 5.5 million people annually, the equivalent of a new city the size of Singapore every twelve months.
The engine behind this growth is a high fertility rate of around 5 births per woman, combined with a steadily falling death rate and improving child survival. United Nations projections suggest some striking milestones:
- By 2050, Nigeria could reach roughly 375 to 400 million people, overtaking the United States to become the third most populous country on Earth.
- By 2100, the population may approach 500 million or more under medium-growth scenarios.
- Nigeria alone could account for much of the projected growth of the entire African continent this century.
This trajectory makes Nigeria central to nearly every long-term forecast about the global workforce, urbanisation, and consumer markets.
A Very Young Population
One of the most defining features of Nigeria's demographics is its youth. The median age is just about 18 years, meaning half the population is younger than a typical first-year university student. Children under the age of 15 make up around 40 percent of the total population, while people over 65 account for only a small fraction.
This youthful structure creates both opportunity and pressure. A large, young workforce can power decades of economic expansion, an effect economists call a "demographic dividend." At the same time, it places heavy demands on schools, healthcare, housing, and job creation. With millions of young Nigerians entering the labour market each year, employment and education are among the country's most pressing policy challenges.
Cities, Ethnic Groups, and Diversity
Nigeria is rapidly urbanising, and its cities rank among the largest in Africa. Lagos, the former capital, is the country's commercial heart, with around 16 million people in the city and more than 21 million across its wider metro area, making it one of the fastest-growing megacities on the planet. Kano, the great northern trade hub, has roughly 4 million residents, while Ibadan, a historic Yoruba city, is home to about 3.6 million. The political capital, Abuja, was purpose-built in the centre of the country and continues to grow quickly.
The population is extraordinarily diverse, with more than 250 distinct ethnic groups. The three largest are the Hausa-Fulani of the north, the Yoruba of the southwest, and the Igbo of the southeast, who together make up the majority. English serves as the official language and lingua franca, while Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo are each spoken by tens of millions. Religion roughly divides the country in two, with Islam predominant in the north and Christianity in the south, a balance that shapes much of Nigeria's social and political life. You can explore more in our nigeria country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Nigeria in 2025?
Nigeria's population in 2025 is estimated at around 230 million people. Because the last official census was held in 2006, current figures are projections based on growth rates, and different sources may vary by several million.
Is Nigeria the most populous country in Africa?
Yes. Nigeria is by far the most populous country in Africa, with more people than the next two largest African nations, Ethiopia and Egypt, combined. It is also the sixth most populous country in the world.
Why is Nigeria's population growing so fast?
The rapid growth is driven by a high fertility rate of about 5 children per woman, a very young population, and falling infant mortality. Cultural preferences for larger families and limited access to family planning in some regions also contribute.
Will Nigeria become the third most populous country in the world?
Most United Nations projections expect Nigeria to overtake the United States around 2050, becoming the third most populous country after India and China, with a population approaching 400 million.