Nigeria Flag

The flag of Nigeria has three equal sized vertical stripes. The right and left stripe are green, and the middle stripe is white.

The green stripes symbolize Nigeria's agriculture industry and its lush vegetation. The white stripe symbolizes the desire for peace and unity within the country.

The Nigerian flag was enacted the same day Nigeria was granted independence from Britain on October 1, 1960. A competition was held to choose a new Nigerian national flag to represent an independent Nigeria. A design by a Nigerian student named Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi was chosen in 1959 from almost 3,000 entries. This flag can be flown both nationally or civilly by its citizens.

When Nigeria flag is flying, no other flag, emblem or insignia should be placed above the flag. Old or worn out Nigerian flags should never be displayed. When Nigeria’s flag becomes soiled, old, torn or mutilated it should be destroyed by burning or any other method of respect. Nigerian law makes it an offence for the Nigerian Flag to be improperly used or displayed. Law states that: "Any person who flies or exhibits the National Flag in a defaced or bad condition shall be guilty of an offence against this Ordinance."

In the ninth century, the kingdom of Kanem was created. In the fourteenth century Kanem merged with Bornu. In the sixteenth century, the Empire of Kanem Bornu controlled the Hausa states. The Yoruba kingdom of Ife influenced the kingdoms of Benin and Oyo. The Songhai Empire was prominent across northern Nigeria. In 1804, Usman dan Fodio started the Fulani sultanate of Sokoto. Nigeria was at the hub of the slave trade. In 1861, Britain took control of Lagos, to stop the slave trade from happening. By 1906, Britain controlled all of Nigeria. In 1960 Nigeria was granted its independence under Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. In 1963, Nigeria became a republic led by President Tafawa Balewa. In 1967, the Ibo declared its independence of Biafra. Civil war was a result of this declaration until Biafra recanted. Between 1960 and 1998 Nigeria had only nine years of civilian government. Olusegun Obasanjo, a former military ruler, won the election in 1999.

Individuals can find out more information about the flag or country from any one of several websites that are available on the internet.