The national symbols of Nigeria represent the country's identity, heritage, and values, reflecting its cultural diversity and historical journey. These symbols include the national flag, coat of arms, anthem, and pledge, as well as the national flower, animal, currency, etc.[1] The Nigerian flag, designed in 1959 by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, features three vertical stripes of green and white, symbolising agriculture and peace, respectively.[2] [3] The coat of arms, adopted in 1960, includes a black shield with a wavy white pall, symbolising the meeting of the Niger and Benue Rivers, supported by two white horses representing dignity.[4] [5] Above the shield is an eagle, symbolising strength, and beneath it is Nigeria's national motto: "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress". The national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee," first adopted in 1960, relinquished in 1978, and then re-adopted in 2024, calls upon Nigerians to stand in brotherhood and serve their motherland.[6] The national pledge, introduced in 1976, serves as an oath of allegiance and commitment to Nigeria's unity and development.[7] The national flower, Costus spectabilis, symbolises beauty and prosperity, while the national animal, the eagle, reflects the country's strength and resilience.[8] The Naira, Nigeria's national currency, was introduced in 1973.[9] Through these symbols, Nigeria's government and its people express their collective pride, uphold their cultural values, and reinforce their commitment to national development and cohesion.
| Name | Image | Adopted | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official name | Federal Republic of Nigeria (Nijeriya, Naìjíríyà, Nàìjíríà)[10] | October 1963[11] [12] | The official name of Nigeria, "Federal Republic of Nigeria," was adopted in 1963 when the country became a republic, three years after gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1960.[13] The adoption of the name signified Nigeria's transition from a British colony to a fully sovereign state.[14] The term "Federal" reflects Nigeria's structure as a federation of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, whereas "Republic" indicates its system of government in which officials are elected and the country is considered a public matter.[15] | ||
| National flag | Flag of Nigeria | 1 October 1960 | The national flag of Nigeria was designed in 1959 by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, a 23-year-old student, following a nationwide competition.[16] The flag was officially adopted on 1 October 1960, the day Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule. It features three vertical stripes, with green on the outer bands and white in the middle.[17] The green stripes represent Nigeria's vegetation and its agricultural industry, symbolising the nation's wealth in natural resources. The white stripe stands for peace and unity, reflecting the country's aspiration for harmony among its diverse ethnic groups.[18] The simplicity and symbolism of the flag have made it a powerful emblem of national pride and identity. The flag is prominently displayed during national holidays, official functions, and international events. Since its adoption, the flag has remained unchanged.[19] | ||
| National emblem | Coat of Arms of Nigeria | 20 May 1960 | The Coat of Arms of Nigeria was officially adopted in 1960, coinciding with the country's independence from British rule. The coat of arms features a black shield with a wavy white pall, symbolising the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers at Lokoja. The black shield represents Nigeria's fertile soil, while the wavy white pall signifies the country's rich water resources. Supporting the shield are two white horses, symbolising dignity and strength. At the top of the shield, an eagle is perched, representing strength, while a wreath in the national colours of green and white surrounds it, symbolising Nigeria's rich agricultural heritage.[20] Beneath the shield is Nigeria's national motto: "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress" (formerly "Peace, Unity, Freedom") which was adopted in 1978.[21] The coat of arms also includes a representation of the Costus spectabilis, Nigeria's national flower, which stands for beauty and the lush environment of the country. This emblem is displayed prominently on official documents, government buildings, and currency, serving as a powerful symbol of national identity, unity, and pride for Nigerians. | ||
| National motto | "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress"(formerly "Peace, Unity, Freedom") | ||||
| Seal of the President | Seal of the president of Nigeria | 1979 | The Presidential Seal of Nigeria is the official emblem of the Nigerian President. It was introduced in 1979 by President Shehu Shagari during the second republic and discontinued by subsequent military regimes from 1983 to 1999. The seal was reinstated in 1999 with the advent of the fourth republic and has been in use since then. The seal's design is based on the Nigerian Coat of Arms, featuring a black shield with two white stripes representing the Niger and Benue Rivers. The black shield represents Nigeria's fertile land, while the two supporting horses signify dignity. The eagle represents strength, and the green and white bands above the shield denote the country's agricultural heritage. The yellow flower depicted is the Costus spectabilis, Nigeria's national flower. The motto "UNITY AND FAITH, PEACE AND PROGRESS" is inscribed on a yellow ribbon beneath the shield. The seal also features the inscription "SEAL OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA" encircling the design between two concentric green circles. The seal is displayed on official presidential documents, the lectern at press conferences, presidential transport vehicles, and the circular rug in the Federal Executive Council chambers at Aso Villa. | ||
