Nigeria Population: How Many People Live in Nigeria?
Historical Population Data (1960-2024)
What is the population of Nigeria? The current Nigeria population is 232 679 478 people in 2024. Nigeria has experienced significant growth in population over the past six decades. From 45 053 782 people in 1960, the population has grown to 232 679 478 in 2023, representing a growth of 187 625 696 people (+416.4%).
The country reached its peak population of 232 679 478 in 2024, after which population levels began to stabilize. This historical data provides valuable insights into Nigeria's demographic evolution and long-term population trends.
Current Population (2024)
Population in 1960
Total Growth
Peak Population
📈 Population Trend of Nigeria (1960-2024)
This interactive chart visualizes Nigeria's population growth over more than six decades, from 1960 to 2024. The trend line shows how the country's total population has changed year by year, making it easy to identify periods of rapid growth, stability, or decline.
Hover over any point on the chart to see the exact population figure for that specific year. The data is sourced from World Bank (updated: 10/7/2025) and provides a comprehensive historical view of demographic changes in Nigeria.
📊 Nigeria Population by Decade
|
Year
|
Population
|
Change from Previous Decade
|
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 45 053 782 | |
| 1970 | 55 893 838 | +10 840 056 (+24.1%) |
| 1980 | 73 764 641 | +17 870 803 (+32.0%) |
| 1990 | 97 120 925 | +23 356 284 (+31.7%) |
| 2000 | 126 382 494 | +29 261 569 (+30.1%) |
| 2010 | 166 642 886 | +40 260 392 (+31.9%) |
| 2020 | 213 996 181 | +47 353 295 (+28.4%) |
| 2024 | 232 679 478 | +18 683 297 (+8.7%) |
This table presents Nigeria's population data at key 10-year intervals, providing a clear overview of long-term demographic trends. Each row shows the population count for a specific decade, along with the absolute and percentage change from the previous data point.
By examining these decade-by-decade changes, you can quickly identify major demographic shifts and understand the overall growth pattern of Nigeria without getting into year-by-year details.
📅 Complete Historical Data of Nigeria (1960-2024)
|
Year
|
Population
|
Annual Change
|
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 45 053 782 | |
| 1961 | 45 989 310 | +935 528 |
| 1962 | 46 965 292 | +975 982 |
| 1963 | 47 973 575 | +1 008 283 |
| 1964 | 49 012 016 | +1 038 441 |
| 1965 | 50 086 764 | +1 074 748 |
| 1966 | 51 188 234 | +1 101 470 |
| 1967 | 52 293 065 | +1 104 831 |
| 1968 | 53 432 783 | +1 139 718 |
| 1969 | 54 631 914 | +1 199 131 |
| 1970 | 55 893 838 | +1 261 924 |
| 1971 | 57 214 684 | +1 320 846 |
| 1972 | 58 601 748 | +1 387 064 |
| 1973 | 60 082 139 | +1 480 391 |
| 1974 | 61 679 144 | +1 597 005 |
| 1975 | 63 410 815 | +1 731 671 |
| 1976 | 65 258 009 | +1 847 194 |
| 1977 | 67 234 590 | +1 976 581 |
| 1978 | 69 326 532 | +2 091 942 |
| 1979 | 71 498 242 | +2 171 710 |
| 1980 | 73 764 641 | +2 266 399 |
| 1981 | 76 068 103 | +2 303 462 |
| 1982 | 78 378 701 | +2 310 598 |
| 1983 | 80 438 260 | +2 059 559 |
| 1984 | 82 526 443 | +2 088 183 |
| 1985 | 84 897 973 | +2 371 530 |
| 1986 | 87 235 953 | +2 337 980 |
| 1987 | 89 591 716 | +2 355 763 |
| 1988 | 92 020 090 | +2 428 374 |
| 1989 | 94 531 014 | +2 510 924 |
| 1990 | 97 120 925 | +2 589 911 |
| 1991 | 99 720 162 | +2 599 237 |
| 1992 | 102 372 770 | +2 652 608 |
| 1993 | 105 122 069 | +2 749 299 |
| 1994 | 107 935 714 | +2 813 645 |
| 1995 | 110 819 428 | +2 883 714 |
| 1996 | 113 754 779 | +2 935 351 |
| 1997 | 116 754 792 | +3 000 013 |
| 1998 | 119 846 254 | +3 091 462 |
| 1999 | 123 047 320 | +3 201 066 |
| 2000 | 126 382 494 | +3 335 174 |
| 2001 | 129 862 595 | +3 480 101 |
| 2002 | 133 471 989 | +3 609 394 |
