Research & Data Hub
Verified statistics, trends, and insights about Nigeria's economy, technology, business, and society
Welcome to Daily Reality NG, where we break down real-life issues with honesty and clarity.
In a country where misinformation spreads faster than verified facts, this Research & Data Hub exists to provide you with credible, source-backed statistics and insights. Every number here is traceable to authoritative sources like the National Bureau of Statistics, Central Bank of Nigeria, World Bank, and other trusted institutions.
I'm Samson Ese, founder of Daily Reality NG. I've been blogging and building online businesses in Nigeria since 2016, helped over 4,000 readers start making money online, and my sites currently serve 800,000+ monthly visitors across Africa.
Why This Data Hub Exists
In 2019, I was preparing an article about Nigeria's unemployment rate. I found three different numbers from three different sources, all claiming to be accurate. One said 23 percent, another said 27 percent, and a third claimed 33 percent.
That confusion taught me something important: Nigerians deserve access to verified data without having to hunt through dozens of government websites, research papers, and conflicting reports.
This hub compiles the most important statistics about Nigeria, updated regularly, sourced transparently, and presented clearly. Whether you're a student writing a thesis, a journalist fact-checking a story, an entrepreneur planning a business, or just a curious Nigerian wanting to understand your country better, this page is for you.
Truth be told, data tells the story of where we are and where we're going. Let's look at the numbers together.
🔍 Our Research Methodology
How we verify and present data:
- All statistics are sourced from authoritative institutions (NBS, CBN, World Bank, WHO, etc.)
- Every data point includes a direct link to the original source
- We prioritize the most recent available data and clearly mark the date
- When sources conflict, we note the discrepancy and explain why
- This page is updated quarterly or when major new data is released
- We distinguish between official government data and independent research
Last major update: January 2025
Nigerian Economy: Key Statistics
Official Rate (CBN): ₦1,650/$1 (November 2024)
Parallel Market: ₦1,720/$1 (November 2024)
Year-on-Year Change: 68% depreciation from ₦907/$1 (Jan 2024)
Current Average (Nov 2024): ₦1,030/litre (Lagos)
January 2024: ₦617/litre
Percentage Increase: 67% year-on-year
Regional Variance: ₦950-₦1,200/litre depending on state
Note: Prices vary significantly by state and change frequently. These represent Lagos average as of November 2024.
Demographics & Population Data
Total Population: 223.8 million (2024 est., World Bank)
Annual Growth Rate: 2.41%
Median Age: 18.6 years
Urban Population: 52% (116.4 million)
Rural Population: 48% (107.4 million)
| State | Population (2024 est.) | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Lagos | 17.5 million | Ikeja |
| Kano | 16.8 million | Kano |
| Kaduna | 10.9 million | Kaduna |
| Oyo | 9.5 million | Ibadan |
| Rivers | 9.1 million | Port Harcourt |
Source: Projected from 2006 census data with annual growth rates applied. Official 2023 census results pending verification.
Technology & Internet Statistics
| Network | Subscribers | Market Share |
|---|---|---|
| MTN Nigeria | 77.8 million | 38.2% |
| Airtel Nigeria | 63.5 million | 31.2% |
| Globacom | 60.1 million | 29.5% |
| 9mobile | 2.4 million | 1.1% |
Total Digital Transactions (2023): ₦590 trillion (NIBSS)
POS Transactions: ₦13.47 trillion
NIP Transfers: ₦531 trillion
Mobile Money Users: 18.3 million active accounts
Year-on-Year Growth: 47% increase in transaction volume
Education Statistics
Adult Literacy Rate: 62% (UNESCO, 2024)
Youth Literacy (15-24): 75.5%
Primary School Enrollment: 67% gross enrollment ratio
Out-of-School Children: 20.2 million (highest globally, UNICEF)
Tertiary Enrollment: 11% gross enrollment ratio
2024 JAMB Candidates: 1.97 million registered
University Admission Capacity: ~600,000 spaces
Admission Rate: Approximately 30%
Most Competitive Courses: Medicine, Law, Engineering
Business & Employment Data
Labor Force Size: 122.1 million people
Employed Population: 116.0 million
Unemployment Rate: 5.0% (Q2 2024, NBS)
Underemployment Rate: 12.3%
Youth Unemployment (15-35): 8.4%
Informal Sector Share: 83.2% of employment
Note: The unemployment rate methodology changed in 2023. NBS now uses ILO standards, which show lower unemployment figures than previous calculations. Many Nigerians still face underemployment and informal work challenges not fully captured by this metric.
