Similar to other countries around the world, Nigeria has its National symbols. In this post, we’ll tell you what the national symbols of Nigeria are and what they signify.

Nigeria is fondly called the giant of Africa. It is by far the most populous black nation in the world. Also, it boasts the biggest economy in Africa.

Formerly a colony of Britain, Nigeria got her independence on the 1st of October 1960. Before then, there were several national symbols in place. Although, some of them were later modified due to one reason or the other.

What is the meaning of a national symbol?

A national symbol is a symbol of any country or state that distinguishes it from other countries while at the same time uniting its people and culture.

The Nigerian national symbols aim to unite the people of Nigeria by creating visual, verbal, or iconic representations of our values, goals, and history.

We have gathered a list of 5 major national symbols in Nigeria. Note that there may be more national symbols than what is on this post.

Here are the Nigerian national symbols & their meanings

The Nigerian flag

The Nigerian national flag is arguably the most significant national symbol.

It distinguishes Nigeria from every country in the world. Don’t say the name, all you have to do is to put a white separating rectangular columns between two green ones of equal dimension.

The Nigerian flag was designed by Micheal Taiwo Akinkunmi in 1959 and was officially raised for the first time on 1 October 1960.

The two green stripes represent Nigeria’s wealth in agriculture and green pastures, while the white band represents peace.

The coat of arm

The coat of arm is also one of the National symbols of Nigeria. It is visible on all the currency units, visas, passport, ID cards, and other important documents. That is to emphasize just how significant the national coat of arm is to Nigeria.

The red eagle indicates the strength and pride of Nigeria while the two horses standing on both sides of the shield represent the dignity of Nigeria.

Want to know what other things mean? Read also: The Nigeria Coat of Arms & What it Signifies.

The national anthem

The Nigerian national anthem, ‘Arise O Compatriots’, is one of our national symbols. It was adopted in the late 1970s after the old one ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ was ditched.

The national anthem contains two stanzas; however, most people are only familiar with the first one.

The first stanza reads…

‘Arise, O compatriots
Nigeria’s call obey
to serve our fatherland
with love and strength and faith.
The labour of our heroes past
shall never be in vain,
to serve with heart and might
one nation bound in freedom
Peace and unity.’

The national pledge

The Nigerian national pledge is usually recited just after the national anthem, it is also one of the national symbols of Nigeria.

The national pledge was written by Prof (Mrs.) Felicia Adebola Adedoyin in 1976.

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 honour and glory
So help me God

From the words contained in the pledge, you can tell it beckons on us to be good citizens of our Nigeria. Ones who put the nation first and shun corruption and other social vices.

Nigerian Currency (Naira & kobo)

The Nigerian currency (Naira and Kobo) is also one of the national symbols of our beloved nation.

Nigeria began using Naira as its official currency on 1 January 1973, thereby dumping the Nigerian Pounds Sterling.

Naira is represented by the symbol ₦, and code NGN. There are 100 kobo in 1 naira.

Read also: Who Prints the Naira Notes & Where are they Printed?

Currently, the banknotes in circulation include ₦5, ₦10, ₦20, ₦50, ₦100, ₦200, ₦500, ₦1000 while the coins in circulation are 50 kobos, ₦1, ₦2.

Unfortunately, due to the severe depreciation of Naira, we cannot many of the smaller units physically.

Meanwhile, we still spend the kobo digitally. For instance, call rates for most networks are set at kobo/second.

The seal of the president of Nigeria

The Seal of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is one of the national symbols of Nigeria; it is the official symbol of the Nigerian President.

It was first used in 1979 by President Shehu Shagari and continued until the military regimes from 1983 to 1999 dumped it. However, it was reinstated in the wake of the 4th republic in 1999 and has remained ever since.

Several other sub symbols have been taken from some of the symbols above.

For instance, the national colour of Nigeria is widely considered to be green. Also, the eagle is highly symbolic in Nigeria and so is the Costus Spectabilis. All of the aforementioned are present on the Nigerian Coat of Arms.

We can also refer to the Mace of the House of Representatives as a national symbol. It symbolises the authority of the Speaker and the authority of the House of Assembly.