Google’s 2024 Year in Search for Nigeria: Key Highlights

Google released its annual “Year in Search” report for 2024, showcasing the topics, individuals, and events that captured Nigerians’ attention throughout the year. Here’s an overview of the trends:

Top News Searches

1. U.S. Elections: Nigerians closely followed the U.S. elections, which concluded with Donald Trump becoming the new president.
2. New National Anthem: Interest spiked after President Bola Tinubu signed a law reinstating Nigeria’s old national anthem, discontinued in 1978. This sparked nationwide discussions.
3. National Grid: Searches surged due to multiple grid collapses (over ten incidents), highlighting the country’s ongoing electricity challenges.

Trending Personalities

• Bobrisky: Topped the list as the most searched personality in Nigeria, reflecting curiosity about the social media influencer.
• Musicians: Shallipopi and Khaid garnered significant attention, featuring prominently in the overall personalities category.

Music and Lyrics

• Top Songs:
  1. “I Don’t Care” by Boy Spyce
  2. “Ozeba”
  3. “Commas“ by Ayra Starr
• Lyrics Searches: Nigerians sought clarity on song meanings, with “Ogechi lyrics,” Ozeba lyrics,” and Chandler Moore’s “Omemma“ leading this category.

Entertainment Trends

• Movies:
  1. A Tribe Called Judah
  2. Treasure In The Sky
  3. Damsel
• TV Series:
  1. Supacell
  2. My Demon
  3. Queen of Tears

Top Questions

1. “How much is dollar to naira today?”
2. “How to get perfectly defined curls for African hair?“
3. “Who won the US presidential election?”

Culinary and Lifestyle

• Recipes: The Pornstar Martini recipe was the top food-related query, reflecting growing culinary curiosity.

Cultural and Linguistic Curiosities

• Nigerians turned to Google to understand words like “demure,” “steeze,“ and “pet peeves,“ showing a strong interest in expanding their vocabulary.

Insights from Google

Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google West Africa’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, emphasized that the report reflects how Nigerians use Search to explore their cultural, social, and economic worlds.