Current National Minimum Wage: ₦30,000/month (since 2019)
Proposed New Minimum: Under negotiation (₦70,000-₦250,000 range discussed)
Average Monthly Income (Urban): ₦77,000 (NBS Household Survey)
Poverty Rate: 40% of population (World Bank, 2024)
Total SMEs in Nigeria: 41.5 million businesses (SMEDAN)
SME Contribution to GDP: 48%
SME Employment: 84% of total workforce
Start-up Failure Rate: 60-70% within first 3 years
Main Business Challenges: Access to finance (68%), infrastructure (54%), multiple taxation (43%)
Energy & Power Statistics
Peak Generation: ~5,500 MW (November 2024)
National Installed Capacity: 12,522 MW
Actual Average Generation: 4,200-4,800 MW
National Demand: ~30,000 MW estimated
Household Access to Grid: 55% of population
Average Daily Power Supply: 8-12 hours in urban areas
Solar Installations (2023): 250 MW added capacity
Renewable Energy Target: 30% of energy mix by 2030
Off-Grid Solar Users: ~2 million households
Solar Panel Imports: $180 million annually
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy: 54.7 years (2023, World Bank)
Doctor-to-Patient Ratio: 1:5,000 (WHO recommends 1:600)
Health Insurance Coverage: 6% of population (NHIS, 2024)
Maternal Mortality: 512 deaths per 100,000 live births
Infant Mortality: 58 deaths per 1,000 live births
Healthcare Budget: 3.6% of national budget (2024)
How to Use This Data
- Always cite original sources: When using this data in research, articles, or presentations, cite the original source (NBS, CBN, World Bank, etc.), not Daily Reality NG.
- Understand context: Numbers without context can mislead. A 5% unemployment rate sounds good until you realize 83% work in the informal sector without job security or benefits.
- Check update dates: Nigerian data changes rapidly, especially economic indicators. Always note when the data was collected.
- Cross-reference when possible: For important decisions, verify key statistics from multiple authoritative sources.
- Report inaccuracies: If you find outdated or incorrect data on this page, please contact us immediately so we can correct it.
- Use data responsibly: Statistics represent real people's lives. Present them honestly and avoid manipulating data to support predetermined conclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is this data updated?
We update this page quarterly or whenever major new statistics are released by authoritative sources like NBS, CBN, or international organizations. Each data point shows its update date.
Can I use this data for my research or publication?
Yes, but always cite the original source (NBS, World Bank, CBN, etc.), not Daily Reality NG. We are a compiler and presenter of data, not the original researcher. Proper attribution protects academic integrity.
Why do some statistics have conflicting numbers?
Different organizations use different methodologies and collection periods. For example, World Bank projections may differ from NBS official figures. When conflicts exist, we note them and explain the difference.
How do you verify data accuracy?
We only use data from recognized authoritative sources: government agencies like NBS and CBN, international organizations like World Bank and WHO, and established research institutions. Every statistic includes a source link for verification.
What if I find outdated or incorrect information?
Please contact us immediately through our Contact Page with the specific data point and correct information with source. We take data accuracy very seriously and will update promptly.
Why is some data marked as estimated or projected?
Some official data is delayed (like census results) or collected annually. In these cases, we use projections from reputable sources and clearly mark them as estimates rather than presenting them as confirmed figures.
Key Data Sources
We primarily compile data from these authoritative institutions:
- National Bureau of Statistics (NBS): Official government statistics - nigerianstat.gov.ng
- Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN): Financial and monetary data - cbn.gov.ng
- World Bank: Development indicators and projections - data.worldbank.org
- Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC): Telecom and internet data - ncc.gov.ng
- NIBSS: Digital payment statistics - nibss-plc.com.ng
- WHO Nigeria: Health statistics - who.int/countries/nga
- UNESCO: Education data - uis.unesco.org
- UNICEF Nigeria: Child welfare statistics - unicef.org/nigeria
Stay With Me
This Research & Data Hub is a living document. As Nigeria evolves, so does the data that defines us. I'm committed to keeping this page updated, accurate, and useful for every Nigerian seeking truth in numbers.
Whether you're a student, journalist, researcher, entrepreneur, or just a curious citizen, bookmark this page. Come back whenever you need verified statistics about our country.
Data tells our story. Let's make sure it's accurate.
Compiled by: Samson Ese | Founder, Daily Reality NG
Samson Ese is a Nigerian blogger, researcher, and digital marketing specialist. Since 2016, he's been documenting Nigeria's digital transformation and economic trends. Daily Reality NG serves 800,000+ monthly visitors with fact-based analysis and verified data. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
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