Nigeria’s coat of arms features a black shield with a white, wavy pall that represents the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers in the city of Lokoja. The black shield symbolises the rich soil of Nigeria, while the white horses or chargers on either side signify honour. The eagle stands for power, and the green and white spirals at the shield’s peak indicate fertile ground.
At its foundation, you’ll find the red petals of the Costus spectabilis, the national flower of Nigeria. Because it is so ubiquitous in the country, the Nigerian government decided to include this flower in the coat of arms to symbolise the country’s splendour. Since 1978, “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress” has been Nigeria’s national motto, which is displayed on the banderole around the base (formerly “Peace, Unity, Freedom”).
Sable with a pall wavy in argent, supported by two horses in argent, and an eagle displayed in gules, all placed for a crest on a wreath of argent and verd, respectively.
About 23 sub-nationals also have their own coat of arms, which is interesting to notice. Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara States are the federating units possessing official coats of arms.