The Nigeria Coat of­ Arm is a symbol of national unity, state power and authority which was officially adopted by the Nigerian government in 1975.

Before it’s adoption in 1975, each of the country’s constituent political units had its own Coat-of-Arms. This is because, under a federal system of government, component states are allowed to have their own flag, coat of arm and anthem except printing their own currency or having their own armed forces.


Though the designer of the Nigeria Coat of Arm is not officially documented, national symbols such as the national flag are known to have been designed by a student named M.Т Akinkunmi, who won a nation-wide competition in 1959.

The Nigerian Coat of Arms is a unique heraldic design on a black shield which has two white lines that form a ‘Y’ shape and two white horses – one on each side. On top of the shield is a green and white band with an eagle standing on top of the band.