Nigeria has been ranked as the country with the lowest life expectancy globally, according to the latest United Nations World Population Prospects report — a sobering revelation that underscores the depth of the country’s public health crisis.
The UN data places the average Nigerian lifespan at just 54.9 years, making it the shortest in the world. Men reportedly live an average of 54.3 years, while women fare only marginally better at 54.9 years. The report situates Nigeria below Chad, where life expectancy stands at 55.2 years, and just behind South Sudan and the Central African Republic, both averaging 57.7 years.
Across the broader region, the picture remains bleak. The UN notes that 22 of the 25 countries with the lowest life expectancy are located in sub-Saharan Africa, where fragile healthcare systems, high maternal and infant mortality rates, and recurring humanitarian crises have continued to drag down survival outcomes. Lesotho, Somalia, and Mali also feature among the bottom tier, with average life expectancies of 57.8, 59.0, and 60.7 years, respectively.
Read also: 160m Nigerians Can No Longer Afford Imported Drugs – NNMDA
Health experts say the figures expose the cumulative impact of decades of weak health governance and underinvestment in preventive care. The World Health Organisation (WHO) lists chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses among the leading causes of death, while mental health remains largely neglected across the region.
Government officials have acknowledged the gravity of the crisis. The Federal Ministry of Health recently reiterated its commitment to expand universal health coverage and overhaul public health infrastructure, though these promises have yet to translate into tangible outcomes.
Public health specialist Dr. Raymond Kuti, however, questioned the accuracy of the UN’s methodology. Speaking with the press, he argued that “the criteria used often fail to capture the realities on the ground,” suggesting that Nigeria’s true life expectancy might be higher than international models suggest. “Yes, diseases are rampant, but data collection and context are equally important,” he added.
Global organisations have continued to urge Nigeria to prioritise investment in healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation, warning that without systemic reform, millions will remain trapped in a cycle of preventable deaths and declining wellbeing.