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60 Nigeria Trivia Questions, Answers, and Fun Facts

How much do you know about Nigeria? This category is for trivia questions and answers related to Nigeria (Geography). Each one is filled with fun facts and interesting information.
1 Chappal Waddi is the highest mountain of Nigeria. What state is it located in?
Answer: Taraba

Taraba State is a state located in the north-east of Nigeria near the border with Cameroon. It is named for the river that flows in the south of the state, the Taraba River. In 1991 the Taraba State was created out of the former Gongola State of Nigeria. The capital city of Taraba State is Jalingo.

Chappal Waddi is 7,940 feet (2,420 km) high. It is situated in the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, on the Mambilla Plateau of Taraba State.
  From Quiz: Africa: All about Nigeria
2 What is the capital of Nigeria?
Answer: Abuja

Abuja is the capital of Nigeria. It is dominated by Aso Rock. It's home to the world's best roads. Abuja is located in a tropical zone. Some tourist spots in the city include the Zuma Rock, Abuja National Mosque, Aso Rock, and Millennium Park.
  From Quiz: Amazing Nigeria
3 Nigeria is situated in Western Africa and has a coastal border on which body of water?
Answer: Gulf of Guinea

Nigeria is bordered by Benin to the west, Chad and Cameroon to the east and Niger to the north. To the south is the Gulf of Guinea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. The Niger river, the third longest in Africa after the Nile and Congo, discharges into the gulf. The Mediterranean Sea lies to the north of Africa and the Indian Ocean to the east. The Mozambique Channel is also to the east, and is part of the Indian Ocean. It lies between Mozambique on the mainland and the island of Madagascar.
    Your options: [ Mozambique Channel ] [ Indian Ocean ] [ Gulf of Guinea ] [ Mediterranean Sea ]
  From Quiz: Lost in Nigeria
4 The national anthem of Nigeria has been "Arise, O Compatriots" since 1978. What was the previous national anthem?
Answer: Nigeria We Hail Thee

'Nigeria We Hail Thee' was the first post-independence national anthem adopted in 1960. It was replaced in 1978 following a national competition. The lyrics of the newer anthem are a compilation of words and phrases taken from the best five submissions to the competition.
  From Quiz: Nigeria: Economic Beacon of West Africa
5 What is the capital of Kwara State?
Answer: Ilorin

Kwara State is located in the west central part of Nigeria.
  From Quiz: All About Nigeria
6 Who was the first senate president of the fourth republic?
Answer: Evan Enwerem
  From Quiz: Nigeria General
7 Most people in Nigeria are from what religion?
Answer: Sunni Islam

Most people in Nigeria are Sunni Islam. Other people are Shia Islam, Protestant, Hindus, indigenous, and more!
  From Quiz: Amazing Nigeria
8 Which early civilisation in what is now central Nigeria was the first in the region to make and use iron tools, and are thought to be the first Sub-Saharan people to make intricate and life-size terracotta statues?
Answer: Nok

The Nok civilisation existed in what is now Kaduna state in central Nigeria between 1000 BC and 200 AD, after which it seems to have disappeared. It was a sophisticated farming community of between 2000-4000 people who began smelting iron by 500 BC to make tools. The discovery of Nok statues, depicting humans and animals, was first made by Europeans mining for tin in the area in 1928. These terracotta statues are remarkable for their detail, including in some cases the depiction of physical deformities and the ravages of disease. The purpose the statues were made for is unclear, though it seems possible they were used as part of the burial process or to ward off misfortunes such as crop failure or infertility.
    Your options: [ Bariba ] [ Nok ] [ Nupe ] [ Songhai ]
  From Quiz: Nigeria: Economic Beacon of West Africa
9 What was General Babangida's position before becoming president?
Answer: Chief of Army Staff
  From Quiz: Nigeria General
10 Nigeria is divided into 36 states. Which one is the largest by area?
Answer: Niger State

Niger State is named after the River Niger. It is nicknamed the "Power State." The area of Niger State covers an area of 29,485 square miles (76,365 square km).

