Flag of Nigeria

The national flag of Nigeria features a vertical triband of three equal stripes. Two outer bands of green frame a central band of white. This rectangular design follows a precise aspect ratio of 1:2.

The green stripes on either side represent the nation's abundant natural resources and its agricultural sector. Located in the center, the white stripe stands for peace and national unity. These colors were selected to project the values of a newly independent state focused on prosperity and harmony. The simplicity of the design reflects a commitment to a cohesive national identity across various ethnic groups.

The current design was chosen following a national competition held in 1959, which received nearly 3,000 entries. Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, a student in London at the time, submitted the winning entry, though the judges removed a red sun symbol from his original version. On October 1, 1960, the flag was officially hoisted for the first time to mark the country's independence from British colonial rule. It replaced the Blue Ensign of the British Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria, which had been in use since 1914.