Flag of Nigeria

What the flag means

The Nigerian government describes the green as agriculture and the white as unity and peace.

History

Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, then a student, sent the design to a 1959 competition that drew nearly 3,000 entries. His entry had a red sun with rays on the white band, which the selection committee removed. Lieutenant David Ejoor of the Army Guard raised the flag for the first time at independence on 1 October 1960.

Earlier flags of Nigeria

1. 1914–1960Blue Ensign with a red disc holding a green six-pointed star and crown

Flags of Nigeria's neighbours

• Benin
• Cameroon
• Chad
• Niger