The capital city of Niger State is Minna.
    Your options: [ Niger State ] [ Adamawa State ] [ Zamfara State ] [ Kwara State ]
  From Quiz: Africa: All about Nigeria
11 Nigeria adopted what currency in 1973? Nigeria still uses this currency.
Answer: Naira

The naira is the currency of Nigeria. It uses the symbol ₦.
  From Quiz: Amazing Nigeria
12 Helen Adu was born in Nigeria in 1959 and has had success as a singer/songwriter under which name?
Answer: Sade

Helen Folosade Adu was the singer for the band which bore a version of her name, Sade, which is pronounced 'Shah-day'. Their 1984 album 'Diamond Life' became a best seller around the world, with 'Your Love is King' and 'Smooth Operator' having success as singles. Duffy was born in Wales in 1984 and Enya in Ireland in 1961. Millie (Small) originated in Jamaica, and had her biggest hit in 1964 with 'My Boy Lollipop'.
    Your options: [ Enya ] [ Duffy ] [ Sade ] [ Millie ]
  From Quiz: Lost in Nigeria
13 Who was the captain of the Super Eagles when Nigeria won the African cup of Nations in Tunisia 1994?
Answer: Stephen Keshi

The first three occasions Nigeria won the African Nations Cup were in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
  From Quiz: All About Nigeria
14 Who captained the Olympic gold medal winning team of 1996?
Answer: Nwankwo Kanu
  From Quiz: Nigeria General
15 Nigeria's national sport is one of the most watched in the world. What is it?
Answer: Soccer

Nigeria's national sport is soccer. Soccer is a sport played between two teams, each having eleven players. The first time soccer was played was in the mid-19th century in England.
  From Quiz: Amazing Nigeria
16 A crime particularly associated with Nigeria is often referred to as a 'Section 419', after the part of the country's penal code which deals with it. What type of crime is it?
Answer: Fraud

Unfortunately, all these crimes can be associated with Nigeria, but Section 419 specifically refers to fraud. The typical scam is to send out letters, or these days emails, which purport to come from a high placed government official. Access can be gained to a large sum of money, which will be shared with you, if you only release your bank details for the transfer or send money to oil the wheels. Should you do so the contact, and your money, will disappear, never to be seen again. You may, though, receive follow up correspondence from 'the police', offering to help recover your money - for a fee. Useful information about the scam can be found on many websites, including those of the Metropolitan Police, 419 Coalition and 419 Eater.
    Your options: [ Kidnapping ] [ Piracy ] [ Fraud ] [ Drug smuggling ]
  From Quiz: Lost in Nigeria
17 Nigeria is a country which has experienced considerable ethnic conflict, leading to a post-independence civil war (the Biafran war) in the 1960s. What is the dominant ethnic group in the northern part of Nigeria?
Answer: Fulani/Hausa

There are more than 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria, leading frequently to intense rivalries and conflict, but the three major groups are the Fulani/Hausa (traditionally occupying the north of the country), the Yoruba (west) and Igbo (southeast) - between them comprising two-thirds of the population. Unlike the predominantly Christian Igbo and mixed Christian/Muslim Yoruba, the Fulani/Hausa are devoutly Muslim and Sharia law is the pre-eminent legal code in the north. The Fulani/Hausa occupy the semi-arid Sahel region of Nigeria and have close links to Muslim Arab peoples in North and East Africa. Despite being probably the smallest of these three major ethnic groups in Nigeria (though still well in excess of 20 million), the Fulani/Hausa have been the dominant political force in Nigeria since the civil war at the end of the 1960s.
    Your options: [ Yoruba ] [ Fulani/Hausa ] [ Igbo ] [ Edo ]
  From Quiz: Nigeria: Economic Beacon of West Africa
18 Who discovered the source of the River Niger?
Answer: Lander Brothers

They completed the work started by Mungo Park.
  From Quiz: All About Nigeria
19 Whose face is on the 20 Naira Note?
Answer: Murtala Muhammed
  From Quiz: Nigeria General
20 Nigeria's flag consists of two colors. What are they?
Answer: White and green

Nigeria's flag is colored white and green. It was designed in 1959 and adopted in 1960. The green stripes represent the country's natural wealth while the white represents peace.
  From Quiz: Amazing Nigeria
21 Nigeria achieved independence in 1960 from which European country?
Answer: United Kingdom

All these countries had colonies in Africa, with France and the United Kingdom acquiring most territory. Nigeria became part of the British Empire in 1901. From the 1600s onwards ports on the coast were used for trading, with many slaves being taken from the country. Nigeria declared itself a republic in 1963 with President Nnamdi Azikiwe replacing Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. All the countries adjoining Nigeria - Benin, Chad, Niger and Cameroon - were colonised by France.
    Your options: [ Belgium ] [ France ] [ United Kingdom ] [ Germany ]
  From Quiz: Lost in Nigeria
22 Who was the first civilian Governor of Plateau State?
Answer: Solomon Lar

Solomon Lar later became the Chairman Of the ruling PDP.
  From Quiz: All About Nigeria
23 Who was the chief security officer under Gen. Abacha?
Answer: Major Hamza Al-Mustapha
  From Quiz: Nigeria General
24 The name of which city of Nigeria translates to "by the edge of the meadow" in Yoruba?
Answer: Ibadan

The city of Ibadan is capital of the Oyo State in the south-west of Nigeria.

