From heated political debates to the viral Labubu phenomenon, Nigerians relied heavily on Google Search in 2025 to navigate a year filled with major events, shifting narratives, cultural trends, and global developments.
Okay News reports that Google’s newly released Year in Search ranking offers a revealing snapshot of the country’s digital curiosity, reflecting what Nigerians questioned, celebrated, mourned, and tried to understand throughout the year.
At the centre of the nation’s most searched personalities was Senator Natasha Akpoti, whose emergence as the #1 most searched Nigerian figure underscores how intensely political discourse shaped public interest in 2025.
Beyond Nigeria’s borders, global flashpoints such as the Israel–Iran War and the US Elections dominated international search trends, showing just how closely Nigerians tracked unfolding global dynamics.
The year also carried a strong emotional weight. Nigerians went online in large numbers to look back on the lives of national icons who passed away.
The death of former President Muhammadu Buhari sparked widespread retrospective searches, as citizens re-examined his years in office. In sports, the passing of Peter Rufai, the legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, prompted an outpouring of nostalgic tributes. Globally, the death of Pope Francis drew significant attention, marking a moment of reflection for millions.
Music remained one of the country’s most expressive cultural pillars. The Trending Songs list highlighted a nationwide appetite for both spiritual uplift and infectious Afrobeats energy.
At the top was ‘Oluwatosin (Jesus Is Enough)’ by Tkeyz ft. Steve Hills, followed by breakout hits such as ‘Joy is Coming’ by Fido and the chart-topping collaboration ‘With You’ by Davido and Omah Lay, which sustained months of nationwide popularity.
Nigeria’s booming film and entertainment space also played a defining role. Director Kemi Adetiba emerged as one of the most searched personalities, powered by the success of To Kill a Monkey, the year’s most searched local series.
But perhaps the most colourful dimension of Nigeria’s year online came from internet culture. Once again, search engines became the national dictionary for decoding trends, jokes, and buzzwords.
The question “What is Labubu?” topped the list, as Nigerians sought clarity on the viral fantasy creature that dominated timelines. The meaning of “Achalugo”, popularised by the YouTube hit Love in Every Word, also drove massive curiosity.
In the culinary world, Nigerian searches blended tradition with global exploration. Classic favourites like Chinchin featured prominently, alongside trending recipes such as Pornstar Martini and Ginger Shots, reflecting a growing mix of indulgence, experimentation, and wellness culture.
Speaking on the significance of these patterns, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa, said the Year in Search results are far more than statistics.
“The 2025 Year in Search is more than just data; it’s a vibrant, unfiltered mirror of our collective attention,” he said. “Whether it’s tracking the biggest headlines, reflecting on the legacies of icons we lost, or simply figuring out the latest slang, these lists show that Nigerians are using Search to actively engage with the world around them.”
Explore the full 2025 Year in Search: Nigeria below.
News
- Club World Cup
- Diogo Jota
- Buhari
- Charlie Kirk
- iPhone 17
- Israel-Iran War
- Pope Francis
- Hulk Hogan
- Natasha Akpoti
- Peter Rufai
Personalities (Nigerian) Natasha Akpoti, Eberechi Eze, Fubara, Chika Ike, Mr Eazi, Kemi Adetiba, Ajibola Elizabeth, Hilda Baci, VDM, Priscilla Ojo.
Personalities (Global) Gyokeres, Garnacho, Joao Pedro, Aaron Pierre, Tyler Perry, Michele Lamy, Larry Ellison, Kim Sae Ron, Teyana Taylor, Paul Biya.
Personalities (Sports) Gyokeres, Garnacho, Xavi Simons, Sesko, Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, Eberechi Eze, Andre Silva, Isak, Noni Madueke.
Personalities (Artistes) Aaron Pierre, Chika Ike, Juma Jux, Mr Eazi, Kemi Adetiba, Kim Sae Ron, Mavo, Peju Ogunmola, Teyana Taylor, Fola.
Loss Diogo Jota, Buhari, Charlie Kirk, Pope Francis, Hulk Hogan, Uma Ukpai, Peter Rufai, Sanku, Nkechi Nweje, Doyin Okupe.
Entertainment
- Movies: Straw, Sinners, Love in Every Word, G20, The Gorge, K-Pop: Demon Hunters, 28 Years Later, Fantastic Four, Final Destination, Superman 2025.
- Series: Wednesday Season 2, Squid Game, To Kill a Monkey, Squid Game Season 2, Bon Appétit Your Majesty, Koleoso, Beauty in Black, Wata Shida.
- Songs: Oluwatosin (Jesus Is Enough), Joy Is Coming (Fido), With You (Davido ft Omah Lay), Laho, My Darling, Rema Fun, Arike, Pity This Boy, Teni Money.
Lifestyle & Tech
- Devices: iPhone 17, Tecno Pop 10, Pop 10, Straw, Redmi 14C, Redmi 15C, Tecno Spark 40, Redmi A5, Infinix Note 50 Pro, Redmi 15.
- Recipes: Pornstar Martini, Ginger Shot, Chinchin, Sausage Roll, Hummus, Chickwizz, Souffle Pancake, Lasagna, Chinese Rice, Asun Rice.
Trending Questions
- Who is Charlie Kirk?
- Who is Seyi Vodi?
- Who is the new pope?
- Who is Tompolo?
- Who is Michele Lamy?
- Who is the biggest streamer in Africa?
- What is Labubu?
- What is state of emergency?
- What is war crime?
- What is the meaning of Kelebu?
Meanings Achalugo, Allegedly, Labubu, Kelebu, Demure, Ozempic, Sope Purr, Nepo baby, Shayla, Oblee.
