RadionuclidesRadionuclide, both naturally occurring and anthropogenicAnthropogenic, pose significant challenges as environmental contaminantsContaminants, with far-reaching implications for public health, soilSoil and groundwater managementGroundwater management, and ecosystemEcosystem quality. This study examined the distributionDistribution, behavior, and health impacts of radionuclidesRadionuclide in Nigeria, contextualizing the findings within a global perspective. It analyzed the sourcesSource, pathways, and risks associated with radionuclideRadionuclide contamination. The investigation revealed significant spatial variability in radionuclideRadionuclide concentrations across Nigeria. Notably, areas such as the Jos Plateau exhibited higher levels of natural radioactivity, with activity concentrations of 232Th, 238U, and 40K reaching 436.08, 168.83, and 346.1 Bq/kg, respectively, substantially exceeding global averages. In contrast, some southwestern regions generally showed lower concentrations, with mean activity levels of 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K at 23.23, 12.14, and 270.14 Bq/kg, respectively. Groundwater investigations revealed considerable variationsVariation, with some areas showing elevated radon (222Rn) concentrations up to 24.16 Bq/L. The mobility and bioavailability of radionuclidesRadionuclide were found to be governed by complex interactionsInteraction between the soilSoil propertiesProperties, climatic conditionsConditions, and anthropogenicAnthropogenic factorsFactors. Public health riskHealth risk assessments indicated that while many areas fall within acceptable limits, localized hotspots pose potentialPotential long-term health risksHealth risk. The study offer some key recommendations for future studies, including enhancement of standardization of measurement techniquesTechnique, expansion of geographical coverage of investigations, and developing integrated research approaches that link environmental measurements with epidemiological studies.