How Many People Live in Nigeria?

Nigeria has a population of approximately 242 million people, making it the most populous country in Africa and the 6th most populous in the world. By 2047, Nigeria is projected to overtake the United States as the 3rd most populous country. By 2100, Nigeria could reach 546 million people, more than the entire current population of the European Union.

Nigeria is growing at 2.35% per year, one of the fastest rates among large countries. The fertility rate is 5.1 children per woman, more than double the global average. The population has grown 6x since independence in 1960 (from 45 million). Lagos, the commercial capital, adds about 800,000 new residents per year and could become the largest city on Earth by 2100 with 80-100 million people.

Nigeria's demographics are defined by its youth. The median age is 17.2 years, meaning half the country has not yet turned 18. Every year, 4 million young Nigerians enter the job market in a country where youth unemployment already exceeds 40%. The economy would need to grow 7-8% annually to absorb them. It grows at 2-3%. This mismatch between population growth and economic capacity is the central challenge of 21st-century Nigeria, and it will shape African politics, migration patterns, and global demographics for decades.

📊 Key Demographics

🏙️ What Are Nigerias Largest Cities?

The youth bulge

Nigeria's median age is 17.2 years. Half the country has not yet turned 18. By 2050, Nigeria will have more people under 25 than the entire population of the United States. This "youth bulge" is either Nigeria's greatest asset (a massive young workforce) or its greatest threat (hundreds of millions needing jobs in a country where youth unemployment already exceeds 40%). Every year, 4 million Nigerians enter the job market. The economy would need to grow 7-8% annually to absorb them. It grows at 2-3%.

Nigeria vs Africa

🎬 Nollywood Produces More Films Than Hollywood

Nigerias film industry, Nollywood, produces roughly 2,500 films per year, second only to Bollywood and ahead of Hollywood. Most are low-budget productions shot in days rather than months, distributed via DVDs and streaming platforms. Nollywood employs over a million people and generates about \$6 billion annually. It is the cultural export that most of Africa watches, and its influence on fashion, music and slang extends across the continent.