The main citizens of Ibadan are the Yoruba people, who reside typically around Western Africa. They are found in nearby Benin and Togo, as well as Nigeria.
    Your options: [ Ibadan ] [ Abeokuta ] [ Sokoto ] [ Enugu ]
  From Quiz: Africa: All about Nigeria
25 What's the highest point in Nigeria?
Answer: Chappal Waddi

Chappal Waddi is the highest point in Nigeria. It's located in the Taraba State, near the border with Cameroon.
  From Quiz: Amazing Nigeria
26 Who is popularly referred to as "Maradona" in Nigeria?
Answer: Ibrahim Babangida

The former dictator was given this name for the way he "dribbled" the citizens of the country.
  From Quiz: All About Nigeria
27 What is the capital of Abia state?
Answer: Umuahia
  From Quiz: Nigeria General
28 The Naira is the currency of Nigeria. One naira is divided into 100 what?
Answer: Kobo

By denomination, the smallest coin of Nigeria is the 50 kobo coin. Around 25 mm in diameter, on one side are the words "Federal Republic of Nigeria" as well as the Nigerian Coat of Arms. The other side features the words "50 kobo" and two corn (maize) cobs.
  From Quiz: Africa: All about Nigeria
29 What natural physical feature was Nigeria named after?
Answer: Niger River

Nigeria was named after the Niger River. The Niger River is one of the longest rivers in Africa. It has its source at Guinea Highlands and its mouth at the Gulf of Guinea. Some major cities on the river include Bamako, Tembakounda, Timbuktu, Niamey, Lokoja, and Onitsha.
  From Quiz: Amazing Nigeria
30 The physical geography of Nigeria consists for the most part of river plains, mangrove swamps, rainforest and grasslands. The exception is the eastern border where there are several mountain ranges. What is the highest point in Nigeria?
Answer: Chappal Waddi

Chappal Waddi (2,409m) is a mountain located in the Gashaka Forest Park in Taraba state, in the southeast of Nigeria, close to the border with Cameroon. Most of Nigeria's mountainous terrain, including the Shebshi and Mandara mountain ranges, runs along the eastern border with Cameroon. In the south of Nigeria the terrain is primarily coastal plains, rivers and deltas, mangrove swamps and tropical rainforest, leading to the Jos Plateau in the centre of the country, while in the north the semi-arid grasslands of the Sahel (stretching the width of Africa from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea) mark the transition to the Sahara desert further north.
  From Quiz: Nigeria: Economic Beacon of West Africa
31 Who was the president of "Kalakuta Republic"?
Answer: Fela Anikulapo-Kuti

The Abami Eda himself ruled this republic before it was burnt down by "unknown soldiers".
  From Quiz: All About Nigeria
32 Who was the presidential candidate of the defunct Great Nigeria People's Party (GNPP) in the 1979 presidential election?
Answer: Waziri Ibrahim
  From Quiz: Nigeria General
33 The Hand of God Cathedral of Nigeria is one of the world's largest church auditoriums. What city of Nigeria is it located in?
Answer: Port Harcourt

A very new church from a historical perspective, the Hand of God Cathedral was completed and set to be dedicated in 2020. However, the Covid-19 pandemic meant this was cancelled. The church has a 120,000 person capacity.

