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As of February 2026, Nigeria's population was estimated at around 240.5 million. In 2026, the population grew by 1.3 percent compared to the previous year. Between 1965 and 2026, the number of people living in Nigeria increased at an average rate of over two percent. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. By extension, the African continent records the highest growth rate in the world.

Africa's most populous country

Nigeria was the most populous country in Africa as of 2025. That year, Lagos held the distinction of being Nigeria's biggest urban center, a status it also retained as the largest city across all of sub-Saharan Africa. The city boasted an excess of nearly 18 million residents. Notably, Lagos assumed the pivotal roles of the nation's primary financial hub, cultural epicenter, and educational nucleus. Furthermore, Lagos was one of the largest urban agglomerations in the world.

Nigeria's youthful population

In Nigeria, a significant 50 percent of the populace is under the age of 19. The most prominent age bracket is constituted by those up to four years old: comprising 8.1 percent of men and eight percent of women as of 2024. Nigeria boasts one of the world's most youthful populations. On a broader scale, both within Africa and internationally, Niger maintains the lowest median age record. Nigeria secures the 20th position in global rankings. Furthermore, the life expectancy in Nigeria is an average of 62 years old. However, this is different between men and women. The main causes of death have been neonatal disorders, malaria, and diarrheal diseases.