The Nigerian flag is one of the national symbols of Nigeria. It differentiates our nation from every other country around the world. Even non-nationals can tell when they notice the brimming green-coloured stripes separated by a white band; the same way you can tell the difference when you see the flag of Great Britain, China and so many other countries around the world.

Only a handful of people can boast full knowledge of what the flag signifies.

Who designed the national flag? And when did Nigeria adopt its usage? What do the colours signify?

We shall be answering those questions and providing even more facts regarding the Nigerian flag.

Pictures of the Nigerian flag

The default flag contains three vertical stripes of equal size.

There is a variation to the one above, containing the Nigerian Coat of Arms at the middle.

This variation is called the presidential or state flag, and it is used by the President of Nigeria and other top officials in his cabinet.

Who designed the Nigerian flag

Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, fondly known as ‘Mr Flag Man’, designed Nigeria’s national flag in 1959.

Akinkunmi was a 23-year-old student of Norwich Technical College in London, England, when he submitted his proposal. And from the thousands of entries, his own stood out.

However, there’s a tiny alteration from his original design which included a crimson Sun at the middle.

The judge that evaluated the samples deemed the red sun unimportant and therefore removed it from the final flag.

Nevertheless, Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi deservedly retains the credit for designing the Nigerian flag.

What do the colours stand for?

The Nigerian flag is simple, yet, powerful in meaning. As can be seen from the photos above, it contains three vertical bands of green, white, green.

The two green stripes portray Nigeria’s rich agricultural heritage, while the white band stands for peace and unity.

Other interesting facts about the Nigerian flag

• Akinwumi designed the flag in 1959; however, it was first hoisted officially on 1 October 1960. Many people already know what makes that day remarkable in the history of Nigeria. It was the day Nigeria gained her independence, thereby becoming a sovereign nation and not a colony of Britain.
• The flag should be hoisted at 6 am and lowered at 6pm. Moreover, if it’s beside other national flags when hoisted, none of them must be placed higher than that of Nigeria.
• On a day of national mourning, the flag is usually half flown.
• You must never hoist the Nigerian flag on the same staff or crossbar with the flag of any State, or the flag of any Commonwealth or foreign country.
• You must never hang a torn, worn out or dirty Nigerian flag, as this would be considered a total disrespect to Nigerian symbol and Nigeria as a whole. Instead, you must destroy that flag and find a better and newer replacement.
• There are several other conditions governing the hosting of the Nigerian flag. You can find them on the Nigeria law website.

The designer of the flag, Akinwumi, was largely forgotten. For someone who gave Nigeria one of her most significant national symbols, many people considered his neglect appalling and therefore started a social media campaign. Luckily, it reached the ears of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Consequently, then-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan invited him to Abuja and gave him a hero’s recognition. Mr Akinwumi is currently on a lifetime salary, according to several reports.

He currently resides in one of the poorer areas of Ibadan. His house is a shimmering representation of the flag he proudly designed; a green and white house that can be noticed from a distance.