OBJECTIVES:   This study aimed at synthesizing population-based studies on prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria from 1990 to 2009. METHODS:   Cochrane library and PubMed were searched for similar reviews using filters for systematic review. General databases as well as subject-specific databases were searched for primary studies. Manuscripts of appropriate studies were retrieved. Quality assessment scale was developed to assess the retrieved manuscript and only eligible studies were selected. Formal meta-analysis was not conducted due to heterogeneity of data. RESULTS:   A total of 55 abstracts were identified, out of which 10 full manuscripts were retrieved and used for systematic review. There was an increasing trend in prevalence of hypertension. Hypertension prevalence in rural areas increased from 18.7% in 2003 to 22.4% in 2007. In urban areas, it increased from 23.4% in 1997 to 27.1% in 2007. In studies that combined both rural and urban populations, prevalence of hypertension increased from 14.5% in 1994 to 34.8% in 2003. There was gender difference with respect to prevalence of hypertension as males had higher prevalence of hypertension compare to females. CONCLUSIONS:   Prevalence of hypertension seems to be on the increase in Nigeria. There is a need to develop strategies to prevent, treat, and control hypertension effectively in Nigeria.