Nigeria's National Flag

Flag of Africa are very much diverse in use of colors and elements, and hence meaning. Most flags are flown from a residential type flag pole made from different materials, including wood and steel. Some African countries are experiencing substantial economic growth, which is at times reflected by the use of certain element on respective banners.

Nigeria was first a British protectorate and then a colony. The country was really born in 1914 with the union of the southern and northern regions. It became independent in 1960 and then joined the commonwealth. The people of this country and territory have more of an extensive history however. Evidence of all kinds proves that humans have walked the area since nine thousand BC. The so-called Bantu immigrants lived this area ever since 1000 BC.

Back in the day, and really some hundreds of years ago, explorers from both Portugal and Spain were the very first to commence trading in Nigerian territory and area. The Portuguese and Spaniards traded with the inhabitants that lived along the shoreline and also discussed a trade in slaves. In the 1900-s the territory came under rule of the Kingdom of Great Britain till some six decades later, when it became an independent nation.

During the seventies of the previous century, an oil boom was experienced in Nigeria. At that time, the republic joined the OPEC, and as a result the Nigerian state earned millions if not billions of Dollars. The Nigerian people unfortunately never really benefited from this natural resource, unlike some other high-ranking officials in the country. Unfortunately, this described pattern is found in a number of other countries in the world (even) today.

Neighboring country Niger was formerly a French colony and achieved full independence right around the time Nigeria did. The year of independence also produced a new national flag, which is still flown from aluminum, steel and fiberglass flagpoles in our day. The national tricolor features three colors: orange, white and green. Also, an orange colored disk is displayed in the center of the tricolor, and is said to symbolize the sun.

The Nigerian flag's colors have interesting meaning. The color green is said to represent agriculture, which really is the country's chief source of wealth. White symbolizes or represents peace and unity. Interestingly, the coat of arms was adopted back in 1960 as well. Even though not displayed on the national Nigerian banner, it is featured on the presidential flag, which obviously belongs to the country's president.

Author is a flag pole expert but also provides information on historic flags.