Nigeria's youth demographic is evident as Gen Z and Millennials combined comprise over 50.1% of the population

Key takeaways:

  • Gen Z and Millennials combined make up just over half of Nigeria’s population at 50.1%.
  • Gen Alpha alone represents 35.6% of the total population — the single largest generational cohort.
  • Gen Z, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, accounts for 25.8% of Nigerians.
  • Millennials make up 24.3%, maintaining a strong influence across work, culture, and consumer trends.
  • Gen X, typically born between 1965 and 1980, represents only 9.2% of the population.
  • Older generations (Baby Boomers and Silent Generation) account for just 5.1% of the total population.
  • Nigeria’s entire population under the age of 44 (Gen Alpha, Gen Z, and Millennials) represents approximately 85.7% of the total population.

Nigeria’s population structure reflects a clear youth dominance, with Millennials (29 - 44 years) and Gen Z (13 - 28 years) alone making up more than half (50.1%) of the population. When Gen Alpha is added, the young population rises to an overwhelming 85.7%. This generational profile highlights a dynamic demographic shift with massive implications for policy, innovation, consumer markets, education, and labour force planning. Nigeria is not just a young nation — it will need to build systems for and around a majority that is still growing into its full economic potential.
Gen Alpha, the youngest and fastest-growing generation, already makes up 35.6% of Nigeria’s population, more than any other group. Gen Z follows with 25.8%, reflecting the continued momentum of a young and digitally native population. Millennials, once the largest generation, now make up 24.3% but still wield considerable economic and social influence. These three groups combined dwarf older generations like Gen X (9.2%) and Baby Boomers/Silent Generation (5.1%).

Source:

Datareportal

Period:

2025
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