Nigeria has been ranked as the country with the lowest life expectancy globally, according to new data from the United Nations World Population Prospects. The report places the nation’s average lifespan at 54.9 years, with men expected to live up to 54.3 years and women only marginally higher at 54.9.
The figures position Nigeria at the bottom of the 25 countries with the shortest life expectancy, just below Chad (55.2 years) and South Sudan and the Central African Republic (57.7 years). Twenty-two of these countries are located in sub-Saharan Africa, with Lesotho (57.8), Somalia (59.0), and Mali (60.7) also among the lowest ranked.
Health experts attribute the country’s poor performance to persistently high maternal and infant mortality rates, weak healthcare systems, and limited access to essential medical services, especially in regions plagued by insecurity. The World Health Organisation lists cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory illnesses, and mental health disorders among the leading causes of death globally.
The Federal Ministry of Health has pledged reforms aimed at expanding universal health coverage and strengthening public health infrastructure. However, progress has been slow, hindered by funding gaps and implementation challenges.
Reacting to the UN data, medical expert Dr. Raymond Kuti questioned the accuracy of the figures, arguing that Nigeria’s life expectancy may be understated. “The criteria they use are often faulty. They just want us to believe that we have a low lifespan,” he said, while urging for more reliable national data to reflect the country’s true health realities.
International organisations continue to call for greater investment in healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation to improve living conditions and raise life expectancy across Africa’s most populous nation.
Source: The Guardian