Population Growth Trends in Nigeria from 1990 to 2023

The chart reveals a consistent yet slightly fluctuating growth pattern, indicative of Nigeria’s demographic stability amid various social and economic changes.

In the early 1990s, Nigeria’s growth rate held steady around 2.6%, with minor fluctuations reflecting the country’s high birth rates balanced by moderate improvements in healthcare. This trend continued through the mid-2000s, as growth remained at 2.7% from 2001 to 2011. This period marked a phase of urbanization and economic development that maintained the population increase, as Nigeria’s youthful demographic contributed to steady growth.

By the 2010s, the growth rate showed a slight but gradual decline, reaching 2.4% by 2023. This recent downward trend is largely due to increased urbanization, rising awareness of family planning, and shifting family dynamics, particularly in urban centers where smaller family sizes are more common. However, Nigeria’s large population base continues to drive significant growth, positioning the country as one of the fastest-growing populations globally.