About Nigeria

Demography

With an estimated 219.5 million people in 2021, Nigeria ranks as the most populous country in Africa and sixth most populous globally. By 2050, it is poised to overtake the United States as the third most populous country (behind India and China), with a projected population that will exceed 400 million. Around three in five Nigerians are below the age of 25, raising the possibility of a demographic dividend in the coming decades. This is seen as an asset but subject to the ability of its government and economy to provide a swiftly rising population with quality services and livelihoods. Nigeria’s population is highly diverse; it comprises hundreds of ethnic and linguistic, as well as religious groups. In the face of daunting social challenges, Nigeria has continued to struggle to enhance the chances of turning its diversity into asset, aiming at harnessing the power of diversity, namely: foster innovation and problem-solving by pushing everyone to look at things from different perspectives, while assembling its best from the diverse groups towards achieving national development.