Just like the Nigerian flag, the Coat of Arms of Nigeria is an official symbol of the West African country.
A coat of arms is typically a heraldic symbol. It originated in ancient traditions of England and Scotland. The elements contained in this symbol are signs of power and authority and are passed down from one generation to the next. It is traditionally unique to an individual, family, state, organization, or company. The overall design usually consists of a coat of arms and a motto.
Colonized by the British, it’s no surprise the tradition rubbed off on the colonies even after they gained independence. The Nigerian Coat of Arms went through a number of modifications before the current design was finally adopted. The coat of arms has the same respect as the Nigerian flag.
Under the Flag and Coat of Arms Act 1990, the Act prohibits the use or display of the Coat of Arms of Nigeria except in accordance with a license granted by a Government Minister or pursuant to the Act.
Nigeria coat of arms designer
It was created alongside the Nigerian flag and approved by Queen Elizabeth II on December 7, 1971; by a Bahamian minister and artist known as Rev. Dr. Hervis L. Bain Jr. was identified. Another report states that it was designed during the rise to military director, General Murtala Muhammed.
The coat of arms has a black shield with two white lines forming a Y shape flanked by two white horses. On the black shield stands a red eagle with outstretched wings on a white and green wreath.
Below the horses and shield is a green meadow and flowers colored red and white. At the base is a golden band on which the nation’s motto is visible: “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress”.
The Coat of Arms of Nigeria is one of the strongest symbols of Nigerian authority. Although slightly different in color, they are used as stamps on the seals of the President, Vice President, House of Representatives, and Senate.
Meaning of the Coat of Arms of Nigeria – What the two horses represent
No official document from the government explains the symbolic meaning of the different parts and colors of the coat of arms. However, the following is the commonly perceived symbolic meaning of the coat of arms. There are seven enduring features of the Coat of Arms and each one represents a virtue of the West African country.
The Black Shield – This is Nigeria’s fertile ground.
The Green and White Wreath – The green and white wreath on the shield represents the rich soil of Nigeria
The Eagle – The eagle at the top of the shield, standing on the green and white band, represents strength.
The Red Flowers – The red flowers at the base are called costus spectabilis. This is known as the Nigerian national flower. Growing in all parts of the country, this flower represents the beauty of Nigeria.
The White Letter “Y” – The white wavy bands in the shape of the letter Y represents the Benue River and the Niger River, which is the third largest river in Africa after the Nile and the Congo-Chambesi. The two rivers meet at the confluence of the city of Lokoja.
The gold band around the base – This has carried the Nigerian national motto “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress” since 1978. The motto used to be “Peace, Unity and Freedom”.
The Two Horses – The horses on the side of the shield represent dignity.
Fast Facts
Up until 1960, the Northern, Western, Central Western and Eastern regions of Nigeria used a different coat of arms.
In 1975, the federal government ended the use of other coats of arms with the creation of new states from the 4 regions under the administration of Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon, the head of state at the time.
Following this, a single coat of arms was adopted, which then served as a symbol of unity.
At a time when there are many rising divisive factors in the country, it pays to know the history of the state coat of arms.