Where is Nigeria Located?

Where is Nigeria located on the map? Nigeria is an independent nation located in Western Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Nigeria on maps.

Nigeria Location in World Map

The map shows the location of Nigeria in Africa.

Location Information of Nigeria

Latitude and Longitude

Nigeria is located in West Africa, bordered by Benin to the west, Chad and Cameroon to the east, and Niger to the north. To the south, it has a coastline along the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. The country’s approximate geographic coordinates are 9.0820° N latitude and 8.6753° E longitude. Nigeria covers an area of about 923,768 square kilometers (356,669 square miles), making it the 32nd largest country in the world and the largest country in Africa by population.

Nigeria is known for its diverse landscapes, including savannah, tropical forests, and coastal plains. The country’s geographic location places it within the tropical zone, contributing to its varied climate and ecosystems, from arid regions in the north to lush rainforests in the south.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Abuja

The capital city of Nigeria is Abuja, located in the central part of the country. Abuja was chosen as the capital in 1991, replacing Lagos, primarily for its central location, which allows easier access from all parts of the country. The city is more planned and less congested compared to other Nigerian cities. With a population of about 3 million people, Abuja serves as the political and administrative center of Nigeria. The city is known for its modern architecture, such as the Nigerian National Mosque, the National Christian Centre, and the Aso Rock, a large rock outcrop that stands as a prominent landmark.

Major Cities

1. Lagos: Lagos is Nigeria’s largest city and economic powerhouse, with a population exceeding 14 million. Located on the Atlantic coast, Lagos is the commercial capital of Nigeria, home to the country’s busiest port and a key hub for finance, trade, and services. It is also famous for its vibrant cultural scene, bustling markets, and nightlife. Key attractions in Lagos include the Nike Art Gallery, Lekki Conservation Centre, and Tarkwa Bay beach.
2. Kano: Kano, located in the northern part of Nigeria, is one of the oldest cities in the country and has a population of about 4 million. Historically, Kano was a major center for trade and culture in the Sahel region. Today, the city remains an important center for commerce, particularly in textiles and agriculture. It is also known for its ancient Kano City Walls, Gidan Makama Museum, and vibrant local markets.
3. Port Harcourt: Port Harcourt is located in the Niger Delta region and is one of Nigeria’s key cities for the oil and gas industry. With a population of about 1.5 million, Port Harcourt serves as a major port city and has developed into a commercial and industrial hub. The city is surrounded by rich oil reserves, and its economy is heavily reliant on the energy sector. It is also known for its beautiful beaches, including the Andoni River and Bonny Island.
4. Ibadan: Ibadan, located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, has a population of around 3 million people. It is one of the largest cities in Nigeria and was historically the capital of Western Nigeria. Ibadan is known for its historical landmarks, including the University of Ibadan, which is the oldest university in Nigeria. The city is a cultural center, with notable attractions such as the Ibadan National Museum and the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden.
5. Benin City: Benin City is located in southern Nigeria, in Edo State, and has a population of around 1.5 million people. It is the historical capital of the Benin Kingdom, which is famous for its bronze sculptures and artifacts. Key attractions include the Benin National Museum, Ogba Zoo, and the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin.

Time Zone

Nigeria operates on West Africa Time (WAT), which is UTC +1:00. The country does not observe daylight saving time, so the time remains consistent throughout the year. This time zone is shared with several countries in West Africa, such as Ghana, Cameroon, and Cote d’Ivoire.

Climate

Nigeria has a tropical climate, which varies significantly from the north to the south of the country due to its size and geography. The country experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season, with the climate becoming hotter as one moves northward towards the Sahara Desert.

1. Northern Nigeria (Savannah Climate)

Northern Nigeria has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry weather and very little rainfall. The dry season lasts from October to May, and during this time, temperatures can reach 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F). The rainy season lasts from June to September, but rainfall is sparse and typically concentrated in the central and southern parts of the region. The region is home to a vast savannah ecosystem and receives less annual precipitation than southern parts of the country.

2. Southern Nigeria (Tropical Rainforest Climate)

Southern Nigeria experiences a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The rainy season lasts from March to November, and during this time, rainfall can be quite heavy, especially in the Niger Delta region. The south is lush, with dense forests and a higher biodiversity than the north.

