The United Nations has projected Nigeria’s population to grow to 237,527,782 by 2025, up from 235,072,214 in December 2024. This marks an increase of over 4.79 million people within a single year, according to data from Worldometer.
Nigeria remains the sixth most populous country in the world, accounting for 2.85% of the global population. Among its most populated cities, Lagos leads with a staggering 15.39 million residents, followed by Kano (4.91 million), Ibadan (3.65 million), Abuja (2.69 million), and Port Harcourt (2.12 million).
Urban Growth and Density
Urbanization continues to shape Nigeria’s demographics, with 53.9% of the population—approximately 125.4 million people—living in urban areas as of 2024. The country’s population density stands at 255 individuals per square kilometer, spread over a land area of 910,770 square kilometers.
Key Demographics
The report highlights that Nigeria’s median age is 17.9 years, reflecting a predominantly youthful population. Life expectancy at birth is 54.6 years on average, with females expected to live slightly longer at 54.9 years compared to 54.3 years for males.
Implications
As Nigeria’s population grows, the country faces challenges and opportunities in managing resources, infrastructure, and urban development. Policymakers and stakeholders must address these dynamics to ensure sustainable growth that benefits its burgeoning population.
This latest projection underscores Nigeria’s critical role in global demographics and its potential as an economic and cultural hub in the coming years.