| National anthem | 1960 (Re-adopted on 29 May 2024) | The national anthem "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" was originally adopted in 1960, the year Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule.[22] The anthem, composed by Lillian Jean Williams, was re-adopted on 29 May 2024, replacing the more recent "Arise, O Compatriots," which had been in use since 1978. This anthem is performed at official events, national holidays, and significant ceremonies. | |||
| National days | 1 October 1960 | Independence Day is celebrated annually on 1 October, marking the day Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960.[23] The day is observed with various events, including parades, cultural displays, and speeches by political leaders.[24] | |||
| Democracy Day | 1999 | Democracy Day is celebrated on 12 June to commemorate the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. Initially observed on 29 May to mark the transition from military to civilian rule in 1999, it was moved to 12 June in 2018 to honour the annulled 1993 presidential election won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. Abiola's election was considered a landmark in Nigeria's democratic history, and he himself became a symbol of the struggle for democracy following his detention and death.[25] | |||
| 1970 | Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed on 15 January each year to honour the service and sacrifice of Nigeria's military personnel. This date marks the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970. The day is commemorated with wreath-laying ceremonies at military cemeteries and memorials. The event pays tribute to soldiers who died in various conflicts, including the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and other military operations.[26] In addition to honouring fallen heroes, the day also acknowledges the contributions of living veterans and promotes support for their welfare. Military parades, religious services, and public speeches are also common on this day.[27] | ||||
| Oath of allegiance | National Pledge | 1976 | The Nigerian National Pledge was authored by Professor (Mrs.) Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin in 1976 and was introduced to instill a sense of patriotism and national pride among citizens.[28] The pledge reads: "I pledge to Nigeria my country. To be faithful, loyal and honest. To serve Nigeria with all my strength. To defend her unity, and uphold her honor and glory. So help me God".[29] The introduction of the pledge followed the creation of the Nigerian national anthem and is recited by students in schools and during official events to reinforce the values of loyalty, honesty, and dedication to the nation.[30] | ||
| National currency | Nigerian Naira | 1 January 1973 | The Nigerian Naira (ISO code: NGN, ₦) became the official currency of Nigeria on 1 January 1973, replacing the Nigerian pound.[31] The currency is issued and regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which was established in 1958. The introduction of the Naira was part of Nigeria's decimalisation process, aligning the currency system with international standards.[32] The Naira is subdivided into 100 Kobo.[33] Over the years, various denominations of banknotes and coins have been issued, with notable changes in design and security features to prevent counterfeiting.[34] The Naira has faced significant devaluation and inflation issues, influenced by economic policies, global oil prices, and political factors.[35] Efforts to stabilise the currency have included various monetary policies and foreign exchange controls by the Central Bank of Nigeria.[36] The Naira symbol, ₦, is derived from capital N with a double stroke.[37] | ||
| National bird | Eagle (Accipitridae)[38] [39] | N/A | The eagle is recognised as both the national bird and the national animal of Nigeria and is prominently featured on the Nigerian Coat of Arms. The eagle symbolises strength, pride, and dignity, and its depiction on the coat of arms is standing on a wreath, which is coloured in the national colours of green and white.[40] | ||
| National animal | |||||
| National flower | Yellow Trumpet (Costus Spectabili)[41] | N/A | The Costus spectabilis, also known as the Yellow Trumpet, is the national flower of Nigeria. This flower is native to tropical Africa and is found abundantly in Nigeria's forests and on its riverbanks.[42] The flower is also featured on the Nigerian Coat of Arms. | ||
| National Theatre | National Arts Theatre | 1976 | The National Arts Theatre is a performance venue in Nigeria. It is located in Iganmu, Surulere, Lagos, and was built in 1976 for the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) in 1977. The building's exterior is designed to resemble a military hat. Inside, it has a 5,000-seater hall with a collapsible stage and two cinema halls, all equipped with facilities for simultaneous translation in up to eight languages. |