Google has unveiled its 2024 Year in Search report for Nigeria, shedding light on the queries, personalities, and topics that captivated the nation this year.
The list, released today, shows the subjects that overwhelmed the Nigerian digital space, across various societal, cultural, and economic descriptions.
Top News Searches
At the top of Nigeria’s search trends was the US elections, as the nation had strong interest in global politics. Close behind was the search for the new national anthem, a topic that brought about across-the-board discussion following its official reinstatement in May.
The national grid was also a trending subject due to repeated power outages and systemic failures that disrupted daily life.
Searches for the minimum wage, linked to the government’s announcement of a ₦70,000 baseline, and the Ibadan explosion, which caused some casualties and property damage, further stressed Nigerians’ engagement with pressing domestic issues.
Personalities That Captivated Nigerians
In the personalities category, controversial internet figure Bobrisky topped the list, as the public is continuously fascinated with celebrity culture.
Political figures like Betta Edu, alongside entertainment personalities like Shallipopi, Khaid, and Bukunmi Oluwashina, showcased a diverse range of interests spanning politics, music, and film.
Globally, figures such as Donald Trump, Kai Cenat, and Kamala Harris drew attention, with Trump’s electoral victory being a particular point of curiosity. In sports, names like Nico Williams and Leny Yoro were among the most searched, highlighting Nigeria’s relentless passion for football.
Questions and Curiosities
Nigerians turned to Google for answers to everyday questions, with “How much is the dollar to the naira today?” leading the way. Other popular queries included “How to get perfectly defined curls for African hair?” and “Why are ice baths good for muscle recovery?”
The meanings of terms like “demure,” “steeze,” and “pet peeves” also featured tops, emphasizing a desire for clarity in communication and understanding.
Entertainment and Culinary Trends
The Nigerian entertainment scene thrived in 2024, with “I Don’t Care” by Boy Spyce, “Ozeba” by Rema, and “Commas” by Ayra Starr leading the music charts. Lyrics searches for songs like “Ogechi” and “Omemma” by Chandler Moore showed how deeply Nigerians connected with music as a cultural outlet.
In film, movies such as “A Tribe Called Judah”, “Treasure in the Sky”, and “Damsel” were the most searched, alongside TV series like “Supacell” and “Queen of Tears.” Foodies explored recipes for everything from Pornstar Martini to traditional favourites like Chinchin and Frejon, reflecting a mix of adventurous and nostalgic tastes.
Devices That Dominated Searches
As for tech, the most searched devices in Nigeria this year included the iPhone 16, a major release that generated considerable buzz, followed by the Infinix Note 40 and the Redmi 13C and 14C, disclosing the growing interest in affordable yet powerful smartphones. The Infinix Hot 40 also made waves as one of the most popular devices searched by Nigerians.
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google West Africa’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, noted: “The Year in Search offers a lens into the questions, interests, and conversations that shaped Nigeria in 2024. From political milestones to cultural trends, this year’s searches reflect a nation navigating change and seeking to make sense of its evolving landscape.”
