Nigeria has experienced rapid population growth over the past several decades, making it the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous in the world. In 1960, Nigeria’s population was around 45 million, but by 2024, it has soared to over 220 million people. This dramatic increase is driven by high birth rates, a relatively young population, and improvements in healthcare that have reduced mortality rates. Nigeria’s population is projected to continue growing rapidly, with estimates suggesting it could surpass 400 million by 2050, potentially making it the third most populous country globally. This rapid growth presents both opportunities and significant challenges, particularly in areas such as urbanization, education, employment, and infrastructure development.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 31,796,939 | 34.9 |
| 1955 | 35,954,557 | 39.5 |
| 1960 | 41,557,958 | 45.6 |
| 1965 | 48,096,775 | 52.8 |
| 1970 | 55,660,933 | 61.1 |
| 1975 | 64,573,627 | 70.9 |
| 1980 | 75,104,241 | 82.5 |
| 1985 | 85,379,308 | 93.7 |
| 1990 | 97,041,753 | 106.5 |
| 1995 | 109,838,554 | 120.6 |
| 2000 | 125,580,732 | 137.9 |
| 2005 | 144,566,309 | 158.7 |
| 2010 | 165,890,754 | 182.1 |
| 2015 | 188,830,820 | 207.3 |
| 2020 | 213,986,428 | 235 |
| 2022 | 225,082,083 | 247.1 |
| 2023 | 230,842,743 | 253.5 |
| 2024 | 236,747,130 | 259.9 |
| 2025 | 242,794,751 | 266.6 |
| 2030 | 275,155,380 | 302.1 |
| 2035 | 310,623,710 | 341.1 |
| 2040 | 348,390,982 | 382.5 |
| 2045 | 387,782,040 | 425.8 |
| 2050 | 428,438,012 | 470.4 |
| 2055 | 470,861,435 | 517 |
| 2060 | 515,386,289 | 565.9 |
| 2065 | 561,281,181 | 616.3 |
| 2070 | 607,579,446 | 667.1 |
| 2075 | 653,401,840 | 717.4 |
| 2080 | 698,081,830 | 766.5 |
| 2085 | 741,061,499 | 813.7 |
| 2090 | 781,715,292 | 858.3 |
| 2095 | 819,265,321 | 899.5 |
| 2100 | 852,856,268 | 936.4 |
Data from US Census International Database