Located along the Bonny River, Port Harcourt is the capital city of Rivers State, Nigeria. In terms of GDP, Rivers State is one of the wealthiest states of Nigeria and is home to the Port Harcourt Refining Company, the biggest oil refining company in Nigeria.
  From Quiz: Africa: All about Nigeria
34 Nigeria is a little over twice the size of what US state?
Answer: California

Nigeria is a little over twice the size of California. California's area is 163,696 square miles while Nigeria's area is 356,667 square miles.
  From Quiz: Amazing Nigeria
35 Nigerians Wole Soyinka, Ben Okri and Chinua Achebe have all achieved renown in which field?
Answer: Literature

All of them are successful authors. Ben Okri won the 1991 Booker Prize for his novel 'The Famished Road', while Wole Soyinka was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986. Chinua Achebe's first novel was 'Things Fall Apart', published in 1958, which describes how the well-ordered society of the Ibo people (of which he was one) was damaged by Western influences.
    Your options: [ Theatre ] [ Music ] [ Literature ] [ Architecture ]
  From Quiz: Lost in Nigeria
36 Nigeria is one of Africa's major economies and has financed major infrastructural development since the 'boom' of the 1970s. Which economic activity accounted for 40% of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first decade of the 21st century?
Answer: Oil and petroleum

All these sectors are significant elements in a Nigerian economy which has been rapidly growing for decades. In 2006, Nigeria became the first African nation to completely repay its debt ($30 billion) to the 'Paris club' of wealthy nations' creditors. Nigeria is one of the largest petroleum producers in the world, including being a major oil exporter to the USA. A downside has been the severe environmental degradation of the Niger Delta where the bulk of oil reserves are located. In November 1995, leading Nigerian playwright Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other campaigners from the local Ogoni people were hanged by the military government after a show trial in connection with protest activities directed against the oil company Shell and economic exploitation of the Ogoni. In 2009, Shell made a $15.5 million out-of-court payment to relatives in a case concerning human rights violations, while denying allegations that any of its employees had colluded in Saro-Wiwa's conviction and execution.
    Your options: [ Mineral resources including gold and iron ore ] [ Oil and petroleum ] [ Agriculture including palm oil and cocoa ] [ Financial services sector ]
  From Quiz: Nigeria: Economic Beacon of West Africa
37 Who was Olusegun Obasanjo's Vice President during his first term as elected president?
Answer: Abubakar Atiku
  From Quiz: Nigeria General
38 Known for having features that appear like a human face, Zuma Rock is situated near what Nigerian city?
Answer: Abuja

Composed of the igneous rocks gabbro and granodiorite, Zuma Rock is a monolith (that is a single massive rock) lies directly west of Abuja. Aso Rock is a similar feature located outside the city.

Zuma Rock is around 980 feet (300 metres) high, and is featured on the 100 naira note.
  From Quiz: Africa: All about Nigeria
39 In 1967 Nigeria suffered from a civil war when the south-east part of the country broke away to set up a separate state under which name?
Answer: Biafra

The Republic of Biafra declared itself as an independent state on 30 May 1967, leading to military action from Nigeria beginning on 6 July the same year. After long periods of stalemate and much suffering of the civilian population, including starvation due to a Nigerian blockade, Biafra surrendered in January 1970 and was re-absorbed into Nigeria. Nubia was a region in Sudan and Upper Volta was the original name of Burkina Faso. Hausaland is the area of northern Nigeria, south eastern Niger and parts of other countries in the west of Africa occupied by the Hausa people.
    Your options: [ Hausaland ] [ Nubia ] [ Biafra ] [ Upper Volta ]
  From Quiz: Lost in Nigeria
40 Which world-famous Nigerian novelist was the author of "Things Fall Apart", a book which commemorates the greatness of Igbo society and the challenges which white men have brought to it?
Answer: Chinua Achebe

Albert Chinualumogu (Chinua) Achebe was born in 1930 in Ogidi village in the Igbo region of southeastern Nigeria. His first and best known novel "Things Fall Apart", a story of life in Igbo society, has been translated into 50 languages. As a member of the Igbo people he supported the call for a separate Biafran nation during the 1967-70 civil war and travelled internationally as an ambassador highlighting the people's suffering through war and starvation (an estimated one million Igbo died during this period). His later novels include "No Longer at Ease" and "Arrow of God". Of equal stature is the Yoruba writer Wole Soyinka, a Nobel Literature winner in 1986. For criticising the war against Biafra in 1967, he was imprisoned for nearly two years by General Yakubu Gowon's military junta. His later criticism of the military regime of General Sani Abacha in the 1990s led to him being sentenced to death 'in absentia'.
    Your options: [ Wole Soyinka ] [ Chinua Achebe ] [ Cyprian Ekwensi ] [ Onuora Nzekwu ]
  From Quiz: Nigeria: Economic Beacon of West Africa
The rest of the questions and answers can be found in our quizzes here:
Nigeria Quizzes