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Nigeria has been ranked as the country with the lowest life expectancy in the world, according to the United Nations’ 2025 Global Health Report, which paints a concerning picture of the nation’s overall well-being and healthcare system.
The report places Nigeria’s average life expectancy at just 54.9 years, marking it as the shortest globally and significantly below both continental and global averages. Nigerian men are estimated to live an average of 54.3 years, while women reach 54.9 years, figures that highlight deep-rooted public health and socio-economic challenges.
By comparison, neighboring African nations such as Chad (55.2 years) and the Central African Republic (57.7 years) fare slightly better, though they also rank near the bottom globally. The world average life expectancy, according to the UN, currently stands at 73.7 years, underscoring Nigeria’s widening gap in health outcomes.
Underlying Causes of Nigeria’s Low Life Expectancy
Health and development experts attribute Nigeria’s troubling ranking to a combination of systemic health sector weaknesses and socio-economic barriers.
Among the key contributing factors are:
- High prevalence of infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, which continue to claim thousands of lives annually.
- Limited access to quality healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
- Frequent strikes by healthcare workers, which disrupt service delivery and exacerbate mortality rates.
- Pervasive poverty and insecurity, including violent conflicts and displacement in parts of the country, which hinder access to health and social services.
- Environmental hazards and pollution, particularly in urban areas, which contribute to respiratory diseases and poor living conditions.
Public health analysts warn that these factors reflect broader structural issues within Nigeria’s economy and governance, with far-reaching implications for human development and national productivity.
Calls for Urgent Action
The findings come at a time of increased global attention to health inequality and sustainable development. Advocates are urging the Nigerian government to implement comprehensive reforms that address both health system gaps and socio-economic disparities.
Dr. Amina Yusuf, a public health policy expert, emphasized that “life expectancy is a mirror of national development. Without massive investments in healthcare, education, and poverty reduction, Nigeria will continue to lag behind.”
The United Nations also stressed that Nigeria’s situation represents more than a health crisis, it is a critical signal of social and economic fragility. The report calls for coordinated action involving government agencies, international partners, and civil society to reverse current trends.
Implications for Development and Global Policy
Nigeria’s record-low life expectancy underscores the urgent need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand social safety nets, and improve living standards.
Experts argue that improving life expectancy requires a multi-sectoral approach, including reforms in governance, education, environmental policy, and job creation.
As world leaders prepare for upcoming global development and health summits, Nigeria’s ranking serves as a wake-up call to prioritize health equity and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Unless bold and sustained measures are taken, analysts warn, millions of Nigerians will remain vulnerable to preventable deaths, and the nation’s economic and social progress will remain stunted.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s position at the bottom of the global life expectancy table highlights a deep and complex challenge that extends beyond healthcare. It reflects the intersection of poverty, governance, insecurity, and inequality. Addressing these issues requires immediate, coordinated, and transparent policy action, both nationally and internationally, to ensure that every Nigerian has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life.