Nigerian flag

The largest and most successful African state in terms of GDP and economic growth, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, along with the recognition of independence in the last century, acquired its main symbol, which exists to this day.

This is what the modern flag of Nigeria looks like:

History of the flag

Adopted in 1960 after its prototype won a competition. It was won by a student, Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi. The competition symbol looked a little different from what we are used to seeing – it had the sun on the white part of the flag. It was decided to remove it because the board of judges had decided to do so.

However, it had several other predecessors. Southern and Northern Nigeria, which were under British subjection, had blue flags with a Union Jack at the top at the stem and a badge with the name of the protectorate on the right. The main difference between them was its color, red for the north and green for the south.

In 1914 the two parts of the country were united, and subsequently the flag was also united – a red circle with a green five-pointed star in the center was used as the badge, with a crown and an inscription Nigeria between the rays. The star from the colonial flag was originally depicted on a jug found by the governor.

Nigeria was a British colony from 1870 to 1960.

Description

It is a tricolor with vertical stripes equal in width – the outer ones have the same color, the center one differs from them. The sides relate as one to two.

Flag colors

White, green.

Meaning of colors and flag symbol

• Green – fertile land and natural wealth.
• White – peace and unity.

Other Flags

• The merchant navy created its own distinctive mark – a red flag with the state flag on the left.

• The Navy was not left out either, its symbol is a white cloth with the Nigerian banner on the left and the navy coat of arms on the right.

A different navy flag was used from 1960 to 1998:

The Nigerian banner is a source of pride for the locals, as it was approved after the country gained its freedom from the British crown. That year is remembered by many forever – it was the time when a new country was born.

General information about Nigeria

Map of Nigeria