Nigeria's Population Hits 242.4 Million in 2026

Nigeria has maintained its position as Africa’s most populous country, with an estimated population of 242.4 million people in 2026, as reported by Worldometer and cited by PUNCH Online. This figure places Nigeria ahead of Ethiopia, which has an estimated population of 138.9 million, and Egypt, with 120.1 million.

The population growth in Nigeria is attributed to a median age of 18 years and a fertility rate of 4.2 children per woman, contributing to a growth rate of 2.1 percent in 2025. The last official census in Nigeria was conducted in 2006, when the population was recorded at 140.4 million.

The population of Africa is projected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050, driven by youthful demographics, high fertility rates, and healthcare improvements. The top ten most populous countries in Africa in 2026 include Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, Sudan, and Uganda.