Nigerian Flag

Green Stripes: Represent Nigeria's agriculture and the country's wealth from rich natural resources. The green symbolizes the fertile agricultural land that forms the backbone of Nigeria's economy and the abundant natural resources that the country possesses. White Stripe: Represents peace and unity among Nigeria's diverse ethnic groups and regions. The white central stripe symbolizes the nation's aspiration for harmony and togetherness despite its cultural and ethnic diversity. Tricolour Design: The three equal stripes represent the unity of the nation's diverse regions and peoples under one flag.

In preparation for Nigeria's independence from the British Empire, a national planning committee was established in 1958 to organize a nationwide competition for selecting a national flag. The competition attracted almost 3,000 entries from across the country. Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, a 23-year-old student, won the competition in 1959 with his design. Originally, Akinkunmi's winning design included a red quarter sun on the white stripe, but the committee removed this element before final acceptance. Prior to independence, Nigeria used the flag of the Protectorate of Nigeria (1914-1960), designed by Lord Lugard after the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Nigeria Protectorates in 1914. Before the 1914 amalgamation, present-day Nigeria consisted of diverse ethnic groups without national flags in the late 17th century.

Vertical Tricolour: Three equal vertical stripes arranged as green-white-green. Left Green Stripe: Represents the western regions and agricultural wealth. Central White Stripe: Serves as the unifying element representing peace and unity. Right Green Stripe: Represents the eastern regions and natural resources. Equal Proportions: All three stripes are of equal width, emphasizing balance and equality among Nigeria's regions. Simple Design: The clean, unadorned design reflects the committee's preference for simplicity after removing the red quarter sun from the original submission.

The Nigerian flag serves as both the national flag and civil ensign. The state flag features the Nigerian coat of arms placed on the white stripe. The Presidential Standard, used from 1960, originally had a red field with a large green shield fimbriated white in the center, featuring a black shield with a wavy-edged 'Y' representing the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers, and three black scrolls with 'President', 'Federal Republic', and 'of Nigeria' in gold letters. This was later replaced with the Nigerian coat of arms placed on the white stripe of the national flag design. The flag represents Nigeria's sovereignty and is displayed on government buildings, during national ceremonies, and at international events as the symbol of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.