Nigeria Population
Sub-Saharan Africa · 6th most populous · Lower middle income
Population right now (estimate)
243,966,383
The population of Nigeria is about 243,966,383 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 242 million for 2026 as a whole — 2.93% of the world's people.
Nigeria is one of the ten most populous countries on Earth (6th). Its population is growing fast — about 2.1% a year, roughly 13,713 more people every day. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 359 million. That is 5.4 times its 1960 population of 45.1 million. Population density is 266 people per square kilometre. 64% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
242 million
Yearly change
+2.06%
World rank
6th
Share of world
2.93%
Density
266/km²
Land area
910,770 km²
Life expectancy
54.6 yrs
Births per woman
4.38
Population of Nigeria, 1960–2050
Nigeria population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 45,053,782 | — | 49 |
| 1970 | 55,893,838 | +2.31% | 61 |
| 1980 | 73,764,641 | +3.17% | 81 |
| 1990 | 97,120,925 | +2.74% | 107 |
| 2000 | 126,382,494 | +2.71% | 139 |
| 2010 | 166,642,886 | +2.83% | 183 |
| 2020 | 213,996,181 | +2.15% | 235 |
| 2024 | 232,679,478 | +2.10% | 255 |
| 2026proj. | 242,431,832 | +2.06% | 266 |
| 2030proj. | 262,380,970 | +1.95% | 288 |
| 2040proj. | 312,710,416 | +1.61% | 343 |
| 2050proj. | 359,185,556 | +1.24% | 394 |
Nigeria vs Bangladesh
Nigeria has 1.4 times as many people as Bangladesh (178 million). Bangladesh is 5.1 times more densely populated.
Nigeria population: questions and answers
What is the population of Nigeria in 2026?
About 242,431,832 (242 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Nigeria's population growing?
Yes, by about 2.06% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Nigeria?
About 266 people per km², with a land area of 910,770 km².
What will the population of Nigeria be in 2050?
About 359 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Nigeria?
Abuja.
What is the life expectancy in Nigeria?
54.6 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.