Nigeria's GDP saw its steepest drop in 1999, marking the country's transition to civilian rule with Olusegun Obasanjo and Olu Falae running for president.
Over the years, Nigeria's economy has fluctuated, peaking in 2014. Despite stable population growth, recent economic dips underscore ongoing challenges.
Since 2015, Seychelles has topped Africa's GDP per capita rankings because of its strength in tourism and fishing.
Libya, Equatorial Guinea, and South Africa have also occupied the top spot since 1960.
Watch how the countries vied for the top ten spots over the years.
Nigeria’s population growth has outpaced its economic performance. From 1960 to 2023, the population increased from 44.9 million to an estimated 223.8 million, putting immense pressure on resources.
The country's GDP peaked at $574.2 billion in 2014 but dropped to $362.8 billion in 2023.
Nigeria's manufacturing sector contributed 9.2% (₦3.37 trillion) to the total GDP in H1 2024, mainly driven by food, clothing, and cement, which make up a combined 79.5% of the sector's GDP.
Smaller sectors like Non-Metallic Products, Wood & Wood Products, and Motor Vehicles & Assembly could expand with targeted investments. The minimal impact of Oil Refining and Electrical & Electronics underscores the need for diversification.
On average, the agricultural sector contributed 24.87% to Nigeria's GDP over the past decade. However, the sector's contribution has been declining since 2020, dropping from 26.21% to 25.18% in 2023.
The sector’s contribution grew between 2014 and 2020, rising from 22.9% to 26.21%. The sector has been plagued with challenges over the past decade, with a couple of them becoming more intense in the past few years
In Q3 2023, Nigeria's GDP soared, with almost every sector recording year-on-year growth. Noteworthy growth includes Information and Communication, which increased by 40% compared to Q3 2022. Check out the chart for a quick overview.
Nigeria's GDP grew by 3.1% in 2022, with at least 17 of its industries recording less than 5% growth individually. The oil refining industry experienced the least growth, contributing ₦11.2 billion — 42% less than ₦19.3 billion in 2021.
