President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Independence Day speech, said profound social, economic, and political challenges have tested Nigeria’s independence for decades, but the country has survived with tremendous progress across sectors, especially the country’s economy, which he said ‘has experienced significant growth since 1960.’
In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five facts that reveal where the giant of Africa stands at 65.
1. Resilient economy
Despite storms of inflation and subsidy cuts, Nigeria’s GDP grew by 3.13% year-on-year in Q1 2025, proving its ability to bounce back.
2. Lagos shines as Africa’s second-largest city economy
With a GDP of US$259.75 billion in 2023, Lagos is only behind Cairo, cementing its role as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.
3. Nigeria remains Africa’s most populous nation
With over 226 million people, Nigeria holds immense human capital – a young, energetic population that is both its strength and its future.
4. Poverty in rural Nigeria: 75.5%
According to the World Bank’s April 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief, 75.5% of rural Nigerians now live below the poverty line, compared to 41.3 % in urban areas
5. Security threats affect everyday life
Over 150 million Nigerians live under the shadow of insecurity – from farmers who cannot till their land to families displaced by violence.