What do fluctuating exchange rates, trendy style, and the latest iPhone have in common? In 2024, these were some of the hot topics Nigerians were eager to learn about, as highlighted in Google’s Year in Search report. Every year, Google’s search trends provide a glimpse into the interests, concerns, and curiosities of people worldwide.
This year, Nigerians used Google to find answers on currency fluctuations, global happenings, self-care tips, and sports news. Google’s Year in Search 2024 reveals the top ten questions Nigerians asked, reflecting the subjects that captured the country’s attention.
The report shows a strong focus on Nigeria’s political and economic scene, with searches about the US elections, the new national anthem, and the national grid ranking highest in the news category. Meanwhile, Nigerians’ curiosity about personalities like Bobrisky placed him at the top of the trending people list for the year.
Here are the top 10 most searched words by Nigerians on Google in 2024:
1. Who won the US presidential election?
Nigerians showed a keen interest in global politics, especially the US elections in November, due to their significant impact on international relations, immigration, and economic policies. These searches highlight a globally aware population eager to understand geopolitical changes.
2. How to get perfectly defined curls for African hair?
The renewed appreciation for Afrocentric beauty standards and self-expression has motivated Nigerians to embrace natural hairstyles. This growing interest in hair care for African textures is fueled by social media tutorials, influencers, and a cultural movement celebrating natural beauty.
3. What is the meaning of steeze?
Slang remains a key part of modern communication, with terms like “steeze” – a mix of “style” and “ease” – gaining popularity. In the first half of the year, “steeze” became a notable search query, especially among younger audiences influenced by global pop culture and music.
4. How much is the iPhone 16?
The launch of Apple’s iPhone 16 created a buzz in Nigeria, highlighting the increasing demand for premium technology. Smartphones have evolved into both status symbols and everyday essentials, prompting strong interest in the device’s pricing, particularly as consumers navigate an economically uncertain environment.
5. How much is a dollar to naira today?
The fluctuating naira exchange rate has become a recurring topic in Nigerian search trends, driven by economic challenges. With inflation, international trade, and remittance transactions affecting daily life, real-time updates on the dollar-to-naira rate are essential. This reflects a year marked by economic reflection for many Nigerians.
6. Who won the Grammy Award 2024?
Nigerians’ growing involvement in global music conversations, spurred by the international success of stars like Burna Boy and Wizkid, has sparked a heightened interest in prestigious awards such as the Grammys.
As Nigerian artists continue to gain global recognition, the country’s music scene has become an integral part of international discussions, driving even greater curiosity about the awards and the achievements of Nigerian musicians on the global stage.
7. Why are ice baths good for muscle recovery?
As fitness trends gained traction in Nigeria, interest in health and wellness topics grew. Ice baths, popularized by athletes and fitness influencers, sparked curiosity as Nigerians looked for ways to improve recovery and boost performance in sports and physical activities.
8. How many seconds are in a day?
This seemingly straightforward question reflects the curious nature of Nigerian internet users, often fueled by the trivia or educational content that circulates online. It shows how digital platforms are shaping a culture of learning and discovery, with people eager to explore new information, trends, and facts through accessible online resources.
9. Who won the Ballon d’Or 2024?
Football remains deeply embedded in Nigerian culture, with global honors like the Ballon d’Or dominating the top searches of the year. The award continued to captivate fans, who were excited to celebrate their favorite players and teams.
10. How to hype up your sports team that you support?
Sports enthusiasm, especially for football, is deeply ingrained in Nigerian culture. The search for “hype team” likely reflects fans seeking creative ways to energize and rally support for their favorite teams or fan communities.
2024 Year in Search: Entertainment, Culture, and Curiosity Defining Nigerian Trends
Entertainment took center stage in 2024, with trending songs, TV shows, and movies capturing the public’s imagination. Artists like Shallipopi and Khaid dominated the music scene, while films like A Tribe Called Judah, Damsel, and Lisabi among others became talking points.
Nigerians also explored a diverse range of culinary interests, with searches for recipes like “Pornstar Martini” and “Milky Doughnut.” In 2023, other popular search topics included the winner of the presidential election, Mohbad’s wife, fuel subsidies, and the meaning of “Idan,” one of the year’s top slang.
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Manager at Google West Africa, commented, “The 2024 Year in Search offers a unique lens into the questions, interests, and conversations that shaped Nigerians’ lives this year. From cultural milestones to economic concerns, these insights reflect the diverse ways Search empowers users to navigate and understand their world.”
