Nigeria life expectancy ranked lowest globally at 54.9 years, with poor healthcare and high mortality rates cited as key causes, says UN report

Nigeria life expectancy has been ranked the lowest in the world, according to new data released by the United Nations World Population Prospects.

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The report reveals that Nigerians live an average of 54.9 years, placing the country at the bottom of the list of 25 nations with the shortest lifespans. On average, men live 54.3 years, while women live slightly longer at 54.9 years.

Nigeria’s ranking comes just below Chad (55.2 years), South Sudan, and the Central African Republic (57.7 years).

The UN added that 22 out of the 25 countries with the lowest life expectancy are located in sub-Saharan Africa, including Lesotho (57.8 years), Somalia (59.0 years), and Mali (60.7 years).

The report attributes Nigeria’s low life expectancy to high maternal and infant deaths, inadequate healthcare access, and widespread insecurity, particularly in rural areas.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the leading causes of death globally include cancer, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and mental health conditions many of which remain underdiagnosed and undertreated in Nigeria.

Despite government assurances, the Federal Ministry of Health has struggled to improve public health infrastructure and expand universal health coverage nationwide.

Reacting to the report, Dr Raymond Kuti, a medical expert, challenged the UN’s data, arguing that the figures might not accurately reflect Nigeria’s real situation.

“The criteria they use are not always accurate. They make it look like Nigerians live shorter lives than they really do,” he said, while acknowledging that preventable diseases significantly affect lifespan.

Dr Kuti emphasised the need for reliable, homegrown data to assess Nigeria’s true health outcomes and guide effective policies.

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Meanwhile, international health agencies have renewed calls for increased investment in healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation, insisting that Nigeria must act urgently to help its citizens live longer, healthier lives.