| 2003 | 137 202 644 | +3 730 655 |
| 2004 | 141 057 045 | +3 854 401 |
| 2005 | 145 017 253 | +3 960 208 |
| 2006 | 149 077 334 | +4 060 081 |
| 2007 | 153 267 261 | +4 189 927 |
| 2008 | 157 595 014 | +4 327 753 |
| 2009 | 162 049 464 | +4 454 450 |
| 2010 | 166 642 886 | +4 593 422 |
| 2011 | 171 379 598 | +4 736 712 |
| 2012 | 176 200 625 | +4 821 027 |
| 2013 | 181 049 443 | +4 848 818 |
| 2014 | 185 896 915 | +4 847 472 |
| 2015 | 190 671 878 | +4 774 963 |
| 2016 | 195 443 700 | +4 771 822 |
| 2017 | 200 254 579 | +4 810 879 |
| 2018 | 204 938 755 | +4 684 176 |
| 2019 | 209 485 641 | +4 546 886 |
| 2020 | 213 996 181 | +4 510 540 |
| 2021 | 218 529 286 | +4 533 105 |
| 2022 | 223 150 896 | +4 621 610 |
| 2023 | 227 882 945 | +4 732 049 |
| 2024 | 232 679 478 | +4 796 533 |
This comprehensive table displays the complete year-by-year population records for Nigeria from 1960 to 2024. Each row represents one calendar year, showing the total population and the annual change compared to the previous year.
Use this detailed dataset to analyze short-term population fluctuations, identify specific years with significant changes, or track precise demographic patterns. The sortable columns allow you to organize the data by year, population size, or annual change to suit your research needs. Data source: World Bank (updated: 10/7/2025).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Nigeria Population
What is the current population of Nigeria?
The population of Nigeria is estimated to be approximately 232 679 478 people as of 2024, based on official data from the World Bank.
How fast is the population of Nigeria growing?
Nigeria has experienced growth with an average annual growth rate of approximately 2.6% per year from 1960 to 2024. The total population has increased by 187 625 696 people (+416.4%) over this 64-year period.
How does Nigeria's population compare to other countries?
Nigeria ranks #49 in the world by population as of 2024, placing it among the more populous nations worldwide. With 232 679 478 people, Nigeria accounts for approximately 0.26% of the world's total population.
How has the population of Nigeria changed over time?
Over the past decades, Nigeria's population has increased from 45 053 782 people in 1960 to 232 679 478 in 2024. The country reached its peak population of 232 679 478 in 2024. This growth reflects improvements in healthcare, economic development, and overall quality of life.
What were the population milestones of Nigeria?
Nigeria achieved several significant demographic milestones throughout its history. The population first reached 45 053 782 in 1960, and grew to its current level of 232 679 478 by 2024. The highest recorded population was 232 679 478 people in 2024, while the lowest in recent history was 45 053 782 in 1960.
What factors influence population growth in Nigeria?
Key factors influencing population dynamics in Nigeria include birth and death rates, migration patterns, government policies related to family planning and immigration, healthcare infrastructure and life expectancy, economic conditions affecting family size decisions, urbanization trends, and socio-cultural factors. The country's positive population trend over the past 64 years reflects the combined impact of these various demographic drivers.
Where can I find historical population data for Nigeria?
This page provides comprehensive historical population data for Nigeria from 1960 to 2024, sourced directly from the World Bank's official database. The data includes year-by-year population figures, decade summaries, growth rates, and interactive charts showing long-term demographic trends. This information is updated regularly (last update: 10/7/2025) to ensure accuracy and reliability for research, educational, and analytical purposes.