Google has unveiled its 2024 Year in Search report for Nigeria, spotlighting the political and economic interests that captured the nation’s attention.
The United States elections, the reintroduction of Nigeria’s old national anthem, and the persistent challenges with the national grid topped the news-related searches, underscoring Nigerians’ engagement with significant national and global political developments.
“In Nigeria, this year’s results show a continued interest in the political and economic landscape, with searches about the U.S. elections, the new national anthem, and the national grid topping the news category,” Google stated.
The US elections held particular intrigue, driven by the high-stakes candidacy of Donald Trump, who sought to reclaim the presidency.
Similarly, Nigeria’s decision to revert to its old national anthem after President Bola Tinubu signed a historic bill stirred widespread discussion.
Meanwhile, the national grid attracted attention due to over ten grid collapses recorded this year, intensifying concerns about Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
Beyond politics, the report revealed a blend of cultural, entertainment, and personal interests. Bobrisky, a controversial social media personality, led the list of trending people, reflecting Nigerians’ fascination with vibrant and polarising figures.
In the music scene, the rise of artists like Shallipopi and Khaid was evident, with Boy Spyce’s “I Don’t Care” emerging as the year’s top song, followed by Ayra Starr’s “Commas”. Searches for song lyrics also dominated, with hits like “Ogechi lyrics” and “Ozeba lyrics” leading the way.
Movies and TV series continued to be a major draw for Nigerian audiences. Films such as A Tribe Called Judah, Treasure in the Sky, and Damsel topped searches, while TV series like Supacell, My Demon, and Queen of Tears captured viewers’ imaginations.
The culinary sphere was not left out, with Nigerians showing curiosity about recipes, including the “Pornstar Martini recipe”. Queries like “How much is dollar to naira today?” reflected economic concerns, while beauty and lifestyle questions, such as “How to get perfectly defined curls for African hair?”, were prominent.
Even linguistic exploration featured, with searches for terms like “demure”, “steeze”, and “pet peeves” trending.
The Communications and Public Affairs Manager at Google West Africa, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, remarked on the significance of the report, “The 2024 Year in Search offers a unique lens into the questions, interests, and conversations that shaped the lives of Nigerians this year. From cultural milestones to pressing concerns, these insights reflect how Search continues to be a valuable tool for users to navigate and better understand their world.”
Google’s report captures a dynamic year marked by political engagement and cultural exploration. The focus on issues like the U.S. elections and Nigeria’s power grid highlights the challenges and aspirations shaping the nation’s future.
