List of famous people from Nigeria, including photos when available. The people below are listed by their popularity, so the most recognizable names are at the top of the list. Some of the people below are celebrities born in Nigeria, while others are simply notable locals. If you're from Nigeria you might already know that these prominent figures are also from your hometown, but some of the names below may really surprise you. This list includes people who were born and raised in Nigeria, as well as those who were born there but moved away at a young age.
Derek Van Rheenen and Prince Nico Mbarga are only the beginning of the people on this list.
If you want to answer the questions, "Which famous people are from Nigeria?" or "Which celebrities were born in Nigeria?" then this list is a great resource for you.Kevin McDaid
Age: 36Birthplace: Nigeria
Kevin McDaid (born 7 March 1984) is a British singer. Born in Nigeria, he was brought up in... moreCyril Nri
Age: 59Birthplace: Nigeria
Cyril Ikechukwu Nri (born 25 April 1961) is a Nigerian British actor, writer and director who... moreGoodluck Jonathan
Age: 62Birthplace: Nigeria
Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan (born 20 November 1957) is a Nigerian politician who served... moreFela Kuti
Dec. at 59 (1938-1997)Birthplace: Abeokuta, Nigeria
Fela Anikulapo Kuti (15 October 1938 – 2 August 1997), also professionally known as Fela Kuti,... moreMunachi Nwankwo
Age: 32Birthplace: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Munachi Abii (born Munachi Gail Teresa Abii Nwankwo) is a Nigerian rapper / hip-hop artist,... moreMichael Olowokandi
Age: 45Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria
Michael Olowokandi (born 3 April 1975) is a British Nigerian former professional basketball... moreChinua Achebe
Dec. at 83 (1930-2013)Birthplace: Ogidi, Anambra, Nigeria
Chinua Achebe (; born Albert Chinụalụmọgụ Achebe, 16 November 1930 – 21 March 2013) was a... moreAbubakar Tafawa Balewa
Dec. at 54 (1912-1966)Birthplace: Bauchi, Nigeria
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, KBE (December 1912 – 15 January 1966) was a Nigerian politician, and... moreIbrahim Babangida
Age: 79Birthplace: Minna, Nigeria
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (born 17 August 1941), is a retired Nigerian Army General who was... moreMike omoighe
Age: 61Birthplace: Nigeria
Michael Akhaine Osebhajimete Omoighe (born October 11, 1958) is a Nigerian painter, curator,... moreAndy Akinwolere
Age: 37Birthplace: Nigeria
Odunayo Andrew Akinwolere (born 30 November 1982), previously known as Andy Akinwolere, is a ... moreChimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Age: 43Birthplace: Enugu, Nigeria
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ( (listen); (born on 15 September 1977 in Enugu, Nigeria) is a... moreAliko Dangote
Age: 63Birthplace: Kano, Nigeria
Aliko Dangote GCON (born 10 April 1957) is a Nigerian business magnate, investor, and owner of... moreMurtala Mohammed
Dec. at 38 (1938-1976)Birthplace: Kano, Nigeria
Murtala Rufai Ramat Muhammed (8 November 1938 – 13 February 1976) was the military ruler (Head... more
Francis Okaroh
Age: 57Birthplace: Enugu, Nigeria
Francis Okaroh (born August 25, 1963 in Enugu, Nigeria) is a retired Nigerian football... moreAlki David
Age: 52Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria
Alkiviades David (born May 1968; pronounced AL-kee) is a Greek billionaire heir, a member of... moreNnamdi Azikiwe
Dec. at 92 (1904-1996)Birthplace: Northern Nigeria Protectorate
Nnamdi Azikiwe, PC (16 November 1904 – 11 May 1996), usually referred to as "Zik", was a... moreBen Okri
Age: 61Birthplace: Minna, Nigeria
Ben Okri OBE FRSL (born 15 March 1959) is a Nigerian poet and novelist. Okri is considered one... moreHakeem Olajuwon
Age: 57Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria
Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon (; Yoruba: [olaɟuwɔ̃]; born January 21, 1963), formerly spelled (& still... moreOla Rotimi
Dec. at 62 (1938-2000)Birthplace: Ilesa, Nigeria
Olawale Gladstone Emmanuel Rotimi, best known as Ola Rotimi (13 April 1938 – 18 August 2000),... moreSussan Ley
Age: 58Birthplace: Kano, Nigeria
Sussan Penelope Ley (née Susan Penelope Braybrooks; born 14 December 1961) is an Australian... moreBiyi Bandele
Age: 52Birthplace: Kafanchan, Nigeria
Biyi Bandele (born Biyi Bandele-Thomas; 13 October 1967) is a Nigerian novelist, playwright... more- Justice Augustus Molade Akiwumi (7 April 1891 – ?) was a judge and also the second Speaker of... more
James Reyne
Age: 63Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria
James Michael Nugent Reyne OAM (born 19 May 1957) is an Australian rock musician and... moreHelen Oyeyemi
Age: 35Birthplace: Nigeria
Helen Olajumoke Oyeyemi (born 10 December 1984) is a British novelist and writer of short... more
