The Nigerian flag was designed by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi and officially adopted at midnight on 1 October 1960, the very day Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule. The flag was the product of a nationwide open contest organized by the government, with Akinkunmi’s entry emerging as the winner out of more than 3,000 submissions.
The flag’s design is a simple but powerful vertical bicolor of green–white–green. The green stripes symbolize Nigeria’s agricultural wealth and natural resources, while the white represents peace and unity.
Historical Background of the Nigerian Flag
In 1959, as Nigeria prepared for independence, the government called for a national flag design that would reflect the country’s values and future aspirations. Among the thousands of entries received, one stood out: the work of Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, a 23-year-old Nigerian studying electrical engineering at Norwood Technical College in London.
His design’s strength lay in its simplicity and symbolism. The green bands represented Nigeria’s fertile soil and agricultural abundance, while the white stood for peace, unity, and the nation’s collective hope for harmony. The judges saw in Akinkunmi’s work a true reflection of Nigeria’s spirit.
On October 1, 1960, as the Union Jack was lowered and the Nigerian flag was hoisted for the very first time, it became more than just fabric. It became a powerful emblem of freedom, identity, and nationhood—a signal to the world that Nigeria had stepped into a new era.
Symbolism and Meaning Across Generations
A flag is more than a piece of cloth; it is the soul of a nation. For Nigerians, the green and white banner is a visual reminder of who they are and what they aspire to be.
The two green stripes speak to the country’s natural wealth—its fertile lands, lush forests, and abundant resources—while the white stripe embodies peace and unity, ideals that remain critical for a diverse nation with over 250 ethnic groups.
For the first generation of Nigerians who witnessed independence in the 1960s, the flag carried the weight of freedom. It symbolized liberation from colonial rule, national pride, and the enormous responsibility of building a united country.
For later generations, particularly from the 1990s to the present, the flag continues to inspire. To them, it represents national identity, cultural pride, and a vision of progress, even amid political, economic, and social challenges. Its colours remind Nigerians of the values that still matter—hard work, resilience, unity, and peace.
The flag’s enduring simplicity is part of its beauty. Created by a young student who believed in the promise of his country, it still encourages today’s youth to dream big, stay patriotic, and contribute to the collective growth of the nation.
The Nigerian flag is not just a symbol of the past—it is a reminder of what Nigeria can become. Each Independence Day, as it flutters in the wind, it challenges every generation to reflect, unite, and work towards the nation’s future.
Written by: Kendrick Ovie | Edited by: Chris Odjomah