<Tr> <Th> Compartment </Th> <Td> A grassy field proper, the yellow flowers at the base (incorrectly shown as red in the image) are Costus Spectabilis, Nigeria's national flower . </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Motto </Th> <Td> Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress </Td> </Tr> <P> The coat of arms of Nigeria consists of a black shield with a wavy white pall, symbolizing the meeting of the Niger and Benue Rivers at Lokoja . The black shield represents Nigeria's fertile soil, while the two supporting horses or chargers on each side represent dignity . The eagle represents strength, while the green and white bands on the top of the shield represent the rich soil . </P> <P> The red flowers at the base are Costus spectabilis, Nigeria's national flower . This flower was chosen for inclusion in the coat of arms as it is found all over Nigeria and also stand for the beauty of the nation . On the banderole around the base is Nigeria's national motto since 1978: "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress" (formerly "Peace, Unity, Freedom"). </P>

The white horse on the nigeria coat of arms represent