3. Central Nigeria (Plateau Climate)

Central Nigeria, including cities like Jos and Kaduna, experiences a milder climate due to its higher altitude. Temperatures in this region are more moderate, ranging from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). The rainy season is similar to the southern region but with less rainfall overall. The central plateau is often more temperate and has a more temperate landscape than the lowlands.

Economic Status

Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa and is one of the world’s leading oil producers. However, despite its wealth in natural resources, Nigeria faces high poverty levels, unemployment, and economic inequality. Nigeria is heavily reliant on its oil sector, which accounts for about 90% of its export earnings and 60% of government revenue.

1. Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas sector is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. The country is one of the top oil producers in the world, with significant reserves in the Niger Delta region. The revenue from oil exports makes up the majority of Nigeria’s income, although fluctuations in global oil prices affect the economy. Nigeria also has large reserves of natural gas, which are increasingly being explored for export.

2. Agriculture

Agriculture is an essential part of Nigeria’s economy, providing employment to a significant portion of the population, particularly in rural areas. Key crops include cassava, maize, rice, cocoa, and groundnuts. Nigeria is one of the largest producers of cocoa in the world and has a growing agricultural export market. However, agriculture faces challenges such as infrastructure deficiencies, climate change, and inadequate technology.

3. Manufacturing and Industry

The manufacturing sector in Nigeria is still developing, but it is important for producing food products, cement, textiles, and chemicals. The cement industry is particularly significant, with companies like Dangote Cement dominating the sector. Other industries include construction, chemicals, and metal production. However, the sector faces challenges such as power shortages, low technological capacity, and an over-reliance on imported goods.

4. Services and Finance

Nigeria’s services sector has expanded in recent years, particularly in banking, telecommunications, and insurance. Mobile telecommunications has seen significant growth, making the country one of the largest markets for mobile services in Africa. The financial services sector is also growing, with major banks like Zenith Bank, First Bank, and Guaranty Trust Bank playing key roles in regional and international trade.

5. Challenges

Despite its economic potential, Nigeria faces several challenges, including poor infrastructure, corruption, security issues, and political instability. The country’s heavy dependence on oil exports makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices, and the ongoing insurgencies in the northeast and Boko Haram conflicts have hindered development in certain regions.

Tourist Attractions

1. Zuma Rock Located near the capital city of Abuja, Zuma Rock is a large natural monolith that rises dramatically from the surrounding plain. Zuma Rock is a significant cultural site for the Gwari people, and visitors can explore the area for its impressive views and natural beauty.
2. Olumo Rock Olumo Rock, located in Abeokuta, is a historic site that served as a fortress for the Egba people in the 19th century. The rock offers a panoramic view of the city, and visitors can climb the rock with the help of a modern elevator, making it one of Nigeria’s most popular tourist destinations.
3. National Park of Omo Forest The Omo Forest Reserve, located in Ogun State, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of Nigeria’s largest rainforests. The reserve is rich in biodiversity, with many species of wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, and various bird species. It’s a great spot for eco-tourism and nature enthusiasts.
4. Aso Rock Aso Rock, located in Abuja, is the largest rock formation in Nigeria. The rock is a prominent symbol of the city and is surrounded by a national park where visitors can explore the surrounding wildlife, including antelopes and monkeys.
5. Erin Ijesha Waterfall Erin Ijesha Waterfall, also known as Olumirin Waterfall, is located in Osun State. It is one of Nigeria’s most famous waterfalls, with several stages of cascading water, lush vegetation, and the opportunity for hiking.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Nigeria. U.S. tourists and business travelers must apply for a tourist visa or business visa through the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate before their arrival. The process typically requires a valid U.S. passport, a completed visa application form, passport-size photos, proof of return flight, and a visa fee. Tourist visas are typically valid for 90 days.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance to New York City

The distance from New York City to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, is approximately 7,300 kilometers (4,500 miles). Flights typically take about 9 to 11 hours, depending on the airline and specific route.

Distance to Los Angeles

The distance from Los Angeles to Abuja is approximately 11,100 kilometers (6,900 miles). Flights from Los Angeles typically take about 12 to 14 hours, with at least one layover in cities like London, Paris, or Istanbul.

Nigeria Facts

Size	923,768 km²
Residents	195.87 million
Languages	English (official language) and 514 other languages
Capital	Abuja
Longest river	Benue (1,400 km)
Highest mountain	Chappal Waddi (2,419 m)
Currency	Naira